The numbersHere are the results of my research:
In 1985, the Toyota Corolla was offered in two very different styles: thebase model, which developed 75 horsepower, and the sport model which developed 124. Today, the base model sports 130 horsepower and the sport model, 170. So, that means an increase in power of about 75% for the first, and near 40% for the second.
In 1985, the Honda Accord was also offered in two versions: the first one developed 86 horsepower, and the second, 110. Today, the base model offers 160 horses, with the most powerful version (the hybrid notwithstanding) offering 240. That's an increase of about 90% for the first version and 120% for the second!
In 1985, the BMW 3-Series offered 2 different engines. The 4-cylinder developed 101 horsepower and the 6-cylinder, 121. Today, the base model hosts 168 hp and the more powerful one, 235. So, the output of the first model has increased over 65%, and about 95% for the second model.
In 1985, the Dodge Caravan offered, like most manufacturers, two engines. The first one developed 86 horsepower and the second, 100. They were both 4-cylinders. Now, the least powerful unit offers 180 horses and the most powerful offers 215, for an increase of about 110% for both models. What a rise in power for what is considered a family vehicle!
The Ford Taurus, which debuted in 1985 as an '86 model, offered these 2 engine choices: a 90-hp 4-cylinder and a 140-hp 6-cylinder. In this case, since it's a car that is about to be discontinued, I went back to model year 2004 to find 2 engine options. There was a 155-hp one and a 200-hp one, an increase of 70% for the first, and almost 45% for the second.
In 1985, the Porsche Carrera developed 207 horsepower. Yes, only 207! The reason was simple: Porsche has made its reputation producing lightweight sports cars and didn't need big engines to perform well. Since then, this vehicle has never stopped growing and getting heavier since. In '85, it weighed 1,210 kg. Today, it weighs in at 1,385. Its output, though, has climbed to 325 hp, an increase of over 50%.
