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Old 11-19-2019, 08:13 AM   #8 (permalink)
slowmover
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Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Posts: 2,442

2004 CTD - '04 DODGE RAM 2500 SLT
Team Cummins
90 day: 19.36 mpg (US)
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The efficient USE of a vehicle is second consideration. MPG is far down the list as to what matters

1). How many family members? Must fit all persons aboard (with luggage).

2). Distances for necessities. Not work or school.

Etcetera

Where one lives in relation to necessary re-supply is prime as to the convenience of personal transportation. Overrides all others, as it’s a desire NOT a necessity to own a car.

A 5-mpg motorhome gets “better” fuel economy than a Prius with a roof rack tent.

Be sure you’ve defined, what is mpg?

It’s work performed against an energy input. One or two people being transported ISN'T work, per se. Its waste. Where’s the income offset or addition? Every single trip.

As to shape, the volume that encloses the most space in the most compact form is the winner.

How much space is mostly a function of how many children in your family.

An unmarried man, like an unmarried woman, is pretty well a drone. Not necessary; limited usefulness before disadvantages outweighs other.

More to the point, again, FE not being central, aero should impose no penalty first (as above), second, it should maximize safe operation (crosswinds, etc).

A drivetrain that can maintain 60-mph in rolling terrain is adequate for a loaded vehicle (as empty operation is proscribed). Thus, it’s more about the transmission & drive ratio than engine size or fuel.

The small Ford Transit van with passenger outfit, is close enough.

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Last edited by slowmover; 11-19-2019 at 08:29 AM..
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