Re:Is Every Speed Limit Too Low?
by tropo on Wednesday April 26, 2017 @01:01AM
(#14200543)
That number comes from a time of 3-speed transmissions and non-aerodynamic bodies. I heard better numbers back when 5-speed was becoming common, but now we're seeing 8-speed and 9-speed and CVT. It's probably around 65mph now.
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I've heard 70km/h elsewhere, but the only personal data I have is I used to drive a 2002 5-speed manual VW Golf Mk IV, the 2L petrol version, and that had a fuel economy display on it plus a nice chart of economy per gear in the owner's manual. The book similarly said best would be at around 70km/h (~45mph) in 5th gear, and I confirmed that was true in my own tests. The 6-speed GTI was charted in the owner's manual as well and its best economy was shown as a little faster, in its extra 6th gear.
Re:Is Every Speed Limit Too Low?
by YSFEJ4SWJUVU6 on Wednesday April 26, 2017 @08:09AM
(#14202290)
Aerodynamic resistance (“drag”) doesn't care about your transmission. The sweet spot is even lower with electric cars (especially with all the peripheral devices turned off).
However, a modern mid-sized car with an efficient engine gets 40 MPG or more at 75 MPH, while a gas guzzler won't get such mileage at any speed.