Thanks for pounding the physics drum. Folks who believe the old stories of 100 MPG carburetors are SO unclear on the concept!
Look at today's current cars on the streets and freeways. Notice something about them all, regardless of who the manufacturer is? Aerodynamics! Notice the rake of both the front and rear "windshields". Observe that there are places where sharp edges have been eliminated (e.g. drip rails)
Add to that, the reduction of swept volume per mile driven with a tiny 1.4, 1.5 Liter engine. Now, enter the "need for speed" that seems to have overcome everyone! Let's Turbocharge them to satisfy that lust for go fast!
Several people I know who have the newer generic toy cars report right at 40 MPG to me but they typically keep the accelerator under 25% as much as possible. These people never have major car issues... just normal maintenance.
But why do the manufacturers do this? Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) mandates by big Gummint! Trucks and full sized SUV's are in their sights too.
It never ceases to amaze me to be driving on my local streets at normal speeds and accelerating conservatively... and without fail, some featherbrained driver will run up on my rear, and swoop around me at 100% throttle, frequently displaying his disdain for me being so slow.. ONLY to have to cram his brakes on at the next stop light, and I roll up next to him for the same red light.
Yeah.
I like to pull along side them and wave a 'Howdy", we met again wave.
Sometimes, just to be onery, as I see one of those idiots pull up behind, I roll down my window and make the "Cop Ahead' Sign, in the air.
That;s pretty satisfying too. Specially on the Interstates. Nothing funnier than to have a long line of Type "A"'s, behind me, as I slowly putt along.
OMG! She's RIGHT.
My Wife calls me Adze-hole, practically every day.
Now, I understand.
EDIT:
While on the subject of Type "A"'s.
Ever notice how these ultra aggressive folks tend to actually 'Melt', when someone who has no problem with physical Violence, or fear of incarceration, is nearby.
I mean, literally melt away, into Nothing. Chalk one up for Natures Survival Instinct. Truly is genetically hard wired.