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Shadetreemech,
My SE-R turns 2200 rpm @55 mph, and has a cD of .335. I'm handicapped by running 200 rpm faster @ 55 mph, and with more drag compared to you. Your Maxima's cD is .32. I do have the advantages of a manual transmission and smaller engine, but straight-on top gear, no shift, highway driving tells the story. Your Maxima in top gear torque converter lock-up compares equally to my car for efficiency then.
If I cruise at 72 mph, I get 26 mpg. 62 mph gets 33-34 mpg. 55 mph gets me 38 mpg. That's about a 50% mpg improvement just from slowing down. My wife's slipperier AT Elantra shows less improvement, but still gains 5-10 mpg (from 31 mpg to 36-41 mpg) from slowing from 70 to 55 mph. That's why we're all telling you that going with the flow wastes gas.
__________________
Darrell
Boycotting Exxon since 1989, BP since 2010
Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac? George Carlin
Mean Green Toaster Machine
49.5 mpg avg over 53,000 miles. 176% of '08 EPA
Best flat drive 94.5 mpg for 10.1 mi
Longest tank 1033 km (642 mi) on 10.56 gal = 60.8 mpg
Last edited by SentraSE-R; 04-28-2010 at 01:44 PM..
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