you can add comments to a you can add comments to a poll too. That’s pretty cool.
an
June 16, 2008 @
12:24 AM
You forgot to say how much You forgot to say how much mpg the MDX and A4 gets. My G35 gets about 20 city and 26-28 highway depending on how heavy my foot is. I’m sure my wider tires vs stock probably cause a decrease of a couple mpg, but I’m OK with it since it’s handling much more neutral now vs stock. It definitely stick to the road much better too.
Coronita
June 16, 2008 @
6:27 AM
You forgot to say how much You forgot to say how much mpg the MDX and A4 gets. My G35 gets about 20 city and 26-28 highway depending on how heavy my foot is. I’m sure my wider tires vs stock probably cause a decrease of a couple mpg, but I’m OK with it since it’s handling much more neutral now vs stock. It definitely stick to the road much better too.
This weekend was a pretty interesting experiment in which both wifey and i both drove to LA and back, same place same destination.
2004 Jetta GLI 1.8T 33.8mpg but, I also drive like a pansy on the commute to/from work.
How do you like the GIAC? Have you had it dynoed?
Coronita
June 16, 2008 @
9:22 AM
2004 Jetta GLI 1.8T 33.8mpg 2004 Jetta GLI 1.8T 33.8mpg but, I also drive like a pansy on the commute to/from work.
How do you like the GIAC? Have you had it dynoed?
OT response:
I have the GIAC ecu and had an APR-chipped ecu. GIAC is a more “in your face” power while APR imho is more smooth. I think either one is fine. I like the K04/GIAC combo, though would have been fine with a KO4/APR combo too, except my ECU with the APR chip died. The remus catback was free after an insurance claim, though I’m not sure if it really does anything (and no I’m not one of those annoying people with the fart can sounding exhaust).
The chip alone is great, because it boosts a 1.8T stock quite a bit, and the K04 doesn’t adds slightly more power…If you’re not chipped, I’d recommend getting one. I haven’t noticed that much of a difference in gas mileage, as I’m pretty heavy footed one way or the other. Plus wih some of the latest chipped ECU technology, you can switch ECU program management, between running stock, chipped, and race fuel. I do recommend carrying a spare unmolested ECU in your trunk (you know, german electronics are finicky once you start mucking with it).
I have not dynoed the car, as frankly it’s pointless. This setup was good enough for about 8 years ago. If I were to redo things, I would have purchased a T-28 kit from PES-tuning or a stage 3 kit from APR. But now, adding additional $4-5k in mods in a car that has a trade in of $7-8k probably isn’t too smart. With the new G37/IS/335/etc, it’s really no point in throwing more money into 8 year old technology just to keep up. I do have my eyes on the next generation S4/S5, which finally brings blower technology back to a v6 (assuming I won’t stumble across free money that I can use to buy a tesla roadster).
creechrr
June 16, 2008 @
9:50 AM
Do you autocross/track day or Do you autocross/track day or something of that nature? If not, you should. Ton of fun to be had.
Wait, do you drive a silver Avant?
Coronita
June 16, 2008 @
10:20 AM
Do you autocross/track day or Do you autocross/track day or something of that nature? If not, you should. Ton of fun to be had.
Wait, do you drive a silver Avant?
1) Use to. Not much anymore.
2) Nope, blue sedan (NOT the smurf color blue). Personally, I’m not a fan of station wagons (err i mean Avant’s)…though I use to know a few people with heavily modified S4 avants that will run circles around M3’s.
an
June 16, 2008 @
10:28 AM
+1 on the track day. I find +1 on the track day. I find track day to be the most fun and you get the most for your $. autoX is pretty expensive when you consider you really only get 4-5 minutes of run time vs hours at track day. But it’s definitely expensive if you consider tires, brakes, gas, etc.
Aecetia
June 16, 2008 @
10:35 AM
From The Times June 14, From The Times June 14, 2008
Scientists find bugs that eat waste and excrete petrol
Silicon Valley is experimenting with bacteria that have been genetically altered to provide ‘renewable petroleum’
asianautica wrote:+1 on the [quote=asianautica]+1 on the track day. I find track day to be the most fun and you get the most for your $. autoX is pretty expensive when you consider you really only get 4-5 minutes of run time vs hours at track day. But it’s definitely expensive if you consider tires, brakes, gas, etc.[/quote]
I totally agree. I only attend the autocross practice sessions when I really need a fix and I’m out of options.
The consumables aren’t that bad assuming you aren’t running a heavy car. The heavier cars tend to eat brakes and tires really fast. I run a boosted Civic that doesn’t go through consumables to quickly and I can still get 35+mpg is I keep my foot out of it.
an
June 16, 2008 @
10:51 AM
creechrr wrote:The [quote=creechrr]The consumables aren’t that bad assuming you aren’t running a heavy car. The heavier cars tend to eat brakes and tires really fast. I run a boosted Civic that doesn’t go through consumables to quickly and I can still get 35+mpg is I keep my foot out of it.
[/quote]
I totally agree. Unfortunately, my porky G35 weighs 3500 lb, so it does eat up a lil more than your civic. I really want to make a K20 EG hatch one day. That would be much more fun i think on the track vs my G right now.
creechrr
June 16, 2008 @
11:01 AM
asianautica wrote:
I totally [quote=asianautica]
I totally agree. Unfortunately, my porky G35 weighs 3500 lb, so it does eat up a lil more than your civic. I really want to make a K20 EG hatch one day. That would be much more fun i think on the track vs my G right now.[/quote]
So, I take that you don’t actively track any more?
