Any vehicles stand out as being exceptionally efficient at higher speeds?

[Ladogaboy]

Yeah, but based on that list, I'd say the VW Golf 2.0 TDI is the no brainer. It starts higher and stays higher in mpg. To still be getting 20-30 mpg at 100-120 mpg is very impressive.

[cfg83]

Ladogaboy -

Originally Posted by Ladogaboy

Yeah, but based on that list, I'd say the VW Golf 2.0 TDI is the no brainer. It starts higher and stays higher in mpg. To still be getting 20-30 mpg at 100-120 mpg is very impressive.

I guess so, but it looks more like 18-27 MPG in the 100-120 MPH range to me (splitting jerrycans, I know).

I would argue that the VW TDI was being "punished" for going so fast, since its slope is so much closer to being like the others. The C180K is the only real oddity in my book, which makes me wonder if there wasn't a mistake in the test for that car.

This does make me think that TDIs are great platforms for aero-mods, since they start "at the top" of the MPG pile, they have the most to gain from aero-goodies. The pictures from the original German article reflect this by comparing gas vs TDI drivetrains of the same model :

Was kostet Vollgas? - Bilder - autobild.de

CarloSW2

[NachtRitter]

Yes, absolutely! Two relatively simple things you can do with the TDI: 1) improve aero (since the TDI runs relatively cool, you could block off much more grill than the equivalent gasser), and 2) get a taller cruising gear ratio so that you are running in the engine's most efficient range (between 1800 and 2000 rpm IIRC) at a higher speed (a 5th gear swap for the 5-speed, or a conversion to a 6-speed tranny)

However, of the models readily available in the US, it is the used TDIs (the Mark IV's with the ALH engine) that will get you the very best fuel economy... so if you are looking for a new car, then you won't see the same FE from the TDIs.

[Frank Lee]

Why does the prospect of speeding to avoid getting rear-ended remind me of the lame biker claim that "loud pipes saves lives"? If getting rear-ended is the primary fear that needs to be addressed as though it is a statistical certainty, then you need a car with a long trunk and a well-protected fuel tank. Paint it orange or yellow and plaster reflectors and reflective tape all over the back. Add extra running tail lights. Fill the trunk and maybe back seat too with bags and bags of packing peanuts, and maybe some old tires and inner tubes that aren't on rims. Make sure the headrests are properly adjusted. Put a hitch on there too- can't hurt.

[Ladogaboy]

Wait, so the Pinto is out?

[larrybuck]

Ditto with Frank!

Save your money. Get your girlfriend the music/talking books she likes, relax, and slow down.

Develop your turtle shell! Don't wimp out to the CIVILIAN'S! Usually, the CI is removed
from them!

Read the Are You Visible thread, and the Getting the bird at onramps!

You will be able to approach this whole issue in a new light!

Speeding up is giving up; especially w your wallet!

[BurningDinosaurBones]

Friday night... "Welcome to the world" she said, as she asked me if I wanted for some random pieces of paper or something in her hand and I said no.

I think "god dam, I've only been here in fort mac for 20 minutes and I'm already in a strip club". But I've got a home, two cars, and a job, courtesy of the oil companies who hired me, as they need engineer's so bad.

I reach a moment of panic. Can I really do this for 3 years? How about 10 years? Why am I working here? I want to make enough money to build an "off the grid house". But I perpetuate the world's oil supply issues while I selfishly add up the $$ in my bank account, depending on it all to make my money so that I can save my own ass in the end.

I sit here and reflect while I fully understand the meaning of "your dammed if you do, and your dammed if you don't..."

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by BurningDinosaurBones

I want to make enough money to build an "off the grid house". But I perpetuate the world's oil supply issues while I selfishly add up the $$ in my bank account, depending on it all to make my money so that I can save my own ass in the end.

Greed is good!

The oil will be burned regardless of your contribution, although I hesitate to use this as a rationalization.

[euromodder]

Originally Posted by BurningDinosaurBones

What about VW TDIs? I would suspect they would perform well.

They would.
Especially with the DGS 7 speed box - it's geared longer.

About any similar car - compact direct injection diesel - would do well, too.
Dunno what you can get in Canada ?
While you can have VW diesels, other makes don't seem to bring them over.

My old 1993 burner certainly would not, it revs at 2800rpm at 60mph and only gets about 32mpg at that steady state speed...

Is it a "sport" version of sorts ?
I'm surprised it runs that fast at only 60 mph.
Any chances of lengthening the final drive ?

That'd be the most economical I'd say, improve the vehicle you already have.
700 miles a week will drive it down quickly.


When you need new tyres, get those with the lowest rolling resistance and pump them up really well - you could use it on those long drives.
My recommendations : Michelin Energy Saver and Alpin A4 (NOT the A3 !) for winter duty.

[mans]

Originally Posted by mans

U need 2 things

A low cd (or cda)
A low top gear ratio

One sedan sold in the us stands out above all others
It's the 2011 and 2012 Hyundai elantra.
.28 cd and 6 gear manual trams with excellent top gear (like .603)

I don't know of any other sedan in the US with such drag coefficient and gear ratio #'s

I guess I must have gone wrong with the .28 cd hyndai with an awesomely low 6 gear manual ... it doesn't seem to be getting much attention...
are the diesels really better then it?