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Old 07-14-2008, 03:12 AM   #37 (permalink)
jamesqf
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cfg83 View Post
At 55 MPH, a person can get about 27 MPG in their BMW 535i. At 80 MPH, they're getting 20 MPG. That's about a 35% drop in MPG.
Right there is one of the best reasons (or many) that a 55 mph speed limit is more about control than about actually using significantly less gas. At best it gives marginal savings, if you consider that most people drive under 80 most of the time. Swap that BMW for a Prius, and you cut fuel use in half. Make the Prius a PHEV, and you cut it in half again. Telecommute 3 days a week, and you knock off another 60% of commuting use. And on down the line.
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