Take my Civic off my hands and drop the K20 in. Then, that would allow me to pursue a supercharged Miata….Win, Win!
an
June 16, 2008 @
11:07 AM
creechrr wrote:
So, I take [quote=creechrr]
So, I take that you don’t actively track any more?
Take my Civic off my hands and drop the K20 in. Then, that would allow me to pursue a supercharged Miata….Win, Win![/quote]
I still do track when I can. The cost doesn’t deter me from it. I just chalk it up to another “gotta pay to play”. I’ll be looking for a shell for under $2k so, I don’t think your car fit the bill :-). That is, unless we have another wave of light weight RWD cars doing a come back again. Nissan, Toyota/Subaru already stated they’ll release on around 2010/2011.
nostradamus
June 16, 2008 @
12:32 AM
50mpg average on the 50mpg average on the motorcycle
~28 in the mazda if I drive conservatively
So I average 39, just short of tree-hugger. 😀
snail
June 16, 2008 @
5:13 PM
Nostra,
50 mpg, what kind of Nostra,
50 mpg, what kind of motorcycle? I ride a yamaha R1, and its not even close to that number. It wheelies for a block though….
I have been testing regular fuel v the recommended premium to evaluate the ping/performance issues. I am not an expert on the subject but I know that octane differences is not a power question (each grade having roughly the same btu’s), but a slower burn formulation to offset premature ignition of higher compression engines. The higher octanes are formulated to “burn slower.” The electronics improvements in the last decade have somewhat eliminated the pings – but not totally. Carbon build-up is also not an issue with today’s fuels/engines.
Theoretically I know I am sacrificing performance, but I cannot tell. The pinging is not an issue. My only concern is how the lower octanes may decrease engine life.
Cost savings? Regular gas at .40 – .50 per gallon cheaper, I am saving about $8 per fill-up. I fill up about once a week. Annual savings is ~ $400.
Eugene
June 16, 2008 @
7:29 PM
50 mpg, what kind of 50 mpg, what kind of motorcycle? I ride a yamaha R1, and its not even close to that number.
Honda Rebel 250 will get 60 mpg (but that’s not the kind of vehicle you’d want to commute). IIRC I used to get 40-45 on a Suzuki SV650.
snail
June 16, 2008 @
9:25 PM
Honda Rebel 250 will get 60 Honda Rebel 250 will get 60 mpg (but that’s not the kind of vehicle you’d want to commute). IIRC I used to get 40-45 on a Suzuki SV650.[/quote]
I drive a Porsche Boxster S – I drive a Porsche Boxster S – gets 19 city, 29 highway, but I can often get 31-32 on the highway. I guess it helps not to push a brick thru the air. An additional bonus is that the air coming out of my tailpipe is cleaner than the air in Los Angeles.
What’s everyone driving that has such poor gas mileage? – SUVs? I never saw the point of them here in California – Maybe Buffalo New York where it snows every winter.
It would be nice if L.A. actually built a subway system – I’d ride it in a second, to escape the stop and go morning traffic.
I predict that SUVs will become the new ghetto car, since no one will want them, and only poor people will be driving them since they will become cheap.
patientlywaiting
June 16, 2008 @
9:04 AM
” What’s everyone driving ” What’s everyone driving that has such poor gas mileage? – SUVs? I never saw the point of them here in California – Maybe Buffalo New York where it snows every winter.”
——
People carry their whole households in the SUVs. Just watch people unload. That’s entertaining in itself. Look at the size of the baby strollers.
waitingpatiently
June 16, 2008 @
10:08 AM
I am one of those SUV driving I am one of those SUV driving fools! We bought our 4-Runner before we had kids when we thought we needed the 4WD. It was nice to throw the double stroller (20lbs.) in the back and have room for groceries. We are going to the fair on Tuesday and will need to bring along the wagon (they are only 3&4). We can throw the board on top, chairs and sand toys in the back and head to the beach. And we also park at Moonlight and “picnic” in the back looking out at the ocean. It’s convenient but do we NEED it..NO…but I still want it. I only drive about 50 miles per week (I do all my errands on my daily trip to the gym). Everything anyone could possibly need is on El Camino between Leucadia and Encinitas Blvd. Eventually when the kids are bigger and the whole “gas shortage” gets figured out we will buy a new car, but until then I will smile at all the “looks” from the Pruis owners.
trex
June 16, 2008 @
6:50 AM
20mpg in my 1997 4Runner, 5 20mpg in my 1997 4Runner, 5 speed manual, but I walk to work every day.
ibjames
June 16, 2008 @
8:52 AM
“20mpg in my 1997 4Runner, 5 “20mpg in my 1997 4Runner, 5 speed manual, but I walk to work every day.”
you lucky SOB!!
ibjames
June 16, 2008 @
8:50 AM
2006 mazda 3 2.3
I’m getting 2006 mazda 3 2.3
I’m getting around 25, mostly city, wish I was getting more 🙁
Anonymous
June 16, 2008 @
8:54 AM
It is cool, Flu. I drive an It is cool, Flu. I drive an eco-friendly appliance: 2005 Scion XB. It’s kinda a cross between a car and SUV or small wagon or something. I love it for now. Made by Toyota.
ibjames
June 16, 2008 @
8:56 AM
my wife has the toyota my wife has the toyota matrix, we love it, the front passenger seat folds down and is covered by hard plastic, I can fit and 8′ long board in there, doors, etc. and still close the hatch!
Anonymous
June 16, 2008 @
10:22 AM
Submitted by ibjames on June Submitted by ibjames on June 16, 2008 – 8:56am.
my wife has the toyota matrix, we love it, the front passenger seat folds down and is covered by hard plastic, I can fit and 8′ long board in there, doors, etc. and still close the hatch!
