Examining the Trade-Off Between Automobile Acceleration Performance and Fuel Economy

A method for making value tradeoff decisions between fuel economy and acceleration performance is demonstrated. Attribute value as defined by the S-Model Theory of Quality [1,2] is measured for the attributes of fuel economy and acceleration performance through a vehicle driving clinic. Willingness-to-pay values are found for the attributes at several different levels. The willingness-to-pay values are then used to refine the empirical and economic value curves previously determined for those attributes.