Quote:
Originally Posted by Dadhawk
I'm second guessing the 55 shot, honestly. I'm wondering if I was in a slight incline or something. One thing I did notice is the MPG can vary widely at the same RPM even tough speed isn't changing if you are going up/down a small incline. I'll try that one again if I get a chance. It did hold there for at least 30 seconds though, and the road was relatively flat.
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Dadhawk
Great thread and excellent reviewing. Really excellent!
I think you have captured and shared what everyone wants to know well beyond the specs. and that is: what it feels like and how it makes you feel as a driver!
You have answered many questions regarding the automatic while concuring with my brief experience with the FRS automatic. It is still fun while being convenient and economical. I always thought I would want a manual, but the mpg is attractive(even though it will take a while to pay for the transmission). If on average you get the 11-12% better FE it also adds to your range flexibility. AND you can still have fun with the paddles!!:happy0180:
One point about the speed MPG readlings. It would be nice to know how they are measuring the mpg for a start, fuel flow or correlated some how to engine vaccum or throttle opening? Just because the speedometer reads constant rpm and speed does not mean that timing and throttle opening are not fluctating with a consequence on fuel flow. The fluctations may not be enough that you would notice but the instantaneous fuel consumption readout could still vary as a result. So if you caught a slight uphill or downhill difference between the readings that could impact the readout comparison. Just a thought to explain the differences.
I am sure you know that drag also squares with speed, as well, so, throwing that on top may impact the differences, but would not explain deviations from an expected rate of mpg increase.
There could also be variations related to where you are on the torque curve. I think those rpm are on a transitional part of the torque curve. As well as we have no idea what the throttle map actually looks like.
Great reviews, you have helped my AT/MT deliberations immensely!
When the drop-dead-date for confirmation arrives I will be much better equipped. So thanks.
One interesting question:
I wonder if you increase the throttle on downshift more than the autoblip programming will provide? Not sure why you wouldn't be able too?
Also, once you have no clutch, left foot braking becomes an option, however that will I suspect be limited by the safety feature to prevent simultaneous brake and gas application(expect this is on the manual and the automatic). It would be a curiousity to understand just how sensitive simultaneous application would be? I suspect it just allows the brake to over ride the throttle(no matter) which would be best in terms of safety.