View Single Post
Old 09-14-2009, 11:57 AM   #10 (permalink)
MetroMPG
Batman Junior
 
MetroMPG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: 1000 Islands, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 22,537

Blackfly - '98 Geo Metro
Team Metro
Last 3: 70.09 mpg (US)

MPGiata - '90 Mazda Miata
90 day: 54.46 mpg (US)

Appliance car Mirage - '14 Mitsubishi Mirage ES (base)
90 day: 51.82 mpg (US)
Thanks: 4,082
Thanked 6,986 Times in 3,616 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by RobertSmalls View Post
A power meter on a car would immediately quantify the benefit of a new grille block geometry, or of front wheel skirts. It would be sensitive enough that you measure the energy consumption of the 10kg of tools you left in the car, and it can help you decide whether to open the window or turn on the fan. Do it. The feedback is way more precise and immediate than that of a ScanGauge.
Perhaps, but it is still subject to all the other confounding factors that would invalidate the data that the device is providing.

I realize you know this, but some people reading this might think that a super accurate meter automatically equals valid data, but it doesn't.

If the user doesn't attempt to control for external variables as much as possible (eg. speed, grade, road surface, vehicle weight, wind, engine/drivetrain temperature, traffic, other vehicles' effects on your aero, cruise control vs. driver's right foot, etc. etc.) then comparisons between state A & B are suspect, regardless of the measuring tool.

Just saying.
__________________
Project MPGiata! Mods for getting 50+ MPG from a 1990 Miata
Honda mods: Ecomodding my $800 Honda Fit 5-speed beater
Mitsu mods: 70 MPG in my ecomodded, dirt cheap, 3-cylinder Mirage.
Ecodriving test: Manual vs. automatic transmission MPG showdown



EcoModder
has launched a forum for the efficient new Mitsubishi Mirage
www.MetroMPG.com - fuel efficiency info for Geo Metro owners
www.ForkenSwift.com - electric car conversion on a beer budget
  Reply With Quote