High speed, long distane, high MPG commuter?

[Cash68]

I commute in a 91 civic LX 5spd. It's a decent car. I get around 36-40mpg,
and my commute consists entirely of straight highway, which is boring
so I usually travel around 85mph or so. When the civic was 'stock'
and worn out, I didn't like going even 75mph, but now that I've
upgraded the wheels/tires/brakes/springs/struts, it handles 85-95 no
problem. It's reliable. It's economical. It's easy to work
on. I also removed the side mirrors, relocated them inside the car, removed the antenna, and installed flush wheels and lowered it... which improved my MPG from 31 to the 36-40mpg. But...

I'm having some second thoughts. My girlfriend was in a car accident
about a month ago. Someone T-boned her at about 40mph, and she wound
up in the hospital for a few days. Her liver was lacerated, and her
ribs are broken. Her dog, who was in the passenger seat, suffered
from a sheared spine, and is now permanently in a doggy wheelchair.
She was driving a 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage, which is a compact car
similar in size and construction to the civic. This gives me
pause. I mean... yeah... the civic is a fantastic commuter and
all... but if I were to get into an accident, would losing my legs
still be worth the money I am saving? Then again, highways are
extremely safe, due to the lack of cross traffic and fantastic
visibility.... but... I would be lying if I said I wasn't
exploring other options.

I'm wondering if anybody knows of a 'grand touring' type of car, that
is still economical to run. I only need to seat 2 people plus light
luggage, but I am traveling at high speeds for about 1 hour, 4-6 times
a week. The revs are ALWAYS above 4k, and sometimes when I'm in a
desolate section they're just humming away at 5k rpm. Something with
a better gear ratio suited to touring would be great. I immediately
was drawn to a BMW 8 series, as it is one of the all time ultimate
touring machines.... but then it's RWD, and it sucks gas like no
other, not to mention the high cost of upkeep. So then I thought
about something along the lines of a Lexus GS300 or something. Or an
older Acura. I'm not really sure. Really kind of wondering if

I'm not looking for something powerful, just something with good
aerodynamics, and the drivetrain to handle high speeds, but still
maybe good on gas? Something like a 1980s corvette with a 4
cylinder would be flat out PERFECT. Ideas?

Other option is to try to find a new transmission for the civic with
really low gears. Maybe a CRX HF tranny.

[skyl4rk]

I would look at a six cylinder Buick. I don't know for sure that this car would do what you want it to, but I have heard the mpg's are surprisingly high, and I know they are very comfortable highway cars.

Where around Milwaukee can you cruise at high speeds?

Not sure if you are buying new, but here is an interesting 4 cylinder:

http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/23...0-mpg-highway/

Can it handle high speeds? I don't know.

[Frank Lee]

Research what the odds are of such an event then decide if it's worth obsessing over.

[Olympiadis]

Consider installing a rollcage and 5-point harness into the car you have along with a lower gear ratio.
You can get extra safety, keep your mileage, and get some ricer points as a bonus.

[Patrick]

2nd generation Prius with side airbags.

[roflwaffle]

I'd be more concerned about a solo accident. At 90mph versus 60mph your stopping distance is ~2.25 as long. If your car can handle decently at say, 45mph, then it'll take about four times the distance before you can brake enough for your car to handle well given the same speed differential.

[comptiger5000]

One of my dad's friends has a 91 850i automatic. Around town, the gas mileage is as bad as, or slightly worse than what I get in the Jeep (the BMW is about 100 pounds heavier than the Jeep, with a 5.0 liter V12). It's rated for 20 on the highway, IIRC.

For high-speed running, RWD would be a benefit. It's less prone to understeer in fast corners, as you're not over-working the front tires. Plus, the weight balance is better, which helps too.

A Lexus GS300 is RWD, and would probably do decently.

[cfg83]

Cash68 -

Maybe one of those Honda Accord Hybrids? They were a sales flop, but maybe they're worth looking into.

CarloSW2

[bestclimb]

anything newish will fair better than your 90s civic in crash worthyness. Your driving sounds like the kind that a hybred will not excel at. I would suggest a newer honda, or perhaps a saab with wrap around airbags.

[Frank Lee]

I see. Should all the Civics and Mirages that aren't new be scrapped now? How about that nice 240Z deathtrap?