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Headwind

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Mi3ke, Jan 2, 2011.

  1. Mi3ke

    Mi3ke Junior Member

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    2007 Prius
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    Five
    Driving into a 35+mph headwind, for 10 hours, will drop your MPG's down into the low 30's. Welcome to West Texas and Eastern New Mexico!!!

    At least the roads were clear.

    Cheers, Mi3ke
     
  2. bstephens

    bstephens Junior Member

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    And going the other way will get you close to 60 mpg going 75 mph. Been there, done that.
     
  3. Wolfie52

    Wolfie52 Senior "Jr" Member

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    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
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    Plug-in Advanced
    Yes it does! On a return trip from Florida I drove 400 miles into a steady 25-35+ MPH wind and the temp went from upper 50's to the upper 20's--was snowing by the end of the trip!

    Due to time and freeway conditions I drove between 72-80 MPH (w/ cruise) and my MPG was about 31.

    On the plus side the car handled well in the wind even at high speeds and I made it on one tank of gas (barely).
     
  4. donee

    donee New Member

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    Hi Mike,

    So what was your ground speed? If it was 70 mph, then your air speed was 105 mph. As most drag is aerodynamic above 60 mph, then the 105 mph is close to the load the car is under at 105 mph road speed, and zero wind speed.

    I am wondering what the fuel economy is of other cars at 105 mph? 15?
     
  5. BAllanJ

    BAllanJ Active Member

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    Unfortunately, every car out there reports miles travelled at the ground not miles of air travelled through. Weird, I know. If you calculate how many miles of air you went through per gallon you probably wouldn't be dissappointed. New project for those adding instruments is to add air speed and air odometer gauges.