Hey, ibjames. I almost got the matrix. The choice came down to that or the Scion. I wanted something that got good gas mileage. I chose the Scion because I looked in the back and got drunk off of all the cargo room in the back.
Right now, I wish that, like jp, I had a vespa as well. 🙂
Trojan4Life
June 16, 2008 @
8:58 AM
Not a tree-hugger, but glad I Not a tree-hugger, but glad I made the switch to a Prius in march 2007. Makes me look like a freakin’ genius now!
BTW, when I changed jobs last month I started commuting the 405 fwy in LA instead of the 110. I used to average 45 MPG on my old commute, now average 51 MPG because I sit in traffic longer. Filled up this weekend, $40 to top off and I won’t have to do it again for 2 weeks.
Trojan4life
kicksavedave
June 16, 2008 @
9:00 AM
Got a Civic Hybrid back in Got a Civic Hybrid back in 2006 when gas prices first jumped up. I calculated our savings based on gas at $3.50/gal and our typical commute. Right after I bought it, gas prices eased up a lot and our savings didn’t materialize like I expected.
It was advertised to get 49/51 mpg, I get more like 44-45, but I can get better mileage by driving like a granny. I just rarely choose to drive that way because the difference between 45 and 49 doesn’t impact me that much. Now that gas prices have exploded, I’m awfully happy I have it. I spend about $70 a month on gas – usually two fill-ups.
Not to mention the carpool lane all by my lonesome 🙂
jpinpb
June 16, 2008 @
9:18 AM
Hmmm. I don’t think I can Hmmm. I don’t think I can vote. I may have to vote twice. I drive the Audi TT mostly to work or when it’s raining. I haven’t even really evaluated the gas mileage. I’m sure better than any trucks or SUVs.
I ride the 1961 Vespa 150 whenever I can. Sunday there was a Vespa 15 anniversay Pharoahs Scooter Club ride. So I left home in UTC, rode to Motorsport in North Park and with the group (80 or so riders) rode up to Oceanside, had lunch and then rode back home – all on one tank (about 1 1/2 gallons) with gas left over.
Now, how tree-hugging friendly it is, well, that’s questionable. That old baby smokes a lot and can’t be too good for the environment, I fear. BUT I am stoked about the gas mileage.
May have to add a category – gas saver pollutant.
DWCAP
June 16, 2008 @
10:00 AM
My 9 year old pickup falls My 9 year old pickup falls right inbetween piglet and ecotolerant. I get 22 freeway (as in I actually get that) and 18 city (ditto). Average it out and I am a runt of a pig, but a pig non the less.
Thing is, I drive less than 12 miles to and from work each day total. I only average about 8-9k miles a year. I fill up about once every 3 weeks, so while my pig drinks, it doesnt go to the watering hole nearly as often as most. We should follow this up with a poll about miles driven per year, cause who cares if you get 50mpg if you drive 100k miles a year????
I am waiting for true plugin performance to hit the roads before I upgrade. Id like to go all electric, but well see what the market is able to deliver.
Coronita
June 16, 2008 @
11:36 AM
That is, unless we have That is, unless we have another wave of light weight RWD cars doing a come back again. Nissan, Toyota/Subaru already stated they’ll release on around 2010/2011.
Don’t laugh, but I’m thinking in the distance future a beater track car might be…a Hyundai genesis coupe…..
Cheap RWD. Hopefully tunable. and more than likely with a 10 year powertrain warranty…. Sigh.. I need to get a home with 4 car garage 🙂 So many cars, so little time…..
an
June 16, 2008 @
12:05 PM
fat_lazy_union_worker [quote=fat_lazy_union_worker]That is, unless we have another wave of light weight RWD cars doing a come back again. Nissan, Toyota/Subaru already stated they’ll release on around 2010/2011.
Don’t laugh, but I’m thinking in the distance future a beater track car might be…a Hyundai genesis coupe…..
Cheap RWD. Hopefully tunable. and more than likely with a 10 year powertrain warranty…. Sigh.. I need to get a home with 4 car garage 🙂 So many cars, so little time…..
[/quote]
FLU, I had high hopes for the Genesis coupe too. The 2.0L turbo is a world engine, co designed by Mitsubishi, Chrysler, and Hyundai. I think it’ll have a lot of potential like the EVO 2.0L turbo. However, what turned me off when the official spec came out is the 3300+lb from a RWD car. The EVO weighs that much w/ AWD. I’m hoping these new RWD cars from Nissan/Toyobaru will weigh in around 2700-2900 lb instead of the portly 3300 lb Genesis coupe.
Navydoc
June 16, 2008 @
12:27 PM
1996 911 Cabriolet gets 1996 911 Cabriolet gets 18/22, 2006 E350 does really well, 20/26, which I think is awesome considering how large and heavy it is.
But I’m a super tree-hugger after all. I ride my bike to work most days!
creechrr
June 16, 2008 @
12:39 PM
asianautica wrote:
However, [quote=asianautica]
However, what turned me off when the official spec came out is the 3300+lb from a RWD car. The EVO weighs that much w/ AWD. I’m hoping these new RWD cars from Nissan/Toyobaru will weigh in around 2700-2900 lb instead of the portly 3300 lb Genesis coupe.
