Date: Sat, 11 Aug 2001 04:48:52 +0000
Reply-To: Mike Finkbiner <mike_l_f@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Mike Finkbiner <mike_l_f@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Fuel consumption
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed
Gary -
I agree with David. I like the cruise control on my '87 Westy, but it will
go to WOT on fairly small hills. With the digitool, I can see the throttle
switch come on. That has to cut into the mileage a bit.
When I am not using the cruise control, I can try to anticipate hills by
speeding up, and not have to work the engine quite so hard to make it over
the top. But - on the long, boring straight stretches, it is well worth it.
I suppose you could try to run several trips over the same terrain, with and
without CC to see what happens, but I don't have the patience!
- Mike Finkbiner
'87 Westy
Moscow, Idaho
>Date: Fri, 10 Aug 2001 16:59:47 -0500
>From: David Stell <dstell@MMCABLE.COM>
>Subject: Re: Fuel consumption
>Gary --
>First, let me say that I think cruise control is the greatest thing since
>sliced bread! I haven't owned a car without it since I don't know when.
>That said, I do think it's possible that CC can cut mileage on a "low
>powered" vehicle if the terrain is hilly. If you would try to be a
"human
>CC" and maintain speed in hilly terrain in your Vanagon, you'd have to
floor
>the pedal -- or at least come close -- many times to attempt to keep an
even
>pace. Of course, WOT = high fuel consumption.
<SNIP>
>David Stell
>Norman, OK
>> I made an interesting observation and would like to
>> hear views/opinions from list members.
>>
<snip>
>> Having moved from a very fuel efficient Golf to the
>> After a lot of thinking and some testing this week I
>> found out why. When I drive to work on the highway I
>> use cruise control.
<snip>
>> I guess the answer is, if you want better fuel
>> consumption don't use cruise control.
>>
>> Has anyone else found this to be true or is it a well
>> known fact that I have never heard of (being that this
>> is the first car I have owned that has CC)
>>
>> Gary
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