about 20 years ago i had a 1980 datsun 210 wagon with a 1300 engine and a five speed. i bought new tires for it and thought it would be smart to go from 155 to 165 tires. you know a little better economy from a slightly higher effective gear ratio.

well, that little sucker was already pretty optomised with the stock size tires 'cause after the change it would only do about 65 flat out in fifth. it would go considerably more in fourth and if i were to acclelerate to 75 in fourth and get behind even a 240d (which i did once) the draft would allow travel at 75 in fifth easily.

and it would deliver consistant mileage over 30.

but after a trip once when i was supposed to meet someone at a particular place at a particular time and had a headwind and barely could exceed 45, i decided that such a price was too high to pay for max economy.

so there is the rare example of a car that would be wot at seventy (or less).

i never would have dreamed you could benefit from drafting an ordinary car. but the datsun was pretty bricklike.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.