Weight Reduction for better FE

[almightybmw]

I totally agree with you holycow. That's why I need to test the protege, as the old 105hp motor had a hard time moving the awd drivetrain and 3000lbs with just the driver. Since it weighs closer to 2500lbs now (empty) I feel the more powerful motor--125hp--should net me a large increase in FE; assuming I keep my foot out of it

[palemelanesian]

I entirely agree. The family vehicle, a V6 Odyssey, returns very similar mileage whether it's empty or loaded with 6 people and gear for vacation. My Civic, with it's 106 horsepower, is a different story. Torque? there is none.

[Jay2TheRescue]

My old Bonneville wagon actually got its best mileage with 5 people, 1 dog, and a weeks worth of luggage. Then again it did have a big block V-8 so loaded and cruising on the highway it was closer to its peak torque and pumping losses were minimized.

-Jay

[theholycow]

Another data point, from a different thread:

Originally Posted by BIBI

Having a passenger isnt quite affecting my FE, (150 pounds...).

And a question, isnt the 91 model lighter then a regular 92 vx (2100 pounds)?

There's not a lot of detailed data backing that one up, but it's interesting to compare to this post from earlier in this thread:

Originally Posted by PaleMelanesian

Did a controlled test on Sunday, driving to church with the family on board. That's about 200lb extra. 57.4 mpg there, 55.1 back. My average for that route, driving solo, is 63 mpg. I hypermiled it to the best of my ability, and weather and traffic were simply perfect.

+200 lb (+9% weight) = 11% worse MPG.