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Originally Posted by Old Tele man
Not, when you consider these two points: (1) all EPA tests are performend using 'neat' Indolene 91 octane gasoline, NOT the ethanol-diluted E10 stuff everybody is forced to use; and (2) some manufacturers stipulate milage tests be performed with daytime running lamps (DRL) and automatic headlamps and other "normal" electrical loads disconnected (which can only be done by pulling fuses!). So, how often do you pull fuses before you drive to work?
Also, up to now, EPA has NOT had a standard E85 fuel specified, so they relied upon numbers provided from manufacturers tests. They, now, however, have proposed an E85 standard fuel...but, it's not (yet) been approved.
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There are ways to game other tests. The NEDC is woeful in the way they blend electric and gas. The JC08 tests, I'm not sure, but I think you can choose your octane, which, if the vehicles are programmed for it, can make for better economy than with a set octane.
As for electrical loads... are DRLs required in all states? If not, then it's a valid reason to disconnect them for the tests, though if they're standard, they shouldn't be.
Quote:
Originally Posted by tjts1
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If all owners were the same and had the same routes, yes... the averages would average out. But for some vehicles, there is a self-selection bias in the kind of driver who will report on Fuelly. Not discounting the importance of the place, though. It's a very good resource.
A standardized test, if you close the loopholes and test over a wide enough set of driving conditions, should give you a fair representation of the difference between two cars in comparable conditions.