Half full-full tank vs Extra Weight
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,285
Likes: 43
From: NV
Now is there some way to calculate the actual or potential improvement in mpg, due to the weight reduction of 50-60lbs. That was what I was aiming for when i asked for a math genius! The equation would start out something like.....if there is a 1.67% reduction in weight in a 3600lb car getting let's say 22mpg average city/highway, the potential improvement in mpg would be......................what?
There are so many external factors that it's silly to try to make broad-based claims, but I did read a blog post once where the author estimated, based on epa ratings of car models that had the same engine with similar tuning but in different platforms (and therefore different weight), that 150 lbs was approximately equivalent to 1 combined-use mpg. So by reducing 150lbs, you'd squeeze out an additional mpg; adding 150lbs, you'd lose one.
Pole Position
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 319
Likes: 1
From: NJ
If you wanna improve fuel efficiency even more drastically than 1/2 tank of gas or minor weight loss, tailgate other cars specially big 18wheelers very close. MythBusters did an episode where mpg improved 39% !!!! when a car was tailgating a 18wheeler in the distance of 10ft. And if 10ft is too close for your comfort, 100ft tailgating improved 11%, 50ft improved 20%, 20ft improved 27% compared to their control setting. You WILL NOT be able to shed enough weight to improve 20% in fuel efficiency on a 3600 lbs car. That's about equal to losing 720 lbs, probably more than 720 lbs, vs by tailgating 50ft. Happen to catch the rerun of the show just now.
Now is there some way to calculate the actual or potential improvement in mpg, due to the weight reduction of 50-60lbs. That was what I was aiming for when i asked for a math genius! The equation would start out something like.....if there is a 1.67% reduction in weight in a 3600lb car getting let's say 22mpg average city/highway, the potential improvement in mpg would be......................what?
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Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 11,030
Likes: 7
From: Windward, Oahu
, a 6pack would cause alot of turbulance while a nice n smooth 1pack wouldn't 
BUT that might add to the weight of the car 
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,192
Likes: 3
From: none
If you wanna improve fuel efficiency even more drastically than 1/2 tank of gas or minor weight loss, tailgate other cars specially big 18wheelers very close. MythBusters did an episode where mpg improved 39% !!!! when a car was tailgating a 18wheeler in the distance of 10ft. And if 10ft is too close for your comfort, 100ft tailgating improved 11%, 50ft improved 20%, 20ft improved 27% compared to their control setting. You WILL NOT be able to shed enough weight to improve 20% in fuel efficiency on a 3600 lbs car. That's about equal to losing 720 lbs, probably more than 720 lbs, vs by tailgating 50ft. Happen to catch the rerun of the show just now.
I don't know but I've managed to get my 60mpg and 3 59mpg tanks starting with a full tank and leaving every stock (incl. the spare tyre). Heck, there's a lotta added weight in the car from all the CDs (yeah yeah), manual, gloves, pens, paper, metal Toyota tyre pressure gauge, fleece blanket, umbrella etc etc etc. They probably weigh an extra 2-5kg total. My stock bee-sting antenna is there too. Haven't changed it to the sharkfin. My tyres were bumped though to 38/36 PSI (stock should be 35/33. The tyres are maxed rated at 44PSI so I'm well within the limit).
IOW, I would say the traffic pattern and your choice of route would be a bigger factor than weight.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,368
Likes: 1
From: Socal
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13958810/
since most of America is obese... wouldn't it be better cutting down on their weight be better for the overweight people's health and gas mileage =P
since most of America is obese... wouldn't it be better cutting down on their weight be better for the overweight people's health and gas mileage =P
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CJS57
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Sep 15, 2010 05:25 AM
