Quote:
Originally Posted by Hersbird
That's a good idea assuming the cars are similar, both small, both manuals. The EPA test seems to in a way penalize larger cars on the city and highway test, and aerodynamic cars on the highway test. Why that 2002 4cylinder Camry thread shows such good highway cruise MPG even though the EPA claims it's not stellar. The EPA test makes the car drive like a moron is behind the wheel... and yet the general population complains they can't even get EPA numbers. I think manuals also do a lot better then EPA also, again driving for economy.
A lighter car isn't as penalized with brisk acceleration and heavy braking as physics says it just is easier to do with less mass. The areodynamics don't help much as the speeds of the tests are pretty low, the average speed on the highway test is only 48.3 MPH even on the "high speed" test.
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The Miata has horrendous aero. Most SUVs have better cd. The wheels, underbody, and back of the car is so horrific. We know people that pick up 10mph on straightaways with drag reduction.