Comments on: 1908 Ford Model T vs. 2008 Ford Pick-Up

By: DJK

DJK — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 13:45:21 +0000

Well, I like my tank (Ford F150). But, I would like to see things, body parts, made of things like hemp plastic. We need to legalize hemp farming and see where it takes us.

Maybe Prop 19 in CA will help us with that goal.

By: Brian, Clemson

Brian, Clemson — Mon, 04 May 2009 16:31:46 +0000

Lokki,
Yes, but by 1928, the price for a new Model A roadster was $385, and was a substantially more capable car than the the T, with a top speed of 65 mph and having similar, or even a bit better, fuel economy than the T. Although my 2007 Honda Fit has a lot of very practical improvements over Mom’s 1928 Ford, the most substantial gains are in safety, acceleration, handling, and comfort, and maintenance requirements. The improvement in fuel economy between these, while very real, is relatively small in comparison to other metrics.

I think the big issue here is not a engineering one. The Model A and the Fit are almost identical in size and weight, yet the A was a full size car and the Fit was sold as a subcompact. Ironically, the Fit has much more interior space. Americans need to learn to actually be satisfied with comfortable transport for four, and quit driving tanks.

By: Lokki

Lokki — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 19:11:24 +0000

To state the obvious, your comparison isn’t very well thought out.
For a more realistic evaluation of the current situation, let’s compare the Model T of 1908 with the equivalent transportation for 2008. The Model T was the cheapest transportation for four passengers that was available in its day.

What would be it’s equivalent today? Perhaps the Kia Rio? It that’s acceptable, let’s start the comparisons:

1908 Model T
MSRP when new in 1908: $825
Inflation adjusted to 2008: $18,817
MPG 13/21
Available options: N/A
Top Speed 45 MPH

2008 Kia Rio

MSRP when new in 2008: $10,890 – $14,715
Inflation adjusted to 1908: $645 (=$14,715 )
MPG (Automatic) 25/35
Features not on the Model T
AM/FM Stereo
Multiple air bags
Automatic Transmission
Air conditioning
Power windows, power locks
Top Speed 119 MPH

Enough said, I think.

By: Kat

Kat — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 12:31:10 +0000

That is pretty cool but also sad that in today’s world we haven’t progressed any.

By: web design company

web design company — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 09:24:14 +0000

On October 1st, 2008, the Ford Model-T turned 100-years-old. Back in 1908, the year my grandmother was born, this universal car as Henry Ford called it, became the first mass-produced car and the symbol of low-cost reliable transportation. But more important than it s centennial, the Model T got 13-21 MPG (max speed 45 MPH), and it was the first flexible-fuel vehicle, running on gas, ethanol or both.

By: Michael

Michael — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 13:23:39 +0000

Excellent post! This is why Ford, GM and Chrysler are struggling – a total failure to move with the times, much less to lead. Let’s bring back good old American “can do”. With it, we can solve our problems. Without it, we are condemned to the dearth of ideas, corporate welfare road to ruin.