| In the case of cars, according to this [1] (seemingly based on US Federal data), the improvements in car efficiency since the 60s, is: > Noteworthy fuel-economy trends, taking into account the length of time represented: > A minor decrease between 1966 and 1973 (from 13.5 mpg to 12.9 mpg). > A modest increase between 1973 and 1991 (from 12.9 mpg to 19.6 mpg). > No change between 1991 and 2004 (19.6 mpg for both years). > A modest increase between 2004 and 2008 (from 19.6 mpg to 21.8 mpg). > A minor increase between 2008 and 2017 (from 21.8 mpg to 22.3 mpg). The term "modest" is probabling misleading, but looking at the graph in the linked site is more telling: basically, efficienty increased after the first gas shock, and "more or less" stalled in the 2000s. So maybe the addition of electronics in the 70/80s had an impact in consumption, but I would argue it's less obvious for the additions in the 90s/2000s/2010s - although it would take a bit longer to show as the older cars are still on the road. Impact on safety, though, I don't know. As for the CO2 emission, I have a hard time taking any number at face value, knowing that, ironically, some of the electronings on board can be designed to cheat emision tests [2] - but that's probably unfair. [1] https://www.greencarcongress.com/2019/09/20190930-sivak.html [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volkswagen_emissions_scandal |