MT vs AT----fuel efficiency

[bronsin]

Have to disagree here.

First the operating conditions.

Both cars are primarily driven to work 6.5 miles there and 6.5 miles back. City driving.

The 2001 ECHO mt got 40 mpg in summer and 36-38 mpg in winter. Driving it to AC @ 60-65 mph it got 50-53 mpg several times.

The Yaris at gets 34-36 mpg in summer and 28-32 mpg in winter. I am currently experimenting with adding heat to the engine before startup in winter to improve mpg. Some preliminary findings soon...

On its trip to AK last summer in the US going 80-85 mph on interstates the car got 34 mpg. Later on in Canada where the speed limits are typically 62 mph (and I didnt want to test the authorities) the car got 42-44 mpg.

The only fly in the ointment might be the percentage of alcohol in the gas which might be greater now.

Oh and the 5200 miles to AK the engine used regular Walmart oil. On the trip back Mobile 1. There was no difference in mpg.