Quote:
|
Originally Posted by msethk
... what speed you will get the best gas mileage? any ideas? I've always heard somewhere around 50-60 mph but haven't seen anything scientific.
|
My 2000 E430 has trip computer, I tried several speeds using cruise control for one mile each on level surface, the lowest speed was 45 mph and the highest speed was 75 mph, with inscrement of 5 mph. The best gas mileage was 33.xx mpg at 45 mph, 32.xx mpg at 50 mph, 30.xx mpg at 55 mph, 29.xx mpg at 60 mph, 27.xx mpg at 65 mph, 24.xx mpg at 75 mph. I don't remember the gas mileage at 70 mph. I did not try 40 mph. The EPA of 20000 E430 was 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
All gas mileages above was after the car totally warmed up after 20 minutes drive. The worst gas mileage I found is the first 10 minutes when the engine was cold.
Others were correct to point out that: don't carry extra unnecessary loads, increase tire pressure 2-6 pounds above recommendation, use cruise control whenever possible, cruise to stop light ... would improve gas mileage.