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Sedans Mainstream Large Sedans Comparison
6844 messages, Last post on Mar 23, 2009 at 12:32 PM
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Replying to: snaglepus (May 31, 2008 7:54 am) There usually is about a 15-20% FE penalty to drive 80 - as opposed to say 60 - and this type of difference will apply to not only Taurii but also to true 'economy' cars like let's say your Focus. It was this fact that became a central point in the adoption of the 55 mph speed limit not that long ago. Didn't exactly work out that way, of course - but for different reasons. I own an Avalon and will tell you that it is unquestionably the FE (and power) champ of this group as substantiated in any number of road and vehicle tests you might wish to reference - by credible publications AND by a good coupla mpg or so. But even IT WILL NOT get over 30 mpg at a constant 75 or 80 mph regardless of how flat the real estate. 28 or 29 perhaps - AND something closer to 21 around town as tjc78 reports. Will a Taurus (or any other car in this group ) out FE an Avalon? Not a chance. 30 mpg at 75-80? Must have been a 400 mile long downhill run from Pikes Peak to Death Valley and also at a lower speed than that 75-80! PS do remember those Mobil economy runs well and those drivers/cars that 'won' were those that could take proper advantage of elevation changes (ie coasting uphill AND downhill) something not practical (or safe) to do in everyday driving.
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Replying to: captain2 (Jun 02, 2008 6:20 am) ..and yes, I hate it when reviewers pull punches, or just go along with the common wisdom. So often they seem to be reviewing the nameplate, not the actual vehicle.
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Replying to: captain2 (Jun 02, 2008 6:20 am)
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Replying to: jontyrees (Jun 02, 2008 1:11 pm) actually you are a couple hundred pounds lighter (3594) in the Avalon not to mention several degrees more of engine sophistication (the i part of CVVTi as well as the variable timing on the exhaust valves as well as the intakes). The Azera has been listed at 3600 lbs. as well as at numbers approaching 3800 - but given the acceleration abilities of that particular car it would seem more likely to also weigh a good bit less than the Taurus. The Avalon turns 2100 rpm at 70, 2000 at 80 is down in V8 territory and is a lot of difference making me wonder if Ford isn't stretching the engine too far off its torque curve in the interest of FE - much like GM has historically abused the 3.8. |
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Replying to: carolinabob (Jun 02, 2008 1:57 pm)  the only memorable 'feature'. The American manufacturers IMO have NEVER made a 'good' economy car and have always attacked their inability to manufacture competitive smaller engines with displacement - not engineering sophistication. This has been this way for 40-50 years although thinking about it I'm inclined to give some of those Corvair engines at least a nod for effort. Case in point - of the cars in this group - having to pay (at the gas pumps) for a Northstar V8 in the Lucerne, and V8 in the Impala, the Hemi all to get something that will keep up with cars like the Avalon/Maxima/Azera. |
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Replying to: captain2 (Jun 02, 2008 2:08 pm) |
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Replying to: jontyrees (Jun 02, 2008 2:55 pm)
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Replying to: captain2 (Jun 02, 2008 6:20 am) Seriously, folks, it is amazing to me and just a bit irritating that many of you think I am stretching the truth about the fuel economy on our recent weekend trip. Here are a few other points that you can accuse me of lying about: The Taurus has a 3.16 axle ratio and a .74 OD for a final drive of 2.34. At 75 MPH, it is turning around 2000 RPM. The Ford 3.5 has VVT on the intake only but overall cam timing and head design is calibrated for a sweet spot in the 1500 - 2500 RPM range. They could have gone to more expensive VVT on both intake and exhaust or recalibrated the cam and head design for more HP and more refinement at high RPM but chose not to. The point is that the Taurus gets very good fuel economy in its sweet spot - better than Ford's own 3.0 and likely better than many competitors. The Ford 3.0 will get these enhancements soon and will have HP bump to 240 and better MPG. The good highway mileage is nothing more exotic than a very high final drive and an engine tuned for good mileage in its sweet spot, and near perfect conditions. Keep in mind that the EPA highway mileage estimate now includes segments with speeds up to 80 MPH, AC usage, and maximum acceleration. The Taurus and Avalon are both rated at 28 highway on this cycle. On my weekend drive, it was 55-60 degrees so AC was not used. Traffic was light and there are no hills to speak of. Under similar conditions, for business trips to Des Moines, I have gotten 31 MPG with a rental Impala and 34.5 with a 4 Cylinder Camry. My wife's old 3.0 Duratec Taurus would get about 28.5. My Lincoln LS V8 will get 26. I repeat: Anyone who can't beat their car's current highway EPA rating under perfect conditions needs to take a look at their driving style. One last thing: I make no claim that the Taurus fuel economy is stellar under all conditions. It is geared pretty deep in the first 3 gears and can suck up fuel if you put your foot in it. Stop and go traffic could easily be in the teens although I have never checked it. OK, sock it to me again!
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Replying to: carolinabob (Jun 03, 2008 4:46 am) I am so glad I am not in a SET area. My Yota dealer adds nothing to the price that you don't want and I leased mine ('06 Av XLS) about $500 over invoice. Not stellar but they did have to get the car from 300 miles away. |
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Replying to: brucelinc (Jun 03, 2008 5:07 am)
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