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Old 06-26-2012, 11:11 AM   #29 (permalink)
MetroMPG
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: 1000 Islands, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 22,534

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: 57.73 mpg (US)
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One more point I'd add to the "why following closely is generally a bad idea" column of the debate leger: when you follow anything too closely (intending to draft or not), not only do you diminish your forward vision (which is fine, if you like a life full of surprises), you now must brake as soon and at least as hard as the lead vehicle does. (But probably harder, after adding in your reaction time.)

Big deal, you say?

Now consider the usual tailgater behind you, and see how you have lost the opportunity to anticipate & respond to speed changes more gradually and on your own terms. Slowing gradually is a basic defensive technique for reducing the chances of getting rear-ended by your tail-gaiter.
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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



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has launched a forum for the efficient new Mitsubishi Mirage
www.MetroMPG.com - fuel efficiency info for Geo Metro owners
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