ARmy Rumour SErvice

Originally Posted by Tremaine

Any evidence to prove automatics consume more fuel. Or is that another urban myth

Yes they do check out manufacturers figures or a car magazine. They are much better than they used to be when most were only three speed, some now are 7 speed.
Then mine won't let me over-rev in each gear it changes up.

A quick look in your owners manual will tell you at what revs peak torque is produced by your engine. When in top gear, just drive at that revs and you should get max fuel efficiency....

Automatics of old used some of the engine power to change gear, modern Autos use more electrics to do the same, so should be better on fuel.

Originally Posted by jarrod248

Yes they do check out manufacturers figures or a car magazine. They are much better than they used to be when most were only three speed, some now are 7 speed.
Then mine won't let me over-rev in each gear it changes up.

Thanks. So I looked it up and found something from the AA. I wonder whether we should also be looking at fuel efficient cars, other fuels, etc. It's a given, that fuel efficient driving techniques work when done properly. And how many of us can afford a new motor anyway. I just feel for anyone who has to drive long distances every day on their own costs, these days.

[ "Manual or Automatic?
For a smooth drive around town, it's tempting to opt for an automatic or a car with continuously variable transmission (CVT). These cars are easier to drive as they have no clutch, and they change gear for you.

The flip side is that they use more fuel. Traditional Automatics may use around 10% more than manuals whilst cars with CVT use around 5% more.

There is however now a growing number of "automated manual" transmissions around. Essentially clever hydraulic and electronic systems take car of the clutch and gear change. These can offer a fuel consumption saving compared with 'normal' autos and manuals.

At motorway speeds fuel consumption evens out and there's not much difference between manuals and automatics. Modern semi-automatic features such as button-operated gear change and automatic clutch control help you use less fuel".] Car Buyers Guide - Advice : greener choices when buying a new car - The AA

Trem

Then official figures can be misleading but how many people do you know who always drive manuals in the wrong gear? A modern automatic tends to be in the right gear.

Originally Posted by putteesinmyhands

I'd put forward the suggestion that you can greatly improve fuel economy by getting off the motorway/dual carriageway. .

My experience is exactly the opposite - I've done a regular journey of about 70 miles on both dual carriageway and old "A" road - and I've found much better mpg on the dual carriageway. That's cos I stick to a steady speed the whole way, not keep slowing and stopping for junctions, and then burning fuel accelerating the mass of the car back up to 60 again. Of course, I'm happy to stick with the trucks in the inside lane at 60 and ignore everyone bombing past at 70 - 85 mph in the outside lane. It's a habit I got from driving a Series III Landy, for which 60 was flat out, with a following wind.

Automatics do use more fuel, you've got far more transmission losses within the torque converter, particularly when you're accelerating and using the most fuel anyway. Locking clutches improve things once you're up to speed and cruising, but as soon as the conditions change (more torque, change of speed) then you're back the swirling oil about again. The exceptions are the new DSG type boxes where you've got a dual clutch manual gearbox, with the changes being controlled and actuated by electrons....

I've found that to get the best MPG you have to resign yourself to sitting in the nearside lane spending your whole journey reading the back of a lorry! Result: 65-70 mpg from a 1.9 tdi Skoda Fabia.

I think the answer to the OP is - it's complicated.

There are so many factors that it is pretty much impossible to say "this is the most economical speed" for everyone.

Originally Posted by Steven

I think the answer to the OP is - it's complicated.

There are so many factors that it is pretty much impossible to say "this is the most economical speed" for everyone.

I find long journeys at 60mph can be very tedious.

However I read the Telegraph and let Smithers get on with being Chauffeur.