Subaru Forester Owners Forum - View Single Post - R&T: Heavy foot + short shifting = +20% MPG

Dan · 07-14-2008, 08:40 PM

Supposedly BMW did a study in the 1980's that showed exactly that - quicker acceleration got you into taller gears sooner. The key is to use a heavier foot but don't wind out the motor. The result was something like 2/3 throttle plus shifting at 3000 RPM or below netted significantly better mileage than babying the throttle. I'm trying to find a link but have had no luck so far.

Edit: IIRC, the R&T article also mentioned that windows versus AC isn't as simple as switching over at 35 MPH or so, since the compressor creates drag on the drivetrain. It mentions up to 20% worse economy using AC. I'm guessing that's an extreme case.

07-14-2008, 08:40 PM	#4 (permalink)
Dan Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: La Crosse area, Wisconsin Posts: 3,459 Gallery: 0 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Supposedly BMW did a study in the 1980's that showed exactly that - quicker acceleration got you into taller gears sooner. The key is to use a heavier foot but don't wind out the motor. The result was something like 2/3 throttle plus shifting at 3000 RPM or below netted significantly better mileage than babying the throttle. I'm trying to find a link but have had no luck so far. Edit: IIRC, the R&T article also mentioned that windows versus AC isn't as simple as switching over at 35 MPH or so, since the compressor creates drag on the drivetrain. It mentions up to 20% worse economy using AC. I'm guessing that's an extreme case. __________________ SHIFT_to_Subaru '04 XT, 5spd Last edited by Dan : 07-14-2008 at 08:49 PM.