Acceleration and mpg

So we need a tach! And an engine temp guage so we can decide how much engine airflow can be safely blocked at 20F and below to keep the engine happily warm.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(altaskier\";p=\"68631)</div>

Regardless of how one might feel, the physics is simple: the total energy required to get up to a particular speed is independent of the rate of acceleration. To first order, the rate of acceleration matters not at all. To second order, you're best off at the peak of the engine efficiency curve.
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That's true for an ideal world, but there are aspects that are geometric in proportion, and energy conversion efficiencies. The latter I believe is the real problem. You want the least fuel used to get to your speed. If you 'borrowed' energy from the battery, you need to consider the extra fuel needed to replace that energy.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bruceha_2000\";p=\"68633)</div>

Bruce:

Amen!

Especially that temp gauge. Too bad you didn't visit me in January, that -40 has to be experienced to be "appreciated!"

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jayman\";p=\"68688)</div>

I have (though my Prius hasn't) but I can't say I "appreciated" it My wife and F-I-L went heli-skiing about 10 years ago in BC. It was -40 one day. I gather the um, er, "rest-tree" breaks were done VERY quickly

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(skruse\";p=\"68469)</div>

Well, you can convert from litres per 100km to MPG Imperial Gallon by dividing the l/100km number into 282.48.

Example: The MFD claims 4.5 litres per 100km. 282.48 / 4.5 = 62.8 MPG Imperial Gallon.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bruceha_2000\";p=\"68695)</div>

Oh you *bet* they are!

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