Which rating to use?

[Ladogaboy]

One thing to note is that U.S. models are generally heavier than their foreign counterparts because of stricter crash safety regulations. Some of the models I've seen have as much as a 200 lb difference in curb weight.

[euromodder]

Originally Posted by D.O.G.

I'm not really concerned with competing for a top ten place, but I've now got a car that I can compare to others on this site (and pinch ideas from). I think that's easier if we're using the same base line.

For easy comparison, use the EPA numbers.


FYI, when my youngest nephew learned to drive, he was pulling excellent numbers out of my sister's little 1.4L TDi !

[D.O.G.]

Originally Posted by Ladogaboy

One thing to note is that U.S. models are generally heavier than their foreign counterparts because of stricter crash safety regulations. Some of the models I've seen have as much as a 200 lb difference in curb weight.

I hadn't considered that.
I checked Edmunds.com and RedBook.com for the 1998 1.8 litre Protege. I realise these figures will only be approximate due to varying option levels and such, but I don't know where else to look.
The U.S. market car is listed as 2573 lbs while the Australian market car is listed as 2506 lbs, for a difference of around 70 lbs.
Considering my Astina is listed as 2458 lbs, that's about 115 lbs less than the U.S. Protege.

[D.O.G.]

OK,
I've decided to split the difference between the U.S. Protege figures and the Australian Astina figures.
Rounded to whole numbers, that works out to 25 mpg city, 33 mpg Hwy and 29 mpg combined.

I'm filling up in the morning, so we'll see how driving lessons affect my figures.

[D.O.G.]

Originally Posted by D.O.G.

I'm filling up in the morning, so we'll see how driving lessons affect my figures.

Well, this tank is down by 1.7mpg, about 5%.
To be fair however, I don't think I can really lay all the blame on one driving lesson. My daughter's boyfriend borrowed the car (twice) and commented that it was "really responsive".

My son passed his learner's test today, so I guess I'll have twice the lessons now.
On the plus side, it's the first day of summer here, so I'm hoping for a slight gain thanks to the weather .... if I can resist using the A/C.