November is traditionally the strongest - OG 2018

[Mo2men]

November is traditionally the strongest month for sales of light trucks, but sales this past November, even when compared with sales in previous Novembers, accounted for a remarkably large share of total vehicle sales.

A) but sales this past November, even when compared with sales in previous Novembers,

B) but even when it is compared with previous Novembers, this past November's sales

C) but even when they are compared with previous Novembers, sales of light trucks this past November

D) so that compared with previous Novembers, sales of light trucks this past November

E) so that this past November's sales, even compared with previous Novembers' sales,

Source: OG 2018 SC#783

Dear GMATGuruNY

Can you share your thoughts?

I recall that you said 'when compared' is always wrong? but here it is right? what is the difference?

Thanks

[GMATGuruNY]

Dear GMATGuruNY

Can you share your thoughts?

I recall that you said 'when compared' is always wrong? but here it is right? what is the difference?

Thanks

Incorrect:
When compared with most sport utility vehicles, minivans get better gas mileage.
Here, the usage of when compared is unwarranted and conveys a nonsensical meaning, implying that minivans GET better mileage at the same time as they are COMPARED.
The following is sufficient to convey the intended meaning:
Compared with most sport utility vehicles, minivans get better gas mileage.

OA to the SC above:
Sales this past November, even when compared with sales in previous Novembers, accounted for a remarkably large share of total vehicle sales.
Here, the usage of even when compared serves a clear purpose.
It implies that one would expect similar sales figures for this past November and for previous Novembers but that -- EVEN WHEN this past November's sales ARE COMPARED -- they accounted for a remarkably large share.

In short:
The usage of even when compared is acceptable.
Be skeptical of an answer choice that includes when compared without even.