I've been doing a lot of around-town driving recently in the 25-35mph range. Although I can putter along at 25mph in 6th gear, if any acceleration is needed I really have to put my foot down (which is to be expected). The alternative is 4th or 5th gear, both of which require less pressure on the go-pedal (and less boost) to keep momentum in around-town driving but which increase the average RPMs. Which is probably better for trips under 10miles: high gear, low RPMs, more use of go-pedal or lower gear, higher rpms, more consistent use of go-pedal?

 

5th Gear would also be an Overdrive for lower speeds that would be as good as 6th without ******* out as much...

 

I find I get better mileage never going higher than 4th, and keeping the rpms higher.

 

You are putting more wear on the clutch by "dragging" the car in higher gears. It is cheaper to expend the extra $5-$10 bucks on gas than to wear down the clutch prematurely.

You can give up the latte, the extra cell phone testing and if you smoke, that extra or two packs of cigarrettes.

 

25 MPH in 6th gear? whoa. I remember going 30 in 5th gear and my car groans at me.

 

Best FUEL economy is achieved in the highest possible gear given the situation, but other factors need to be considered. You point out the need to accelerate. Angering off the drivers around you and giving Minis a bad name for driving TOO slowly would be another... also need to consider that repairs (and the parts used to accomplish them) cost energy, time, and ultimately fuel and money.

General rule: highest possible gear without lugging the engine, and downshift when necessary if you anticipate the need for acceleration (basic driving rule: Keep your eyes up and far ahead on the road!).

 

If you can go the speed you need to, at 2000 rpm, then use that as a rule of thumb. Below that, you need to downshift. Fuel economy has to take a back seat to the overall health of your car's mechanicals.

 

Keep it within 35 to 55 mph at around sub 2k rpm but above 1.8k. Any lower than 35mph or above 55mph and gasoline isn't an efficient energy source. Any lower than 1.8k rpms, the car feels like it might start to groan and anything above 2k rpms is just wasting energy.

 

I've definately noticed I get about 5+ mpg more
cruising at 55.

Not by choice mind you I mean when it just isn't possible
to go 65 or 68.

Where the speed limit is 65 or 70 I usually go
about 72 - 74. The mpg goes WAY down is what I'm
trying to say.

The other thing when in traffic I allow enough room
that I dont have to smash the brakes on and off, just
coast then speed up gradually.
That's a +5 on the mpg right there vs. normal city mpg.

 

When you get over about 35 wind resistance is the biggest issue you are dealing with and resistance increases as a square of your speed. So...

65 / 55 = 1.1818^2 = 1.3967 or about 40% increased wind resistance

74 / 55 = 1.3455^2 = 1.8103 or about 81% more wind resistance

Even knowing this I find it hard to keep my speed under 75.

 

News Flash!
Gas is Cheap...

for now.

 

For now is right.
All of the models done before this economic downturn show there is not enough oil for the needs. As soon as the economy starts picking up worldwide oil will start back up and likely will not go back down unless there are alternative energy sources found.

 

I like the groan as it keeps all the squeaks and rattles company! Kidding. Yup 25MPH in 6th is def "possible." I was really just inquiring as to any advantages/disadvantages of doing so. Maybe the pulley and intake help at that speed or the different gearing of the 05+ models.

Never really thought about the wear on the tranny or engine if lugging the engine in a high gear with low RPM. Thanks for the info.

Winter tends to be my time to attempt great feets of milleage when the windows are closed and my hat muffles the beautiful exhaust burble. I try to find routes that involve speeds between 30-45MPH with as few possible stops (lights, intersections), keep it smooth, anticipate the next stop and get off the gas early rather than braking, and shift slightly after 2k RPMs and cruise just under 2k RPMs. Driving like this makes up for my driving style for the rest of the year! It's a game; if you're serious about playing it can be fun. If I was really serious I'd have bought an R56, but I have yet to see gas prices get that expensive