Lies, Damned Lies, and ... statistics? - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

OfficeLinebacker · 11-19-2008, 02:40 AM

From NASCAR.com:

(NASCAR.COM - Simple steps can make your fuel go a long way - Nov 11, 2008)

Quote:

According to statistics, you'll pay an additional 20 cents per gallon of gas for every five miles per hour you drive over 60 mph. Ease on and off the gas if you want to make it last.

So I guess those "black boxes" in our computers are now wirelessly communicating with the gas pumps?

MetroMPG · 11-19-2008, 10:03 AM

Haha.

I've often read that "gallon price increase" argument against driving fast. Strangly, I've only ever seen it from US sources, for some reason. Why not simply say "it'll cost you x% more"?

jamesqf · 11-19-2008, 12:14 PM

Got to consider the source: this advice is targeted to people who can get really involved in watching cars go around in circles :-)

OfficeLinebacker · 11-19-2008, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamesqf

Got to consider the source: this advice is targeted to people who can get really involved in watching cars go around in circles :-)

I love NASCAR. It's the only must-see TV in my schedule. I listen to the radios, watch live telemetry, etc.

BTW interestingly enough, 2 out of the last 3 races of the season (that's 66.7% for those of you who like road racing) were dramatic fuel economy races. Carl Edwards sure knows his FE driving habits!

cfg83 · 11-19-2008, 07:11 PM

OfficeLinebacker -

I would modify this article to say something like this :

Quote:

According to statistics, at $3 per gallon, you'll pay an additional 20 cents per gallon of gas for every five miles per hour you drive your V8 over 60 mph. Ease on and off the gas if you want to make it last.

I only assumed V8 because it's a NASCAR article.

I agree that managing fuel economy in big races can be the key to winning. Avoiding that extra pit stop and/or adding "just enough" gas to win is crucial.

CarloSW2

OfficeLinebacker · 11-19-2008, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cfg83

I agree that managing fuel economy in big races can be the key to winning. Avoiding that extra pit stop and/or adding "just enough" gas to win is crucial.

CarloSW2

It's been the case since at least the 1960s at the Indy 500. Cool stuff.