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Author Topic: Just the Wind?  (Read 1883 times)

Offline Len

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Just the Wind?
« on: 18 January 2012, 13:26 »
Driving to Bristol and back along M4 a fair bit recently and I notice a difference in the mpg.
Going west to Bristol it is some 2 - 3mpg lower than heading home eastwards.
Now I'm not going to quote speeds but I will say that I do tend to drive a little faster on the way home, which I think is natural.
It dont make much time difference, its just in the mind to get home quicker.

So my point is this, can the wind make that much diference?
Note: the prevailing winds come from the west.
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Offline Khare

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Re: Just the Wind?
« Reply #1 on: 18 January 2012, 13:36 »
Wind does make a difference, but I doubt it's 3mpg. I'd say it's more to do with the inclines of the road.
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Offline Jay

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Re: Just the Wind?
« Reply #2 on: 18 January 2012, 14:14 »
Isn't the journey from the A34 too Bristol more uphill, than the return? Only done it a handful of times and hardly scientific, but just something I think I've noticed.
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Offline Len

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Re: Just the Wind?
« Reply #3 on: 18 January 2012, 15:19 »
A34?
Thats at Newbury, East of me in Swindon.


And its the same hills both home and away. Though actually Bristol is lower than Swindon as its near the coast, so that would mean there is more downhill going there than coming home.
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Offline R32UK

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Re: Just the Wind?
« Reply #4 on: 18 January 2012, 15:30 »
more weight = less mpg
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Offline The Mighty Elvi

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Re: Just the Wind?
« Reply #5 on: 18 January 2012, 17:11 »
Quote from: Len on 18 January 2012, 15:19
A34?
Thats at Newbury, East of me in Swindon.


And its the same hills both home and away. Though actually Bristol is lower than Swindon as its near the coast, so that would mean there is more downhill going there than coming home.


Centre of Bristol is 11m above sea level.

Centre of Swindon is 104m above sea level.

http://www.earthtools.org/

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Offline Len

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Re: Just the Wind?
« Reply #6 on: 19 January 2012, 13:04 »
Ah but I dont go to the centre of Brizzle!

Our office is in Aztec West which is pretty high up above the Bristol Channel.
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Offline Len

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Re: Just the Wind?
« Reply #7 on: 19 January 2012, 13:05 »
Did have another thought!

Maybe the engine map on the Passat is slightly more efficient at slightly higher revs? :undecided:
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Offline Rhyso

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Re: Just the Wind?
« Reply #8 on: 19 January 2012, 13:32 »
Quote from: Len on 19 January 2012, 13:05
Did have another thought!

Maybe the engine map on the Passat is slightly more efficient at slightly higher revs? :undecided:

You'll find that every engine has it's 'sweet spot' 

I find mine is just as efficient travelling between 75-80mph as it is at 65mph as the car is closer to to its peak torque

Could be talking a load of twaddle mind but my MPG doesn't lie lol  :laugh: :laugh:
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Offline Len

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Re: Just the Wind?
« Reply #9 on: 19 January 2012, 21:31 »
I think its a combination of both the wind and as you say Rhyso a "sweet" spot.
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