Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 6/24/83; site gargoyle.UChicago.UUCP
Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxj!ihnp4!gargoyle!stuart
From: stuart@gargoyle.UChicago.UUCP (Stuart Kurtz)
Newsgroups: net.flame
Subject: Re: Detroit's dying dinosaurs.
Message-ID: <212@gargoyle.UChicago.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 3-Oct-84 10:03:22 EDT
Article-I.D.: gargoyle.212
Posted: Wed Oct  3 10:03:22 1984
Date-Received: Thu, 4-Oct-84 02:42:15 EDT
References: <209@gargoyle.UUCP> <352@edison.UUCP>
Organization: U. Chicago - Computer Science
Lines: 34

> 	one reason that US autos get bad milage is the way that they
> are constructed, (to save your life, when you wreck) domestic cars
> have to answer to all kinds of regulations and consumer groups.
> (foreign cars do not have this problem).
> 	for you flamers out their all of these things cost money
> and this cost is passed to the consumer, foreign manufacturers dont
> have these costs

BULLSHIT!!!!!

My VW Rabbit was assembled in the US, and so is subject to all of the
same regulations as any GM or Ford.  Moreover, I seriously doubt that
large volume foriegn cars (e.g., Toyota's, Audi's, even Porsche's) are
exempt from US safety regulations.

Now, I'll be the first to admit that if some cretan in an Olds plows
into me, it's over.  Even with the VW's enviable safety features --
crash hooks so the hood won't decapitate me, an engine and transmission
designed to shear off and go under the passenger capsule rather than
into it, safety belts that are so convenient and comfortable to wear,
etc. -- simple physics shows that a 1400 lbs car stands little chance
against a 3000 lbs. one, no matter how well it's constructed.  On the
other hand, the Rabbit has several safety features unknown to GM:
responsive steering, and a solid suspension to name two.  I've got an
excellent chance of avoiding accidents that typical American cars would
wallow into.  (A paraphrasing of the relevant section of Consumer
Reports.)

I simply can't accept your criticism.  Foriegn cars are subject to the
same governmental constraints as US ones, and they are certainly
subject to the same litigation in this litigious society.

Stu
ihnp4!gargoyle!stuart