We've come a long way, baby! (Fit vs Civic Wagon, 20 yrs)
 

10 years ago, the Civic was rated at the same fuel economy* as the Fit... despite having only 106 hp and weighing a good bit less.

Interesting... going back a bit farther....

20 years ago, the Civic Wagon (which almost exactly matches the dimensions and interior volume of the Fit, as well as the displacement), was rated at a slightly lower fuel economy*, spewed fumes like George Burns' cigar compared to our wheezed out 92hp @ 6000 rpm, 88 ft·lbs@ 4500 rpm, had almost no modern safety features beyond three point seat-belts.

The MSRP was $10,325; that's $17,246.15 in 2010 dollars per the BLS calculator.

Incidentally, Consumer Reports reviewed the new EcoBoost V6 powered Mustang this month. They had a side-bar with an interesting comparison, going back 40 years to pre-catalytic converters, pre-emissions equipment, pre-all that:

1970 BOSS 302 Mustang
4.9 Liter V8, 4spd manual
290 HP (SAE Gross)
3335 lbs
0-60: 8.0
1/4 mile: 16.0@93mph
overall MPG: 11
60-0 braking: 130 ft.

2011 Mustang V6
3.7 Liter V6, 6 spd manual
305 HP (SAE Net)
3540 lbs
0-60: 6.2 sec
1/4 mile: 14.8 sec at 98 mph
overall MPG: 24
60-0 braking: 134

Pretty amazing isn't it... when even cheapie economy cars come with 117 hp engines, and minivans are closing in on 300, you know we're living in the 2nd (3rd? 4th?) great age of horsepower and performance.

That 1970 BOSS 302 Mustang is what's really amazing! ooohmy

While new cars are faster, by no means are they more FUN

ya that is pretty amazing interesting, very interesting good info Occam