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Date: Tue, 22 Mar 2005 17:23:53 -0000
From: Gary Fritz <fritzxxxnospamrii.com>
Subject: 9-5 Aero speed vs. gas mileage


I tried a test with my 9-5 Aero's trip computer last week. On a trip to & from the airport (roughly 70 miles) I got onto the interstate, zeroed out the computer, and tracked the mileage I got while driving at highway speeds. On the way to the airport, I drove 80-85 mph. Highway mileage was just about 29 mpg. That jives with the mileage I've seen on long road trips. On the way back, I drove about 65-70. Highway mileage was over 39 mpg! I don't know how accurate the trip computer is, but I would assume it's consistent from one run to another. I was astonished that an 18% drop in speed would produce a 34% gain in mileage. I guess this is due to air resistance increasing as the square of speed, or something like that? FWIW, the altitude of the start & end points was nearly identical. Temps were maybe 10degF warmer for the return run. I had about 200lbs less passenger & cargo weight on the way back (3 people & luggage vs. 4 people & luggage for the trip to the airport), but I wouldn't think that would make a significant difference on a relatively flat run. I would think the air & rolling resistance would make a much bigger difference. So I could hugely increase my mileage on the road if I'm willing to go slower. Unfortunately I don't know of any way to similarly increase my city mileage, which is probably 80-90% of my driving. I can help it a bit if I always drive like a feeble granny, but then what's the point of owning an Aero!? I've been considering a VW Passat TDI in order to reduce my gas consumption. I get about 22mpg in town driving, 28mpg on road trips. The TDI is rated at 27mpg city, 38 mpg highway. With over 20k miles per year, I'd save something like 200 gallons per year. With diesel running maybe 10-15 cents cheaper than premium, I'd be saving $500 or more per year on fuel. Of course, the Passat is no Aero. I'd be taking a serious hit in performance. And it looks like a 2004 Passat TDI wagon with 20k miles is worth about $4000 more than my 2002 Aero wagon with 60k miles. So maybe it's not worth the change. Unless my mostly-town-driven Aero is a ticking timebomb with the engine problems I keep hearing about... Has Saab USA said anything about a guarantee program for that yet?? Gary

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