Clean air, old vs new.

[DiDueColpi]

I have this discussion every once in a while with some of my friends.
The subject is a vehicles "total" environmental footprint.
The premise is that the dirtiest time in a vehicles lifetime is when it's made, and again when it's disposed of. In particular, Hybrid vehicles.
This makes an argument against the notion that buying a new car is more environmentally responsible.
Because a used vehicle's pollution penalty has already been incurred, it's more responsible to keep it on the road and not encourage more pollution with the manufacture of another new car.
What do you think?

[BlownMGB-V8]

Very true, especially when you consider the resource intense nature of a new car. However, just how much less cost is incurred by a restoration  or upgrade? Materials costs are pretty similar except for the basic structure. Of course all the "bells and whistles" that would not be included would come off the top. The drivetrain has the most justification, as that is where the new improvements bring in economy. So taking that to its logical conclusion, shouldn't we all be driving model T's with ecotech, direct injection, or European diesel engines?

Jim

[roverman]

Let's cut to the chase............Rocket Belts powered by frijoles ! Best use of "old air".

[britcars]

Check out this website, their "Dust to Dust" energy report and the link to their Ford v8 MGB.  Some interesting reading.

http://www.ebiz.netopia.com/cnwmr

http://cnwmr.com/