Tiny Fiat 500 earns an unimpressive 30/38 MPG & 27/34 with automatic

[Kal-El]

Originally Posted by frownonfun

so the non eco-model Cruze is estimated at 26/36 mpg
the non eco-model Focus is estimated at 28/38 mpg
and the Elantra is 29/40 mpg

I was just saying those numbers aren't THAT much better. In fact the city estimates for the FIAT are actually higher.

Don't get me wrong I'd probably still buy any one of those other models before a FIAT but still, I don't think you can bash them on mpgs alone... personally I think every manufacturer is dropping the ball in that area.

No hate intended. It's just that those cars are considerably larger. I see no other reason to get a micro-car if not for much better gas mileage. I say the same about the Smart. It's a motorcycle with doors yet only gets around 40 as well. What's the point? Cars this size should be pushing 50 MPG.

I Just can't see the Fiat succeeding unless a lot of people want an odd looking fashion statement.

[Yaristeve]

It's surprising to me that the auto trans has such a high mileage penalty. Trend lately is auto mileage is equal or greater than manual trans mileage.

[SailDesign]

Originally Posted by Yaristeve

It's surprising to me that the auto trans has such a high mileage penalty. Trend lately is auto mileage is equal or greater than manual trans mileage.

I thought about that, and in a lower powered car (like the 500) the torque converter will eat a higher percentage of power, plus as a six-speed auto, it will shift more often, doubling the problem.
That's my take - happy to be told I'm wrong.

[Yaristeve]

Originally Posted by SailDesign

I thought about that, and in a lower powered car (like the 500) the torque converter will eat a higher percentage of power, plus as a six-speed auto, it will shift more often, doubling the problem.
That's my take - happy to be told I'm wrong.

I can't/won't tell you you're wrong for sure but I thought most (all?) new autos have lock-up torque converters so highway mileage should be closer like in the Yaris (36/35; manual/auto).

[frownonfun]

Originally Posted by Kal-El

No hate intended. It's just that those cars are considerably larger. I see no other reason to get a micro-car if not for much better gas mileage. I say the same about the Smart. It's a motorcycle with doors yet only gets around 40 as well. What's the point? Cars this size should be pushing 50 MPG.

I Just can't see the Fiat succeeding unless a lot of people want an odd looking fashion statement.

yeah i wasn't really considering weight. i couldn't find a weight on the fiat. although i didn't look all that hard. wonder how much less it is than those others.