Cars Are Simply BiggerThe most obvious explanation is also the most important: Modern cars take up more space. Safety Has A WeightModern cars are considerably better at protecting their occupants than vehicles from several decades ago. Larger vehicles can offer better protection than very small ones, but additional size eventually reaches a point of diminishing returns. Beyond that point, extra weight did little for the heavier vehicle’s occupants while increasing the danger to people in other cars. The additional mass then demands more engine power or a larger battery to deliver acceptable performance.