Hi AnjaliOberoi,

This SC is based on Comparison rules: you must compare "like" things.

The beginning and end of the sentence provide some context: we're comparing something from "today" with something from "history", so there's clearly a comparison taking place. After reading through the entire prompt, it's clear that we're comparing CARS to.....OTHER cars...., so we need specific words to show that comparison.

1) The sentence describes how today's cars are more fuel-efficient, so we have to be sure to put that "description" in the proper place...after the noun. Eliminate D and E.

2) The Comparison: Among answers A, B and C, two of the answers use vague plural pronouns ("they" and "their") to refer back to "cars." Unfortunately, there's another plural noun that the plural pronouns could be referring to: "manufacturers." We need an answer that doesn't use vague pronouns. Eliminate A and B.

Final Answer: C

It's the only answer of those 3 that makes a clear comparison ("Today's....cars....." vs. "those at any other time....").

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich