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Real world gas mileage for sedans

424 messages,  Last post on Mar 04, 2009 at 5:39 PM

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What is this discussion about? Volkswagen Passat, Volvo S60, Acura TL, Infiniti G35, Toyota Avalon, Fuel System, Performance Mods, Fuel Efficiency (MPG), Sedan

Messages Page 43 of 43

#419 of 424 Re: Scan gauge increases FE by 25% [peralta] by robertsmx

Sep 13, 2007 (2:08 pm)

Replying to: peralta (Aug 21, 2007 7:02 am)
Although not by 25%, trip computer has certainly helped, in my TL. My typical driving involves 50-50 city/highway split. The worst tank ever (calculated and indicated) was at 23 mpg. The norm had been 24 mpg. This is with lead-footed driving.
 
I started to note that by being light footed (but not slow), I could get 32-33 mpg going about 72 mph. I did notice that lead-footed starts didn’t impact fuel economy as much as accelerating and braking too much. That led to learning a way to now average 26 mpg on a consistent basis under the same driving conditions. I’m actually disappointed if my trip computer shows 25 mpg at any point. Calculate mileage has consistently been 25.5-26.2 mpg since my discovery.
 
If not for virtually daily traffic jams, I might be able to average 27 mpg, something I have never achieved even in my four-cylinder Accord (rated 23/30 in its day, compared to 20/29 mpg for the TL). I do get 25-26 mpg in my Accord with aggressive driving (the kind that gets 24 mpg in the TL).
 
This started when I got a TSX for loaner. I averaged 62 mph on my drive from the Acura dealership to home, and the trip computer showed 35.7 mpg. I said to myself, “Wow” (I never got a chance to calculate mileage because I didn’t drive a full tank). And that got my learning with the TL.
 
And now, I’m trying to maximize mileage while also trying to maximizing average speed. The best number came from last road trip in my TL, 72 mph and 31 mpg. And that average speed includes some city driving and slower highway driving (60-65 mph).
 
I do notice increased drop in mileage. I get about 28 mpg at 80 mph, down from 32 mpg at about 72-73 mph. Another discovery: The best mileage happens with speed ranging from 40-45 mph to 70-75 mph.

#420 of 424 Decided to play a little by robertsmx

Sep 14, 2007 (11:32 pm)

Today, I decided to play a little to see what kind of mileage I can get in my 2006 TL by keeping speed strictly between 60 and 65 mph. I was expecting 32-33 mpg, but was shocked to see trip computer report 36 mpg after ten miles (it was flirting with 37 mpg at times). The terrain was relatively flat (minor hills) and calm weather (almost no wind).
 
I hope to get a chance this weekend to see if the same holds true over a longer distance. And will try to carry my camera to take a picture of the trip computer to post here.

#421 of 424 - by dudleyr

Sep 16, 2007 (9:38 pm)

I believe 37 for a TL. My 2007 I4 Accord stick got 43.8 mpg over a 520 mile trip going 60 mph.
 
Lowering your speed is the key to better mpg
 
and less money to terrorists.

#422 of 424 Re: - [dudleyr] by robertsmx

Sep 16, 2007 (9:41 pm)

Replying to: dudleyr (Sep 16, 2007 9:38 pm)
Lowering your speed is the key to better mpg
 
Indeed. Observations in my TL...
60-65 mph: 36 mpg
70-75 mph: 32 mpg
75-80 mph: 28 mpg
 
Mileage drops rather quickly above 75 mph.
 

#423 of 424 Re: Scan gauge increases FE by 25% [peralta] by tlworkroom

Aug 14, 2008 (1:17 pm)

Replying to: peralta (Aug 21, 2007 7:02 am)
I'm 57 and don't drive very hard, but even I was surprised how much better my mpg became when I slowed taking off from stoplights. Using very steady gas pedal, I improved by 2-3 mpg. I found out a very long time ago that acceleration can be very successful with extremely little push on the pedal.

#424 of 424 G35 Sedan by amissner

Mar 04, 2009 (5:39 pm)

Replying to: drmperalta (Nov 16, 2000 1:16 am)
2007, Automatic. 60hwy/40city.
 
Get almost exactly 20MPG every tank

Messages Page 43 of 43

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