[/quote]
That’s the essence of the problem right there. Modern automobiles are pigs hence the poor fuel economy. It seems like even the “base” model has A/C, power everything, eleveny billion speakers, and more air bags than an astrojump and let’s not forget the open sky panoramic sunroof.
bobby
June 16, 2008 @
11:38 AM
what’s a typical mileage on a what’s a typical mileage on a bicycle?
bubble_contagion
June 16, 2008 @
11:42 AM
My 300 HP AWD Europen Sport My 300 HP AWD Europen Sport Sedan drinks 20.5 MPG (mostly highway driving). I fill up 16 gallons of premium @ $5 (yesterday in La Jolla) for $80. My wife and I commute to work and at this price we’ll spend $240 / month on fuel.
Jack
June 16, 2008 @
4:25 PM
I get about 28mpg on my 2004 I get about 28mpg on my 2004 Accord for normal everyday use (mostly commuting, but also the small local trips to grab lunch during the week). If I take long trips on highway and use cruise control I can get about 32-33 mpg. I’m due for a new air filter, oil change and new tires, so that’ll probably give me a bit of a boost on the mpg’s.
beanmaestro
June 16, 2008 @
4:31 PM
I was tempted to pick the >40 I was tempted to pick the >40 option, since I rollerskate to work. Good exercise, and depending on how the lights turn, driving sometimes takes just as long.
As a silly aside, I get about 1000 miles on one set of wheels & bearings; these cost about $50, so I get 20mi/$, or about 80-90mi/”gal” at current prices.
On rainy days, the Saturn gets 30-32mph… we also have a box on wheels that gets 20mpg when we need cargo space… I sooo hate driving it. Must have my manual tranny.
Anonymous
June 16, 2008 @
7:01 PM
I have been getting 52 in my I have been getting 52 in my Toyota Prius.
I am always in the slow lane. I usually drive the speed limit, sometimes slower. Occasionlly I get honked at or flipped off by people who are major rush to get somewhere.
Eugene
June 16, 2008 @
7:27 PM
25-28 mpg in a BMW 330i 25-28 mpg in a BMW 330i (E46). I get as high as 31-33 mpg during the freeway portion of my commute. My V6 engine is not city-friendly, traffic lights and stop signs are very bad for fuel efficiency. Could go as low as 22 mpg if I had to do a lot of city driving.
Blissful Ignoramus
June 16, 2008 @
7:50 PM
2005 4 cylinder Honda Accord 2005 4 cylinder Honda Accord EX, which gets a disappointing 20 mpg in the city, which is really all the driving I do. We have one car and my wife and I both walk to work, so we only fill it up every three weeks or so. It gets low- to mid-30s on the highway, in the rare instances where we use it for that.
We really should get a Hybrid.
vagabondo
June 16, 2008 @
8:04 PM
Blissful Ignoramus wrote:2005 [quote=Blissful Ignoramus]2005 4 cylinder Honda Accord EX, which gets a disappointing 20 mpg in the city, which is really all the driving I do. We have one car and my wife and I both walk to work, so we only fill it up every three weeks or so. It gets low- to mid-30s on the highway, in the rare instances where we use it for that.
We really should get a Hybrid.[/quote]
Really? I hope it isn’t for economic reasons. I read an article today that calculated payback for the new Hybrid Civic vs. standard at 7.5 years for the average driver. Given your driving habits, you are looking at break-even in 15-20 years for the premium difference.
Akula1992
June 16, 2008 @
8:21 PM
My wife and I have 3 cars: a My wife and I have 3 cars: a 2001 Saab 95, a 1994 BMW 840Ci and a 1981 Ferrari 308GTSi. I now drive my wife’s car(the Saab) every day to and from work and get about 28MPG. I could probably do a lot better but I always get stuck in miles and miles of traffic jams in the afternoon. She works from home and now drives the BMW. Despite it being a big V8 it gets about 20-22 MPG. She put a total of 17 miles on it last week and that is pretty close to her norm. The F-word car has been put in storage and has not been driven in 3 years. I’ll probably sell it after having it for the past 13 years. I’ve had my fun and it doesn’t hold the same interest for me it once did. I don’t recall what it gets for MPG.
When we lived in Coronado I had a 1.8 mile commute to work and drove the BMW. Yeah, I probably should have ridden a bike but I didn’t have a bike plus I am not really a morning person. I think my co-workers probably would have taken up a collection to let me drive if it came down to it – no sense in having a grouchy person in the same office 🙂
snail
June 16, 2008 @
9:30 PM
Akula ..don’t sell your Akula ..don’t sell your 308/Magnum car its a classic! Aloha dude
Eugene
June 16, 2008 @
10:08 PM
The F-word car has been put The F-word car has been put in storage and has not been driven in 3 years. I’ll probably sell it after having it for the past 13 years. I’ve had my fun and it doesn’t hold the same interest for me it once did. I don’t recall what it gets for MPG.
Out of curiosity, what kind of price would it fetch, and how expensive is it to maintain? And do they even make replacement parts for those?
p.s. found some specs: 3250 lbs, 214 hp, 0-60 in 7.9 seconds. gas mileage: 9/15 mpg :O (although that’s for a 1985, supposedly with a bigger engine) It’s amazing what went for exotic in 1981 …
jimmy1977
June 16, 2008 @
8:38 PM
Old Miata (1996) slow as hell Old Miata (1996) slow as hell but gets me to work
June 16, 2008 @ 12:20 AM
you can add comments to a
you can add comments to a poll too. That’s pretty cool.
June 16, 2008 @ 12:24 AM
You forgot to say how much
You forgot to say how much mpg the MDX and A4 gets. My G35 gets about 20 city and 26-28 highway depending on how heavy my foot is. I’m sure my wider tires vs stock probably cause a decrease of a couple mpg, but I’m OK with it since it’s handling much more neutral now vs stock. It definitely stick to the road much better too.
