Has anyone noted or know about how much using ac will drop your MPG in the R53

Thanks

 

I don't know how much an "S" loses but my '50 runs like poo if I use it so I avoid it. Windows down, sunroof open and 50mph is good enough for me. But I think 2-3mpg is the generally accepted loss, is it not?

 

I haven't looked into it for the MINI, but a major consumer magazine did a test of their own and found that the ac reduced the mileage by about 1 mpg. Can't recall what car it was, but the bottom line is---not much.

 

works for me, I like to drive with my windows down but after longer trips (hour+) @ 70-75mph my ears take a toll...

 

Coming from Phx where the AC runs 24/7 during the summer...i really havent noticed any difference in mileage

 

I've noticed that windows down = worse mileage than AC on.

 

Mythbusters did a test some time back -- using Explorers (I think)

I think outcome was slightly better with windows down than AC -- but not much (and don't quote me on any of this)

I also think that V6 and V8 engines tend to suffer relatively less from the added load of the AC than the 4 poppers. You certainly feel the AC drain more in a basic 4-cyl.

 

I would think windows open also have greater negative impact the faster you go.

 

They do. A news report showed that up to 45-55mph, windows down is the way to go. Above that, it's too much of a drag and AC is best. Low speed, in town driving with AC showed the biggest loss in gas mileage.

 

I've noticed approx. 1 mpg less with A/C than without. Here in S. Carolina though, you gotta have it!

 

I totally notice a difference when I'm using my AC, even if it's on 1! It's horrible to have 100+ temps every day and still feel bad for pressing that little button. Next week it's even supposed to pass the 110 mark here. Hellooo guilt trip and bye bye gasolina.

 

Mine is not an S, but for sake of comparison:

I recently had to make 5 round trips from RI to Atlantic City; about 300 miles each leg. Each trip brought different weather conditions so I had ample opportunity to test this very question.

I would reset the onboard MPG and run for an hour or so to watch my milage at 65, 70, and 75 (or +) just to see where the sweet spot was for speed. Then I would turn on the AC and do the same.

On my car, every time I ran the AC I would lose 2 - 3 MPG. Seeing that the R53 has a bit more testosterone, I would guess that it would be more like 1 - 2 MPG.

BTW - 60 to 65 MPH gave me the best MPG; faster was worse and I did not try slower (it is a MINI after all!)

 

I lose about 1mpg at the most. This tank I'm actually even. Too many additional factors on a full tank and over 300+ miles to call it all the AC's fault or benefit.

 

that was my next question, what speed gives youbest gas milage, the rule I use is keep it 3k or under. which sucks when the speed limit takes you over that mark, now I want a 7th gear or to change 6th gear ratio.

 

logically, the slower you can go, the better the gas mileage. your engine will not be working as hard at slower speeds, and there will be less wind resistance on the car.

there was a report on the news not too long ago that involved this idea...ways to save gas. simply driving at a slower rate of speed makes a great difference. 65mph i get 33mph highway. 83mph i get 29 highway. i test it everyday on my 15mile commute on the interstate to work.
one consideration for this..the speed limit is 70mph... when i drive 83mph..i find myself having to slow up due to catching up to so many cars in front of me. after they get over, i use a lot more fuel getting back up to speed.

 

I've had my Coop for 2 weeks now and get in the 40's on highway. Yesterday I clocked 44.5. If you keep it steady, with tac at or under 3, that works best for me.

 

I heard on streets to drive with windows down and on highways to use ac. for best gas!

 

That has worked well for me in the not-so-distant past.

 

Even at 75 mph, I am getting about 1-2 mph better with top back and windows open than with AC on.

 

Best constant speed for highest gas mileage is usually the slowest you can go in your tallest gear (6th) without lugging the engine. For most cars, that's around 50-55 mph.

 

I have a MC...like everyone else, the A/C bogs it down BIG time. I find it very odd that the MPG's aren't reduced much with the A/C on, because the car is surely working under a load, not to mention the extra throttle it takes compared to when the A/C is off..just an observation..