Quote:
Originally Posted by alanjoseph
hmmm ok, i see... i just found weird that my little 2300 pounds car made only 30km/gallon (city) same as a Lexus is200 3500pounds~ with a 3s-ge engine, maybe its because the technology...
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Actually it comes down to a percentage / balance thing.
IF you have a car that makes 100 HP but use only 33 HP going down the highway at 60 mph that doesn't sound very efficent. Now say your car only has 50 HP and uses 33 HP sounds more efficent. Right?
Here's the rub. (example)
At 100 HP you have plenty of power to start off, ie. easy on the gas pedal. Unlike the 50 HP car you have less power to use in town, ie the rap of slow no power cars.
Case in point, my 3.8 ltr V6 in a windstar mini van does as good if not just a tad better than my 1.5 ltr I4 in town (both automatics). With the van I do not even have to touch the gas to get going. It will shift up through all the gears ideling (level ground). The Tercel will not shift untill the motor hits 1,800 rpm. Thats where the HP curves cross (800 rpm V6 / 1800 rpm I4)
