Married Cheapskates Set Guinness World Record

[vvv90]

Originally Posted by The Gunslinger

I'd have to say a Corvette would be an exception, it's a very high-tier sports car. I'd imagine every RPM would be squeezed and teased for near-maximum power across the entire range, and would overall be running quite lean.

I've found in most cars that as long as the engine isn't 'under load' at cruising speeds, gentle acceleration will only bump consumption up by a notch. If the engine is already under load, trying to accelerate will cause that distinctive strain as the engine note drops half an octave and it starts bucketing fuel into the cylinders (mostly because the throttle is open far too wide for the engine speed, your cylinders are drawing air in at a slow rate but the ECU is reading a wide throttle so gives it a healthy kick of fuel. Mass-air sensors and such do cut back on this, but it's still definitely a factor).

Your 'best accelerating' consumption would definately be higher on the rev range, I let the revs run out to about 3000rpm before shifting when I'm running conservative, 7000rpm when I'm feeling naughty . In that respect I agree with Marlinspike wholly.

I agree that a Corvette would be at the far end of the spectrum being light, aerodynamic, and having a lot of low RPM torque.

As Richard already stated, as long as you don't lug or put the engine under load while maintaining a speed you're probably at your optimal gear.

I think that has to do with the capable torque at the lowest RPM at a cruising speed. Any faster and efficiency goes down.

I think that's where a Big V8 can be helpful in that so much torque is made at lower RPM's with higher gearing can really benefit the fuel consumption. If the 300C's had 6 speed trans we'd easily see mid 20's in highway MPG.

Heck, there's so much torque in my truck I can release (albeit slower) the clutch at idle and the truck will roll without giving throttle and without dying.

[marlinspike]

Originally Posted by CATFI$H

I would think drafting behind the car in front of you would give better gas mileage?????

First, one car drafting at highway speeds will do VERY little. Second, do you have a death wish?