Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
Originally Posted By: Smokescreen
What does it get at 55mph? That will be closer to the speed EPA tested it at rather than 80 mph.
A 55 mph cruise is loosely what the "old" EPA ratings were based upon (applied to 2007 models and prior), and this is why the EPA received many complaints about its testing protocol: it wasn't realistic for real world driving. People couldn't achieve the ratings because they WERE driving 80 mph rather than 55 mph. The "new" EPA ratings (applied to 2008 models and later) reflect much higher rates of acceleration and higher speeds, and are supposed to more closely resemble the duty cycle on modern roads and in high speed traffic.
While 80 mph is a little fast, it's closer to representing how the EPA economy number that is on the car was achieved than a 55 mph cruise would be.
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/fe_test_schedules.shtml detailed comparison shows that while they do have a brisk acceleration and a top speed of 80mph, the average speed for the high speed portion and the normal highway is just over 48mph. The "updated" figures now account for A/C, more faster stop & go, and more cold outside temperatures (they use colder starts to simulate)
Originally Posted By: Smokescreen
What does it get at 55mph? That will be closer to the speed EPA tested it at rather than 80 mph.
A 55 mph cruise is loosely what the "old" EPA ratings were based upon (applied to 2007 models and prior), and this is why the EPA received many complaints about its testing protocol: it wasn't realistic for real world driving. People couldn't achieve the ratings because they WERE driving 80 mph rather than 55 mph. The "new" EPA ratings (applied to 2008 models and later) reflect much higher rates of acceleration and higher speeds, and are supposed to more closely resemble the duty cycle on modern roads and in high speed traffic.
While 80 mph is a little fast, it's closer to representing how the EPA economy number that is on the car was achieved than a 55 mph cruise would be.
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/fe_test_schedules.shtml detailed comparison shows that while they do have a brisk acceleration and a top speed of 80mph, the average speed for the high speed portion and the normal highway is just over 48mph. The "updated" figures now account for A/C, more faster stop & go, and more cold outside temperatures (they use colder starts to simulate)