Just to resurect a thread from the dead.quote:
Originally posted by ALS:
When I make my run to Florida 1177 miles I make it in 18.5 to 19 hours running straight through.
Usually with stops I average 63 mph running the speed limit all the way down. The difference between running 55 to 60 mph and running the speed limits would mean another 2.5 to 3 hours in time with a savings of maybe $6.00 in gas each way. That $2.00 per extra hour on the road is not worth the extra time driving. There is no way I would want to make the drive between Ocala and Naples on I-75 at 55 mph. Its over 3.5 hours now at 70 mph. At 55 mph I'd have to add another hour
to my trip just on that 250 mile stretch. And after 15 to 16 hours on the road coming from Pittsburgh another hour is a killer on the mind.
Now I do advocate driving slower on shorter trips of an hour or less to save gas. I would never expect someone to drive 55 mph on a 200 mile or longer trip. Heck our time is worth more that the amount of gasoline saved by driving slower on those longer trips.
Most of the time I get in the region of 21-24 mpg in my 94 965. This is with the old style front end, and 3.31 live axle. I live in an area where it doesn't rain for months at a time in the summer. I found that removing the wipers is worth about 1 mpg at 70-80mph on the highway. I have verified this with multiple trips from LA to SF and back. Just something to ponder I guess. I keep the wipers and apropriate tools in the trunk at all times.