That's an interesting idea. The longer filter would also be easier to get hold of to remove, possibly allowing the use of a conventional oil filter wrench rather than a cap wrench.

When I said "teeny" I was thinking in comparison to the quart-size filters used by older cars like 510s, Even the longer filter is still "teeny" by comparison!

 

From what I understand the newer engines have a much smaller volume oil flow - remember it is only 1.5 liters - so it doesn't need a big filter.

 

You may have a point. My '72 Datsun 510 used a full-size 1-quart filter on a 1600CC engine, but back then the only filters available were the large ones. Also, we tended to user higher viscosity oils, so it wouldn't pass through the media as readily.