June 16, 2008 @ 6:27 AM
You forgot to say how much
You forgot to say how much mpg the MDX and A4 gets. My G35 gets about 20 city and 26-28 highway depending on how heavy my foot is. I’m sure my wider tires vs stock probably cause a decrease of a couple mpg, but I’m OK with it since it’s handling much more neutral now vs stock. It definitely stick to the road much better too.
This weekend was a pretty interesting experiment in which both wifey and i both drove to LA and back, same place same destination.
Acura MDX: 3.5L V.6 265HP (ok, honda lies, it’s really closer to 255hp):
25.4 mpg
Audi A4 1.8TQ inline 4,
KO4Turbo/GIAC chipped ECU/Remus exhaust
19.7 mpg
Of course, my wifey drives like a pansy and me, i got there a few minutes earlier.
June 16, 2008 @ 7:58 AM
Audi A4 1.8TQ inline
2004 Jetta GLI 1.8T 33.8mpg but, I also drive like a pansy on the commute to/from work.
How do you like the GIAC? Have you had it dynoed?
June 16, 2008 @ 9:22 AM
2004 Jetta GLI 1.8T 33.8mpg
2004 Jetta GLI 1.8T 33.8mpg but, I also drive like a pansy on the commute to/from work.
How do you like the GIAC? Have you had it dynoed?
OT response:
I have the GIAC ecu and had an APR-chipped ecu. GIAC is a more “in your face” power while APR imho is more smooth. I think either one is fine. I like the K04/GIAC combo, though would have been fine with a KO4/APR combo too, except my ECU with the APR chip died. The remus catback was free after an insurance claim, though I’m not sure if it really does anything (and no I’m not one of those annoying people with the fart can sounding exhaust).
The chip alone is great, because it boosts a 1.8T stock quite a bit, and the K04 doesn’t adds slightly more power…If you’re not chipped, I’d recommend getting one. I haven’t noticed that much of a difference in gas mileage, as I’m pretty heavy footed one way or the other. Plus wih some of the latest chipped ECU technology, you can switch ECU program management, between running stock, chipped, and race fuel. I do recommend carrying a spare unmolested ECU in your trunk (you know, german electronics are finicky once you start mucking with it).
I have not dynoed the car, as frankly it’s pointless. This setup was good enough for about 8 years ago. If I were to redo things, I would have purchased a T-28 kit from PES-tuning or a stage 3 kit from APR. But now, adding additional $4-5k in mods in a car that has a trade in of $7-8k probably isn’t too smart. With the new G37/IS/335/etc, it’s really no point in throwing more money into 8 year old technology just to keep up. I do have my eyes on the next generation S4/S5, which finally brings blower technology back to a v6 (assuming I won’t stumble across free money that I can use to buy a tesla roadster).
June 16, 2008 @ 9:50 AM
Do you autocross/track day or
Do you autocross/track day or something of that nature? If not, you should. Ton of fun to be had.
Wait, do you drive a silver Avant?
June 16, 2008 @ 10:20 AM
Do you autocross/track day or
Do you autocross/track day or something of that nature? If not, you should. Ton of fun to be had.
Wait, do you drive a silver Avant?
1) Use to. Not much anymore.
2) Nope, blue sedan (NOT the smurf color blue). Personally, I’m not a fan of station wagons (err i mean Avant’s)…though I use to know a few people with heavily modified S4 avants that will run circles around M3’s.
June 16, 2008 @ 10:28 AM
+1 on the track day. I find
+1 on the track day. I find track day to be the most fun and you get the most for your $. autoX is pretty expensive when you consider you really only get 4-5 minutes of run time vs hours at track day. But it’s definitely expensive if you consider tires, brakes, gas, etc.
June 16, 2008 @ 10:35 AM
From The Times June 14,
From The Times June 14, 2008
Scientists find bugs that eat waste and excrete petrol
Silicon Valley is experimenting with bacteria that have been genetically altered to provide ‘renewable petroleum’
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article4133668.ece
June 16, 2008 @ 10:37 AM
asianautica wrote:+1 on the
[quote=asianautica]+1 on the track day. I find track day to be the most fun and you get the most for your $. autoX is pretty expensive when you consider you really only get 4-5 minutes of run time vs hours at track day. But it’s definitely expensive if you consider tires, brakes, gas, etc.[/quote]
I totally agree. I only attend the autocross practice sessions when I really need a fix and I’m out of options.
The consumables aren’t that bad assuming you aren’t running a heavy car. The heavier cars tend to eat brakes and tires really fast. I run a boosted Civic that doesn’t go through consumables to quickly and I can still get 35+mpg is I keep my foot out of it.
June 16, 2008 @ 10:51 AM
creechrr wrote:The
[quote=creechrr]The consumables aren’t that bad assuming you aren’t running a heavy car. The heavier cars tend to eat brakes and tires really fast. I run a boosted Civic that doesn’t go through consumables to quickly and I can still get 35+mpg is I keep my foot out of it.
[/quote]
I totally agree. Unfortunately, my porky G35 weighs 3500 lb, so it does eat up a lil more than your civic. I really want to make a K20 EG hatch one day. That would be much more fun i think on the track vs my G right now.
June 16, 2008 @ 11:01 AM
asianautica wrote:
I totally
[quote=asianautica]
I totally agree. Unfortunately, my porky G35 weighs 3500 lb, so it does eat up a lil more than your civic. I really want to make a K20 EG hatch one day. That would be much more fun i think on the track vs my G right now.[/quote]
So, I take that you don’t actively track any more?
