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Old 12-03-2010, 12:50 PM   #50 (permalink)
comptiger5000
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Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: CT, USA
Posts: 544

RaceJeep - '98 Jeep Grand Cherokee (ZJ) 5.9 Limited
90 day: 13.62 mpg (US)
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The ZJ is a bit more aero, with a .45 cd vs .51 on the XJ. However, the ZJ has a bit more frontal area, so I think it's about even in the end. The top gear in the ZJ tranny is a little taller, but the V8s have slightly lower axle gears than I6 XJs or ZJs, so the difference isn't much (with 245/70R16 tires, it's a difference of 1815 rpm vs 1760 rpm at 60mph). Plus, I'm handicapped by an almost 50% larger engine.

I think it comes down to the Renix EFI on your '88 being more sensitive to E10 than most. I've never had an opportunity to run mine on E0, so I don't know how it compares.

I agree on the capable offroader and nice DD combo. The ZJ is a hair less nimble than an XJ, but not by much. It still handles pretty well. Fortunately, I don't drive enough for the fuel cost to kill me. Up here in college, I've been getting 1 - 3 weeks to a tank, rather than 6 - 10 days at home.
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Call me crazy, but I actually try for mpg with this Jeep:



Typical driving: Back in Rochester for school, driving is 60 - 70% city
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