My New 4cyl Compact Doesn't Get Good Mileage

[mechman600]

All good advice. But your Sentra got the same mileage as a new Prius? I really really don't think so: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find....id=33324&id=89

[Bear32LB]

Originally Posted by jesse.rizzo

Welcome to ecomodder. In answer to the last question of your post, newer cars have safety requirements that add weight, and emissions requirements that also lower efficiency. In addition, people seem to every year demand a bigger car with a bigger engine, and auto makers give them what they want, until very recently that is.

As for your current car, have you read the 100+ hypermiling tips. The easiest biggest change you can make to your car is how you drive it.

I haven't seen the numbers so forgive me if I am completely wrong, but does it make sense to reduce mileage to cut emissions? If cutting emissions results in more fuel usage, isn't that counter productive?

Now the increase in weight might claim the lion's share of the reduction in fuel mileage and the emission controls effect on fuel mileage is much smaller than the benefit. I don't know.

It would be interesting to see how much emission controls hurt, if any, fuel mileage.

[niky]

Originally Posted by RH77

So, in the Mazda2 deserves a second chance -- but in the meantime, I'll take the Fiesta 5-door in the sub-compact arena.

Happy EcoDriving,

-RH77

The Mazda2 really isn't built for high speed cruising. At 70 mph, the engine is literally screaming.

Love that little car. I've always managed to have an interesting mountain road trip on schedule whenever I've had one. Not on purpose, but by happy coincidence. In traffic, the economy is actually pretty good.

But the Fiesta is smashing on the highway. At least within the limitations of the six speed auto. I wish 6th gear were just a tiny bit longer, and the lack of a manual option is pretty sad.

[rmay635703]

Nothing like resurrecting the dead to beat a dead horse