Take my Civic off my hands and drop the K20 in. Then, that would allow me to pursue a supercharged Miata….Win, Win!
June 16, 2008 @ 11:07 AM
creechrr wrote:
So, I take
[quote=creechrr]
So, I take that you don’t actively track any more?
Take my Civic off my hands and drop the K20 in. Then, that would allow me to pursue a supercharged Miata….Win, Win![/quote]
I still do track when I can. The cost doesn’t deter me from it. I just chalk it up to another “gotta pay to play”. I’ll be looking for a shell for under $2k so, I don’t think your car fit the bill :-). That is, unless we have another wave of light weight RWD cars doing a come back again. Nissan, Toyota/Subaru already stated they’ll release on around 2010/2011.
June 16, 2008 @ 12:32 AM
50mpg average on the
50mpg average on the motorcycle
~28 in the mazda if I drive conservatively
So I average 39, just short of tree-hugger. 😀
June 16, 2008 @ 5:13 PM
Nostra,
50 mpg, what kind of
Nostra,
50 mpg, what kind of motorcycle? I ride a yamaha R1, and its not even close to that number. It wheelies for a block though….
June 16, 2008 @ 7:21 PM
1999 Lexus GS 400 ~21 MPG.
I
1999 Lexus GS 400 ~21 MPG.
I have been testing regular fuel v the recommended premium to evaluate the ping/performance issues. I am not an expert on the subject but I know that octane differences is not a power question (each grade having roughly the same btu’s), but a slower burn formulation to offset premature ignition of higher compression engines. The higher octanes are formulated to “burn slower.” The electronics improvements in the last decade have somewhat eliminated the pings – but not totally. Carbon build-up is also not an issue with today’s fuels/engines.
Theoretically I know I am sacrificing performance, but I cannot tell. The pinging is not an issue. My only concern is how the lower octanes may decrease engine life.
Cost savings? Regular gas at .40 – .50 per gallon cheaper, I am saving about $8 per fill-up. I fill up about once a week. Annual savings is ~ $400.
June 16, 2008 @ 7:29 PM
50 mpg, what kind of
50 mpg, what kind of motorcycle? I ride a yamaha R1, and its not even close to that number.
Honda Rebel 250 will get 60 mpg (but that’s not the kind of vehicle you’d want to commute). IIRC I used to get 40-45 on a Suzuki SV650.
June 16, 2008 @ 9:25 PM
Honda Rebel 250 will get 60
Honda Rebel 250 will get 60 mpg (but that’s not the kind of vehicle you’d want to commute). IIRC I used to get 40-45 on a Suzuki SV650.[/quote]
right on E, mine gets in low 40, and definitely its crazy to try to commute with the Rebel 250. But you might want to try this:
http://www.motorcycledaily.com/10april08_2008piaggio_mp3_500ie_pg1.htm
Its should be more economical than beemer and its has a top speed of 89mph
June 16, 2008 @ 2:29 AM
I drive a Porsche Boxster S –
I drive a Porsche Boxster S – gets 19 city, 29 highway, but I can often get 31-32 on the highway. I guess it helps not to push a brick thru the air. An additional bonus is that the air coming out of my tailpipe is cleaner than the air in Los Angeles.
What’s everyone driving that has such poor gas mileage? – SUVs? I never saw the point of them here in California – Maybe Buffalo New York where it snows every winter.
It would be nice if L.A. actually built a subway system – I’d ride it in a second, to escape the stop and go morning traffic.
I predict that SUVs will become the new ghetto car, since no one will want them, and only poor people will be driving them since they will become cheap.
June 16, 2008 @ 9:04 AM
” What’s everyone driving
” What’s everyone driving that has such poor gas mileage? – SUVs? I never saw the point of them here in California – Maybe Buffalo New York where it snows every winter.”
——
People carry their whole households in the SUVs. Just watch people unload. That’s entertaining in itself. Look at the size of the baby strollers.
June 16, 2008 @ 10:08 AM
I am one of those SUV driving
I am one of those SUV driving fools! We bought our 4-Runner before we had kids when we thought we needed the 4WD. It was nice to throw the double stroller (20lbs.) in the back and have room for groceries. We are going to the fair on Tuesday and will need to bring along the wagon (they are only 3&4). We can throw the board on top, chairs and sand toys in the back and head to the beach. And we also park at Moonlight and “picnic” in the back looking out at the ocean. It’s convenient but do we NEED it..NO…but I still want it. I only drive about 50 miles per week (I do all my errands on my daily trip to the gym). Everything anyone could possibly need is on El Camino between Leucadia and Encinitas Blvd. Eventually when the kids are bigger and the whole “gas shortage” gets figured out we will buy a new car, but until then I will smile at all the “looks” from the Pruis owners.
June 16, 2008 @ 6:50 AM
20mpg in my 1997 4Runner, 5
20mpg in my 1997 4Runner, 5 speed manual, but I walk to work every day.
June 16, 2008 @ 8:52 AM
“20mpg in my 1997 4Runner, 5
“20mpg in my 1997 4Runner, 5 speed manual, but I walk to work every day.”
you lucky SOB!!
June 16, 2008 @ 8:50 AM
2006 mazda 3 2.3
I’m getting
2006 mazda 3 2.3
I’m getting around 25, mostly city, wish I was getting more 🙁
June 16, 2008 @ 8:54 AM
It is cool, Flu. I drive an
It is cool, Flu. I drive an eco-friendly appliance: 2005 Scion XB. It’s kinda a cross between a car and SUV or small wagon or something. I love it for now. Made by Toyota.
