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optimum driving speed for maximum fuel economy

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Old 09-08-2012, 03:16 AM
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Default optimum driving speed for maximum fuel economy

I have read some internet literature on this topic, and generally the speed is 50 mph. but i have been told other numbers such as 60-65.

What about for a honda accord, particular 2003-2007 models 4 cyl?

The car i drive is a 2006 EX-L 4 cylinder

Thanks so much
 
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Old 09-08-2012, 06:11 AM
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It varies by car, road, tires, tire pressure, wind conditions, humidity, altitude, and barometric pressure (or if your're a pilot you can combine the last three into the simple term "Density Altitude"). Long story short, if you want to find the optimum speed at any given moment, buy yourself a ScanGauge.

Those were direct sales links..Not Allowed.
 
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Old 09-08-2012, 05:32 PM
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Always go with the speed limit.. But driving 5mph less than SP can help in getting better fuel efficiency
 
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Old 09-09-2012, 01:20 AM
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okay. thanks so much!!!
 
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Old 09-09-2012, 06:38 AM
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Originally Posted by AccorDats
Always go with the speed limit.. But driving 5mph less than SP can help in getting better fuel efficiency
Not always the case; my last car (a 2002 530i 5-Speed) got its best fuel economy at about 75 mph; definitely faster than any posted speed limit here in New England.
 
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Old 09-09-2012, 04:31 PM
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thats very interesting. i always drive with the windows closed on the freeway to reduce any aerodynamic friction that can decrease my fuel economy. i ideally would like to drive 75 on the freeway, but i always set it on cruise control to 65, my driving is like what many would refer to as a "grandma" lol
 
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Old 09-09-2012, 05:17 PM
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Originally Posted by shipo
Not always the case; my last car (a 2002 530i 5-Speed) got its best fuel economy at about 75 mph; definitely faster than any posted speed limit here in New England.
good for you then, my 2001 530i a/t does better mileage on 70mph. if i go higher my tank can only go for about 400-420miles rather than going 475miles
 
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Old 09-09-2012, 06:13 PM
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Originally Posted by AccorDats
good for you then, my 2001 530i a/t does better mileage on 70mph. if i go higher my tank can only go for about 400-420miles rather than going 475miles
Good mileage for an automatic version.
 
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Old 09-09-2012, 08:12 PM
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^^^ it is mostly freeway though, like 90% of the time but when i hit the city or drive mostly city with stop and go then it is a different story. lol

my bimmer has really poor gas mileage when im in the city.. averaging only 18mpg
 
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Old 09-10-2012, 04:31 AM
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Originally Posted by AccorDats
^^^ it is mostly freeway though, like 90% of the time but when i hit the city or drive mostly city with stop and go then it is a different story. lol

my bimmer has really poor gas mileage when im in the city.. averaging only 18mpg
Mine was always pretty good, even in the city (for the first six months I had it I lived in the NYC metro area); I think the single worst tank still yielded something like 22 to 23 mpg. Funny thing, I picked that car up in Munich via the European Delivery program, and even with the cruise control set at ~120 mph, the OBC was still showing fuel economy in the low 20s. Not too shabby; geez I miss that car.
 


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