View Single Post
  #8 (permalink)  
Old 09-04-2007, 06:06 AM
Mr. Kite's Avatar
Mr. Kite Mr. Kite is offline
Ridiculously Active Enthusiast
 
Real Name: John
Location: Colorado
Hybrids: 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Posts: 708
Default Re: 40+ MPG Tank in my Highlander Hybrid 4WD

Quote:
Originally Posted by PineywoodsPete View Post
Although most of my HiHy driving is in the relatively flat lowlands, my best milage is always in the S. Colorado mountains - San Luis Valley region where my son lives. I always get above 30 mpg highway FE regardless of the terraine there, which I assume to be due to the decreased air resistance at this 8,000-12,000 ft altitude.

If I remember correctly, air density decreases about 3% for each 1000 ft of altitude - roughly 20-30% less air resistance at equivalent speeds at the above altitude range compared to sea level. I note that Sr. Kite hails from CO.
This entire tank was driven in a relatively tight elevation range around 5,200 ft. Also, I barely got up to highway speeds on this tank. A very high percentage of my driving was below 40 miles per hour. I don't believe the air resistance plays a big role at these speeds.

If you look at my tanks in the database, you can see what I get under other driving conditions.

.







Last edited by Mr. Kite : 07-01-2008 at 12:17 PM.
Reply With Quote