On Wed, 16 Sep 2020 21:25:23 +0100
druck  wrote:

> No I wasn't, that's NP trying to move the goal posts of the discussion.
> I was countering his assertion that fly-by-wire throttles and electronic
> controlled gear boxes are used because they are cheaper than the older
> mechanical systems.
>
> Both the electronics and software control are vastly more expensive to
> develop and have higher per unit costs than simple throttle cables, or a
> mechanical gear linkages.

 The higher per unit costs rather surprises me, especially if you
factor in assembly costs and maintenance over a reasonable period.

> The reason they are used are to increase fuel economy, reduce emissions,
> and to give the easier driving experience you expect of a modern car.

 They do all of that but the really big change since the 1970s is in
longevity - a 1970 car with 100K miles on the clock in 1980 was a
rust-bucket and a minor miracle if it passed the MOT. A 2010 car with 250K
miles on it looks fine today, runs well and will almost certainly pass the
next few tests with little trouble. Some of that is down to materials and
some to engine electronics.

> Most people would find a 30+ year old car without all these electronic
> aids very difficult to drive, without the ECU compensating for engine
> temperatures, atmospheric conditions, fuel quality and load.
>
> Find someone old enough to remember having to use the choke on a cold
> morning!

 Ever driven with manual advance/retard ? I used to leave it set to
full advance as an anti-theft measure - if anyone had ever tried and got it
to fire it would have put the kick in kickstart.

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