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Originally Posted by LocoJason
the car would actually pay for itself in 3 years vs my previous commuter vehicle. Win-Win.
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That's the way to do it.
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For many years I had been into performance cars
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You're not the only one around here - far from it
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I thought "slower is better, right"?
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Not necessarily, as you've found out.
Depending on engine management and gearing, there's a speed where the engine won't pull off the good MPGs anymore, or will only do so under very favorable conditions.
If I drop down below 1750 (max torque on the turbo diesel) in steady driving, mileage drops down with it - unless the road is dead flat and I'm coming down from a higher speed.
But a very minor incline will make the fuel consumption jump though.
At highway / high-drag speeds, 1750 rpm in 5th is around 85 kph / 53mph.
Dropping below that, the mileage drops off significantly - like 10-15% less around 80 kph .
The downside of fast rising torque curves, is that you also fall off like a brick when going the other way
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I have not tested slower and I still wonder at what speed the aerodynamic drag has reduced enough to offset the lower efficiency of the engine and actually deliver an increase in economy?
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For me, at idle in 3rd or 4th !
Drag is so low, the engine can pull it off with record mileage - but the slightest increase in loading will result in bad mileage, even climbing a speedbump can kill the fun.
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So that leaves me with aero mods and rolling resistance to focus on...
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There's a lot to be gained from modding your driving style as well.
Basically, using only the power you need to get you to the next corner / light / stop sign at appropriate speeds - and not much more.
Are you already using coasting in neutral (or even with the engine off ) ?