There is a formula...how long is your route? you need to figure out the percentage...if the longer route is 5% longer and you can get 5% better fuel economy then you are breaking even...but if it's 5% longer and you get 10% better fuel economy then you're saving fuel.
I know you don't have instant feedback so it's hard for you to figure out what fuel economy you are getting on the different routes but i can almost guarantee it's always cheaper to go the shorter route
__________________
|