Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - Question for those of you who drive vehicles with "low power" engines

RedDevil · 11-07-2016, 04:17 PM

A small engine can get you up to speed fast enough if you are willing to rev it.
My '85 1.3 liter Civic was willing to rev, and so was I. We left many commuting racer boys behind. It had just a 71 hp engine, but it did not weigh much too.

The '86 VW Rabbit Deasel, that was another story. That was slow.
I got a speeding ticket because I forgot I was accelerating, it took so long that my mind wandered off (true story!)

My Insight accelerates very fast in town, but on the highway not so much. Again revving it to redline helps, except for economy.

In general small cars are fast when you go slow, and slow (to accelerate) when you already go fast.
So whether they serve you well or not also depends on what speed you prefer.

When it comes to determining the ideal speed, take a lesson from a pro:

11-07-2016, 04:17 PM	#15 (permalink)
RedDevil Master EcoWalker Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Nieuwegein, the Netherlands Posts: 3,998 Red Devil - '11 Honda Insight Elegance Team Honda 90 day: 49.01 mpg (US) Thanks: 1,711 Thanked 2,245 Times in 1,454 Posts	A small engine can get you up to speed fast enough if you are willing to rev it. My '85 1.3 liter Civic was willing to rev, and so was I. We left many commuting racer boys behind. It had just a 71 hp engine, but it did not weigh much too. The '86 VW Rabbit Deasel, that was another story. That was slow. I got a speeding ticket because I forgot I was accelerating, it took so long that my mind wandered off (true story!) My Insight accelerates very fast in town, but on the highway not so much. Again revving it to redline helps, except for economy. In general small cars are fast when you go slow, and slow (to accelerate) when you already go fast. So whether they serve you well or not also depends on what speed you prefer. When it comes to determining the ideal speed, take a lesson from a pro: __________________ 2011 Honda Insight + HID, LEDs, tiny PV panel, extra brake pad return springs, neutral wheel alignment, 44/42 PSI (air), PHEV light (inop), tightened wheel nut. lifetime FE over 0.2 Gmeter or 0.13 Mmile. For confirmation go to people just like you. For education go to people unlike yourself.