To go a little further.  I remember some time back reading something
that said cars were optimized for 45mph as the best balance of power and
mileage.  Beyond that, rolling friction is not the main determining
force that must be overcome.  Air resistance becomes the determining
factor on horsepower required.  Don't remember all of the specifics (it
was many years ago) but it seems to hold pretty close.  Cars seem to get
about the best mileage aroun the 45mph range or at least mine have.
Doesn't mean I can't cruise along at 80 in my flying brick.

William 
-----Original Message-----
From: Sam Walters [mailto:sam.cooks@VERIZON.NET] 
Sent: Tuesday, April 04, 2006 9:25 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: mpg - How Stuff Works link on fuel efficiency

There is an excellent explanation of the factors impacting fuel
efficiency in the How Stuff Works material.

See:    http://auto.howstuffworks.com/question477.htm

Sam

--
Sam Walters
Baltimore, MD

89 Syncro GL, Zetec Inside
85 Westy Weekender
85 Mercedes Benz 300D Turbodiesel - to become veggie oil powered

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