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Old 09-18-2008, 09:31 PM   #54 (permalink)
Clev
Wannabe greenie
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Yorba Linda, CA
Posts: 1,098

The Clunker (retired) - '90 Honda Accord EX sedan
Team Honda
90 day: 29.49 mpg (US)

Mountain Goat - '96 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4 SuperCab
90 day: 18 mpg (US)

Zippy - '10 Kymco Agility 125
90 day: 65.03 mpg (US)
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65 seems to be the sweet spot for drivers and cars, if not for FE. However, most "economy" cars are geared to have a sweet spot around 55, to coincide with the EPA fuel economy testing.

Car and Driver did a trip across Montana about a decade ago, in a Camaro Z-28 (1994, I believe.) With the 6th speed, they did 100 mph almost non-stop across the state, and averaged about 26 mpg.

If car makers would add that 6th gear (or 5th gear on an auto) and gear it to get its best economy at 65-70 mph, I think it would make a big difference in the overall fleet highway economy. Similarly, the EPA highway economy driving cycle should be done between 65-67 mph, so automakers have that incentive.
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