Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - Hatchback Vs. Sedan (why does a sedan have a better Cd?)

sheepdog 44 · 10-08-2013, 08:33 PM

The VW XL1 and the GM EV1 are both "sedans," and have the lowest drag figures of any production car with Sub 0.19cd. The Mercedes CLA sedan (0.23-0.22cd) has a lower drag coefficient than the Prius (0.26-0.25cd) and Insight (0.25cd). Honestly with whats being done by automakers, I'm not all that impressed by the 1st gen Insight aerodynamics. 0.25cd will become the new common standard of an "average" cars drag coefficient. Anything below that number should be the only thing considered aerodynamic.

Sedan vs Hatchback? I think it's due to trunk height. A trunk can be lower to the ground so you can place things in it, and a lower decklid facilitates aerodynamics. A hatchbacks' roof needs to be higher so your not crouching. The spoiler on the Prius is higher than most trunk lids you'll find in a parking lot.

10-08-2013, 08:33 PM	#19 (permalink)
sheepdog 44 . Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Salt Lake valley Utah Posts: 923 Thanks: 114 Thanked 397 Times in 224 Posts	The VW XL1 and the GM EV1 are both "sedans," and have the lowest drag figures of any production car with Sub 0.19cd. The Mercedes CLA sedan (0.23-0.22cd) has a lower drag coefficient than the Prius (0.26-0.25cd) and Insight (0.25cd). Honestly with whats being done by automakers, I'm not all that impressed by the 1st gen Insight aerodynamics. 0.25cd will become the new common standard of an "average" cars drag coefficient. Anything below that number should be the only thing considered aerodynamic. Sedan vs Hatchback? I think it's due to trunk height. A trunk can be lower to the ground so you can place things in it, and a lower decklid facilitates aerodynamics. A hatchbacks' roof needs to be higher so your not crouching. The spoiler on the Prius is higher than most trunk lids you'll find in a parking lot. __________________ I try to be helpful. I'm not an expert. Last edited by sheepdog 44; 10-08-2013 at 08:39 PM..