Question about gas mileage in a stick shift...accelerating from 25 MPH...

[Rafs-T-Type]

Question about gas mileage in a stick shift...accelerating from 25 MPH would you get better gas mileage in 3rd or 5th gear? It seems like the obvious answer would be 5th, however in 5th you have to floor the gas to get moving while in 3rd a lot less throttle position would get you moving. Thought?

 

[bishir]

FxD=W would say it wouldn't matter, but due to other factors of efficiency and thermodynamics the most economical way to roll may not be so obvious. Though you failed to mention what speed you would stop accellerating and the gear ratios involved and really they're are way too many variables to process the question intelligently. Though ponder this, GM put skip shift on transmission for economical reasons so what does that tell you?

 

[bison]

It would depend on the engine. If the valve timing had too much overlap it wouldn't help to be at a lower rpm. If is was a small cammed v engine lower is usually better to a point. A good rec is to look at the rpm in high gear at 55-60 mph. This is usually the most efficient engine rpm. Car manufacturers generally set the car up to be as efficient as possible at those speeds. 1600-1800 on a v engine typically

 

[Rafs-T-Type]

It would depend on the engine. If the valve timing had too much overlap it wouldn't help to be at a lower rpm. If is was a small cammed v engine lower is usually better to a point. A good rec is to look at the rpm in high gear at 55-60 mph. This is usually the most efficient engine rpm. Car manufacturers generally set the car up to be as efficient as possible at those speeds. 1600-1800 on a v engine typically

Jeez Bison, is there anything you don't have an answer for?

 

[novaderrik]

depends on the car.. my driving style is to get up to speed as quick as possible without pretending i'm driving a race car, which contradicts my mom's "take a mile or so to get up to 55" driving style..