The Impala Wins!

[Unforgiven]

Heh, ok, so I might be exaggerating a little, but on a recent trip I had the chance to drive a 2009 Toyota Rav4 w/4x4 and 4speed auto and 4cyl engine. Overall I was favorably impressed with the feel of the vehicle, and the maneuverability. However....

Toyota 355miles - took 13.25gallons nonethanol fuel = 26.79mpg average
Impala 355miles - took 12.50gallons nonethanol fuel = 28.40mpg average
(numbers not exaggerated!!)

woohooo for my Impala...

The trip did include a generous portion of headwind, and a moderate load in both vehicles. The return trip was a lot better in the Impala, far less headwind, and no load, plus a more sedate and steady pace as well. Makes me wonder a little about the future when a 4cyl in a lighter weight vehicle (if memory is correct) is actually worse than the v-6 in the heavier vehicle. Ah well, I will simply enjoy my Impala till it dies, then figure out what to get next! Cheers.

[taco]

4x4 of course it lost.

[jamesqf]

Weight's not going to matter that much in steady highway cruising, which it sounds like this was. Compare the CdA of the two. IIRC, the Toyota's a box-like thing to begin with, and you're pushing it into a headwind...

[99LeCouch]

Which engine in that Impala?

Either way I'm not surprised, as GM's large cars are at home on the highway.

[ModelE]

It probably has the 3800 series II, or the 3.4 L. i know the LS had the 3800, not sure about the base..

[Unforgiven]

The Impala has the base 3.4L v-6. Still in my opinion a very good engine. Now if I could just figure a good way to spread the gearing a little and add 2 more... lol