June 16, 2008 @ 8:56 AM
my wife has the toyota
my wife has the toyota matrix, we love it, the front passenger seat folds down and is covered by hard plastic, I can fit and 8′ long board in there, doors, etc. and still close the hatch!
June 16, 2008 @ 10:22 AM
Submitted by ibjames on June
Submitted by ibjames on June 16, 2008 – 8:56am.
my wife has the toyota matrix, we love it, the front passenger seat folds down and is covered by hard plastic, I can fit and 8′ long board in there, doors, etc. and still close the hatch!
Hey, ibjames. I almost got the matrix. The choice came down to that or the Scion. I wanted something that got good gas mileage. I chose the Scion because I looked in the back and got drunk off of all the cargo room in the back.
Right now, I wish that, like jp, I had a vespa as well. 🙂
June 16, 2008 @ 8:58 AM
Not a tree-hugger, but glad I
Not a tree-hugger, but glad I made the switch to a Prius in march 2007. Makes me look like a freakin’ genius now!
BTW, when I changed jobs last month I started commuting the 405 fwy in LA instead of the 110. I used to average 45 MPG on my old commute, now average 51 MPG because I sit in traffic longer. Filled up this weekend, $40 to top off and I won’t have to do it again for 2 weeks.
Trojan4life
June 16, 2008 @ 9:00 AM
Got a Civic Hybrid back in
Got a Civic Hybrid back in 2006 when gas prices first jumped up. I calculated our savings based on gas at $3.50/gal and our typical commute. Right after I bought it, gas prices eased up a lot and our savings didn’t materialize like I expected.
It was advertised to get 49/51 mpg, I get more like 44-45, but I can get better mileage by driving like a granny. I just rarely choose to drive that way because the difference between 45 and 49 doesn’t impact me that much. Now that gas prices have exploded, I’m awfully happy I have it. I spend about $70 a month on gas – usually two fill-ups.
Not to mention the carpool lane all by my lonesome 🙂
June 16, 2008 @ 9:18 AM
Hmmm. I don’t think I can
Hmmm. I don’t think I can vote. I may have to vote twice. I drive the Audi TT mostly to work or when it’s raining. I haven’t even really evaluated the gas mileage. I’m sure better than any trucks or SUVs.
I ride the 1961 Vespa 150 whenever I can. Sunday there was a Vespa 15 anniversay Pharoahs Scooter Club ride. So I left home in UTC, rode to Motorsport in North Park and with the group (80 or so riders) rode up to Oceanside, had lunch and then rode back home – all on one tank (about 1 1/2 gallons) with gas left over.
Now, how tree-hugging friendly it is, well, that’s questionable. That old baby smokes a lot and can’t be too good for the environment, I fear. BUT I am stoked about the gas mileage.
May have to add a category – gas saver pollutant.
June 16, 2008 @ 10:00 AM
My 9 year old pickup falls
My 9 year old pickup falls right inbetween piglet and ecotolerant. I get 22 freeway (as in I actually get that) and 18 city (ditto). Average it out and I am a runt of a pig, but a pig non the less.
Thing is, I drive less than 12 miles to and from work each day total. I only average about 8-9k miles a year. I fill up about once every 3 weeks, so while my pig drinks, it doesnt go to the watering hole nearly as often as most. We should follow this up with a poll about miles driven per year, cause who cares if you get 50mpg if you drive 100k miles a year????
I am waiting for true plugin performance to hit the roads before I upgrade. Id like to go all electric, but well see what the market is able to deliver.
June 16, 2008 @ 11:36 AM
That is, unless we have
That is, unless we have another wave of light weight RWD cars doing a come back again. Nissan, Toyota/Subaru already stated they’ll release on around 2010/2011.
Don’t laugh, but I’m thinking in the distance future a beater track car might be…a Hyundai genesis coupe…..
http://www.leftlanenews.com/hyundai-genesis-coupe.html
Cheap RWD. Hopefully tunable. and more than likely with a 10 year powertrain warranty…. Sigh.. I need to get a home with 4 car garage 🙂 So many cars, so little time…..
June 16, 2008 @ 12:05 PM
fat_lazy_union_worker
[quote=fat_lazy_union_worker]That is, unless we have another wave of light weight RWD cars doing a come back again. Nissan, Toyota/Subaru already stated they’ll release on around 2010/2011.
Don’t laugh, but I’m thinking in the distance future a beater track car might be…a Hyundai genesis coupe…..
http://www.leftlanenews.com/hyundai-genesis-coupe.html
Cheap RWD. Hopefully tunable. and more than likely with a 10 year powertrain warranty…. Sigh.. I need to get a home with 4 car garage 🙂 So many cars, so little time…..
[/quote]
FLU, I had high hopes for the Genesis coupe too. The 2.0L turbo is a world engine, co designed by Mitsubishi, Chrysler, and Hyundai. I think it’ll have a lot of potential like the EVO 2.0L turbo. However, what turned me off when the official spec came out is the 3300+lb from a RWD car. The EVO weighs that much w/ AWD. I’m hoping these new RWD cars from Nissan/Toyobaru will weigh in around 2700-2900 lb instead of the portly 3300 lb Genesis coupe.
June 16, 2008 @ 12:27 PM
1996 911 Cabriolet gets
1996 911 Cabriolet gets 18/22, 2006 E350 does really well, 20/26, which I think is awesome considering how large and heavy it is.
But I’m a super tree-hugger after all. I ride my bike to work most days!
