Well, I do too, but a couple weeks ago I had to get to San Antonio from
OK City on an urgenc matter.  Driving I-35 and flying take about the
same time (considering airport wait times, etc.), whereas the scenic
route is about 2 hrs longer.  So, I took the I-35 risks.  My Prius gets
54 mpg when I go the scenic, 45 mpg on I-35.  Needless to say, there are
no significant hills on either route.  Haven't measured the vanagon over
those routes.

On Wed, Aug 26, 2009 at 6:51 PM , Ron Tipton wrote:

> unless i'm in a big hurry i avoid interstates like the plague.  it's
> amazing how much
> effect speed has on gas milage.  in my honda fit if i drive on the
> interstate at 80 i
> get around 35 MPH.  if i take side roads and drive 55 i get around 50
> MPH!  i've
> not checked my syncro at 80 since that would require a looooonnnnng
> cliff but i
> expect the principal is the same.
>
> On Aug 26, 2009, at 7:35 PM, Dave Mcneely wrote:
>
>> Have you actually driven in Houston, The Dallas-Ft. Worth to San
>> Antonio
>> corridor, or in the "Metroplex"?  I do regularly, and I guarantee, no
>> one can compare LA to it for idiocy behind the wheel.  And each time
>> I've driven in the metro areas in California, I have remarked at the
>> comparatively sane behavior of the drivers compared to those in this
>> part of the country.  Dense traffic, at any time of day or night?
>> LA is
>> awful.  But drivers are more respectful of others than here -- at
>> least
>> in my experience.
>
>
> Ron Tipton
> uther@dragonhome.org
> 87 VW Syncro Hippie van
> 08 Mini Clubman
> 09 Honda Fit
>
>
> Go to work
> Send your kids to school
> Follow fashion
> Act normal
> Walk on the pavement
> Watch T.V.
> Save for your old age
> Obey the law
>
> Repeat after me: I am free