carbon footprint

[Scarpia]

I just returned from testing the aprilia on its CO2 emissions in a friendly local garage before I go to the MOT next week.With a little adjustment as we tested, it is now producing a miserly 1.5 % emission and the limit to be achieved was 3% or under.This seems rather good for a 61 year old car.How does this compare with moderns , any ideas ?.
It clearly would suggest I have to drive as much as possible to help save the planet....

[davidwheeler]

An Aprilia, in cpmmon with all PVT cars, does not need to undergo emissions testing.  However, an impressive result suggesting even that your mixture is a little lean.

[fensaddler]

I just returned from testing the aprilia on its CO2 emissions in a friendly local garage before I go to the MOT next week.With a little adjustment as we tested, it is now producing a miserly 1.5 % emission and the limit to be achieved was 3% or under.This seems rather good for a 61 year old car.How does this compare with moderns , any ideas ?.
It clearly would suggest I have to drive as much as possible to help save the planet....

I presume what they were measuring was your CO (carbon monoxide) rather than CO2 - most of your exhaust gases with a modern or an old car would be CO2 or water vapour.  On a modern, CO, NOX (oxides of nitrogen) and hydrocarbon traces (unburnt fuel) should be in fractions of a percent.  However, for an old motor CO readings at the level you suggest, and for any pre cat car, are pretty good.

[Scarpia]

how right you are..in my elation at the better than expected results I started typing before engaging brain...

strangely, in the inverse "lewisiaan" universe I patrol I seemed to write this only a few minutes ago but as clearly evidenced below it was nearly a year ago of your earthly time...Maybe I should have mentioned Carbon 14 instead....

in either case I have strived to use the car more to save the planet as described...

[davidwheeler]

Well, we old car types are often accused of living in a time warp.