Quote:
Originally Posted by UFO
The marginal frictional loss is minor compared to the kinetic energy stored as moving mass that can be used to move with the engine off, balanced with the ability to operate the engine at its peak efficiency up the hills.
Drivetrain loss is heat generated by friction in the gears and hydraulics.
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Weight doesn't help. I'll agree that the friction is fairly minor, however, weight doesn't help you through "kinetic energy" Sure, a heavier vehicle at the same speed does have more kinetic energy, but it takes more energy imput to accelerate the heavier vehicle. In theory, the two things balance perfectly so weight makes no difference, other than friction (assuming there's no brake loss involved). Of course, in the real world there's always going to be some braking and the weight hurts big time there because you have to use fuel to re-accelerate the weight, but don't get to reap the kinetic energy benefit of it before the stop.