"Edwin Pawlowski" wrote in message
news:gOg0f.2287$Wb3.1371@trndny04...
In a recent thread we had comments about fuel mileage, SUV's etc. I did
some research using my full sized car and the instant read mpg on the
computer that it has. I took readings on the same places, seemingly very
level. Keep in mind the gauge read whole numbers so decimals are not show
but may be rounded.

Using cruise control to keep the human element out, I drove at 70 mph, 65
mph, 60 mph. There was no shown difference between 65 and 70. When I
made
the run again at 60, is showed a 3 mpg increase.

I drive about 12,000 mile a year on highway (total is about twice that).
Saving the 3 mpg saves a total of 52 gallons of gas. At today's price of
$3, my savings per year is $156.

Now, driving at 70 mph, I will spend 171 hours at the wheel. Driving that
same distance at 60 mph, I'll be spending 200 hours for the same trips.
So,
to save $156 I have to give up 29 hours of my free time. The actual mpg
will vary on different cars, but that is what I was able to do with a
Buick
LeSabre. I also don't notice any difference with the AC on or off so I go
for comfort. YM WILL V
Ed


Or you can say you are paying about $5.50 an hour to drive 70 instead of 60
( or earning $5.50, tax free, driving at 60).

The "Myth Busters" did a segment on driving with AC or windows open. It was
not very conclusive I thought. I think the windows open won but the guy
with the AC on was freezing. They were not diving at 70 mph either.