The power of speed!
 

I usually don't harp on speed too much, but I was really struck by how much speed affects FE today.

So, out in Missouruh I have an 11 mile trip into town, then an 11 mile one back out of town. Usually I'll score mid 60s-70 mpg on the way in (it's kind of uphill), then mid70s-83 mpg on the way home.

The trip is like this: .5 mile of gravel at 20 mph, 1 mile of blacktop (rolling hills), left turn, 5 more miles of rolling hills at 40 mph. Then on the "highway" for 50-55 on a relatively flat surface for a bit. Then into town for 30 mph for another mile (with 4-5 lights that I usually hit 2-3 of).

Today was interesting because I got stuck behind someone going 35 on the highway (speed limit 60) today. I would've passed him because that's pretty damn dangerous, but the truck behind me stayed with us and traffic just stayed back without passing.

Anyway, I rolled up to the library with 79.2 mpg on the guino today. Much better than my best, even though it's a bit chilly out today.

Pretty interesting comparison.

yep, gotta find that balance between a safe/effective speed and good mileage. wow, that is a big difference though! maybe you should thank the guy :)

'Could have also been partly due to the draft. Even following another vehicle 5 car lengths back contributes something to draft.

Lazy lean burn slacker! I have to work pretty hard for 79 mpg.

SVOboy -

My best MPG runs in my trip logs usually include the good fortune of following a slow-poke during the "MPG drainer" portions of my route.

:turtle: :turtle: convoys rock (slowly)!!!

CarloSW2

I'm selling all my stock in "big oil".

y'know, they just posted record earnings.

1.2bil in profits at exxonmobil this QUARTER

I thought it was 11.2?

$11.7 Billion in profit on $138 Billion in revenue. Investors were disappointed.

I would be too... thats not even a 10% profit margin.