View Single Post
Old 12-02-2016, 08:32 AM   #12 (permalink)
Ecky
Master EcoModder
 
Ecky's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 5,005

ND Miata - '15 Mazda MX-5 Special Package
90 day: 42.54 mpg (US)
Thanks: 2,866
Thanked 2,501 Times in 1,547 Posts
I've been seeing some articles come up lately about how downsized turbo engines are more often than not delivering worse fuel economy, or at least no better, than the larger displacement engines they're replacing, at least with your typical driver. I'm not sure if it's just a matter of engineering, but it usually seems to be the case that with the higher compression, timing needs to be pulled and/or AFR goes rich, causing them to be less efficient when producing power under boost than a NA engine. Small turbo motors are great for people who stay out of boost, but most people have lead feet.

That said, 148lb-ft of torque down at 1400rpm is plenty of usable power for a ~2500lb vehicle. I'd argue that making up the power difference with an electric motor is probably more efficient, but then you have to pay for and lug around a battery too.
  Reply With Quote