I could not agree with you more.


(......the finer points of the driving task(s) seem to elude a LOT of folks.............)


best, ez....

 

i average 30-31 on the highway, but only about 19-20 city.

2004 6 speed

 

Even with the frequent stop & go highway traffic here in NY/NJ I often get 27-29.

 

Just recently took a trip from Charlotte to Cincinnati. I filled the tank outside of Knoxville, TN. 34mpg. I was very pleased.

 

whats the optimal speed for best mpg?

 

I think it's 55-65. Technically any speed above that is not as fuel efficient to drive at. From what I remember hearing anyway. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. Too bad that's not realistic AT ALL on most interstates ha

 

For what its worth I was able to see 36 MPG going 65. When I normally go 75-80 I would see 30ish. This on a 2000 TL. So you have to decide is the extra gas worth your time? For me it was a 30 mile commuate each way and only made 3-5 minutes difference.

 

I reset my mpg meter on a stretch of highway where the speed limit is 50 mph and I got 38 mpg during that stretch.

On a regular highway, I get 33 mpg going an average of about 75 mph.

In the city I only get 21 mpg, and I don't even drive with a lead foot.

I think the reason the TL gets such good mileage on the highway is because of the gearing. My automatic only spins at about 1800 rpm when I'm going the speed limit and about 2050 at 75 mph. This is better than any car I've driven. I would be interested to know what rpm the 6 spd runs at at highway speeds.

 

question is how accurate is that meter

 

I will double check later after work, but I am pretty sure that i run right around 2K rpms at 70-75 mph.

 

Think about it in bycycle terms. What was the most effective way to maintain a long distance on a bycycle? You put in the least amount of effort, in the highest gear available. Cars work the same way, you want to be driving at low rpm's in your highest gear, without bogging down. In an auto TL that seems to be around 60-65 mph. You also have to take into account wind resistance, which is a square of your speed , and really starts hurting when you start getting over 70-75 mph. Thats why they just don't make 10 speed cars that cruise at 100mph. Wind resistance would kill you anyway.