June 16, 2008 @ 12:39 PM
asianautica wrote:
However,
[quote=asianautica]
However, what turned me off when the official spec came out is the 3300+lb from a RWD car. The EVO weighs that much w/ AWD. I’m hoping these new RWD cars from Nissan/Toyobaru will weigh in around 2700-2900 lb instead of the portly 3300 lb Genesis coupe.
[/quote]
That’s the essence of the problem right there. Modern automobiles are pigs hence the poor fuel economy. It seems like even the “base” model has A/C, power everything, eleveny billion speakers, and more air bags than an astrojump and let’s not forget the open sky panoramic sunroof.
June 16, 2008 @ 11:38 AM
what’s a typical mileage on a
what’s a typical mileage on a bicycle?
June 16, 2008 @ 11:42 AM
My 300 HP AWD Europen Sport
My 300 HP AWD Europen Sport Sedan drinks 20.5 MPG (mostly highway driving). I fill up 16 gallons of premium @ $5 (yesterday in La Jolla) for $80. My wife and I commute to work and at this price we’ll spend $240 / month on fuel.
June 16, 2008 @ 4:25 PM
I get about 28mpg on my 2004
I get about 28mpg on my 2004 Accord for normal everyday use (mostly commuting, but also the small local trips to grab lunch during the week). If I take long trips on highway and use cruise control I can get about 32-33 mpg. I’m due for a new air filter, oil change and new tires, so that’ll probably give me a bit of a boost on the mpg’s.
June 16, 2008 @ 4:31 PM
I was tempted to pick the >40
I was tempted to pick the >40 option, since I rollerskate to work. Good exercise, and depending on how the lights turn, driving sometimes takes just as long.
As a silly aside, I get about 1000 miles on one set of wheels & bearings; these cost about $50, so I get 20mi/$, or about 80-90mi/”gal” at current prices.
On rainy days, the Saturn gets 30-32mph… we also have a box on wheels that gets 20mpg when we need cargo space… I sooo hate driving it. Must have my manual tranny.
June 16, 2008 @ 7:01 PM
I have been getting 52 in my
I have been getting 52 in my Toyota Prius.
I am always in the slow lane. I usually drive the speed limit, sometimes slower. Occasionlly I get honked at or flipped off by people who are major rush to get somewhere.
June 16, 2008 @ 7:27 PM
25-28 mpg in a BMW 330i
25-28 mpg in a BMW 330i (E46). I get as high as 31-33 mpg during the freeway portion of my commute. My V6 engine is not city-friendly, traffic lights and stop signs are very bad for fuel efficiency. Could go as low as 22 mpg if I had to do a lot of city driving.
June 16, 2008 @ 7:50 PM
2005 4 cylinder Honda Accord
2005 4 cylinder Honda Accord EX, which gets a disappointing 20 mpg in the city, which is really all the driving I do. We have one car and my wife and I both walk to work, so we only fill it up every three weeks or so. It gets low- to mid-30s on the highway, in the rare instances where we use it for that.
We really should get a Hybrid.
June 16, 2008 @ 8:04 PM
Blissful Ignoramus wrote:2005
[quote=Blissful Ignoramus]2005 4 cylinder Honda Accord EX, which gets a disappointing 20 mpg in the city, which is really all the driving I do. We have one car and my wife and I both walk to work, so we only fill it up every three weeks or so. It gets low- to mid-30s on the highway, in the rare instances where we use it for that.
We really should get a Hybrid.[/quote]
Really? I hope it isn’t for economic reasons. I read an article today that calculated payback for the new Hybrid Civic vs. standard at 7.5 years for the average driver. Given your driving habits, you are looking at break-even in 15-20 years for the premium difference.
June 16, 2008 @ 8:21 PM
My wife and I have 3 cars: a
My wife and I have 3 cars: a 2001 Saab 95, a 1994 BMW 840Ci and a 1981 Ferrari 308GTSi. I now drive my wife’s car(the Saab) every day to and from work and get about 28MPG. I could probably do a lot better but I always get stuck in miles and miles of traffic jams in the afternoon. She works from home and now drives the BMW. Despite it being a big V8 it gets about 20-22 MPG. She put a total of 17 miles on it last week and that is pretty close to her norm. The F-word car has been put in storage and has not been driven in 3 years. I’ll probably sell it after having it for the past 13 years. I’ve had my fun and it doesn’t hold the same interest for me it once did. I don’t recall what it gets for MPG.
When we lived in Coronado I had a 1.8 mile commute to work and drove the BMW. Yeah, I probably should have ridden a bike but I didn’t have a bike plus I am not really a morning person. I think my co-workers probably would have taken up a collection to let me drive if it came down to it – no sense in having a grouchy person in the same office 🙂
June 16, 2008 @ 9:30 PM
Akula ..don’t sell your
Akula ..don’t sell your 308/Magnum car its a classic! Aloha dude
June 16, 2008 @ 10:08 PM
The F-word car has been put
The F-word car has been put in storage and has not been driven in 3 years. I’ll probably sell it after having it for the past 13 years. I’ve had my fun and it doesn’t hold the same interest for me it once did. I don’t recall what it gets for MPG.
Out of curiosity, what kind of price would it fetch, and how expensive is it to maintain? And do they even make replacement parts for those?
p.s. found some specs: 3250 lbs, 214 hp, 0-60 in 7.9 seconds. gas mileage: 9/15 mpg :O (although that’s for a 1985, supposedly with a bigger engine) It’s amazing what went for exotic in 1981 …
June 16, 2008 @ 8:38 PM
Old Miata (1996) slow as hell
Old Miata (1996) slow as hell but gets me to work