Not trying to be an ***... I guess I need more practice or better technique.. but I constantly see people saying they are "accelerating with MPGs pegged at 40mpg"...

Now if you want to consider "accelerating" gaining 1mph every 3 or 4 seconds... then OK.... but let's talk real world here... a world where you don't have Yugos and 1982 Chevette's beeping their horns telling you to hurry up....

But consistantly 40+mpg during accelleration? I say BS.

It seems to me like I can get 30-35mpg under "slow" accelleration (let's say 30-40 seconds to 55mph)... or I can get 20-25mpg under "moderately fast" accelleration (let's say 20 seconds to 55mph.)

So let's compare.... I would think that it would be better in the long run to run 20 seconds at 20mpg (moderately fast accelleration) and then let up and cruise at 55mph getting 60mpg for that last 10-20 seconds (the extra time it takes for "slow" accelleration).

That gives you 35-40mpg on average... as compared to 30-35mpg. And you are at 55mph longer, giving you a longer average travelling distance at that higher MPG.

So, considering the great benefit of "lean burn" cruising... I would say a Hybrid would be better used getting to "speed" at a faster pace instead of taking so long....

Anyone agree or disagree? Why?