Maveric

I've always been curious why the fuel economy of the S2000 is not much better than the big V8 cars like the Ford Mustang GT.

Here are the listed fuel economies for each car (City / Highway):

2003 Honda S2000: 20 / 26

2003 Ford Mustang GT: 18 / 26

So the S2000 only has a 1 mi. / gallon advantage, on average, over the Mustang GT? Considering that the S2000 requires premium unleaded while the Mustang GT only needs regular unleaded, the Mustang may come out ahead on a dollar basis. It seems that the Mustang is more efficient on a HP / MPG basis, correct?

Does anyone know the technical reasons for this small fuel economy difference with these dramatically different engines?

I'd really appreciate a scientific explanation from anyone who knows. Thanks in advance!

matrix

Take a 2L engine, spin it twice as fast as a 4L engine and you end up with roughly the same fuel economy.

cdelena

And a Z06 is rated at 19/28. Just a different design with more displacement producing enough torque to allow low rpm operation.

s9000

That's my understanding [roughly] of the issue as well.

Elistan

I don't study Vettes by habit, but my understanding is that on the C5s, top speed is reached in 5th gear - redline it and go into 6th, and you'll loose speed because it's geared so tall. Basically, it's simply for gas savings. Take the S2000's 6th gear and make it super tall and our car's highway rating will shoot up.

wicky

I agree. Taking a long highway trip, the s2000 spins at 4000+ most of the time (close to where V8's start to top out). Figure it's firing twice as many times as a V8, without the gobs of stump-pulling torque and there goes your fuel economy..... even around town look how high the S is spinning in each gear. I usually shift past 4000 just for everyday grandma driving. Usually in a V8 it'll be closer to 2000-3000.... it's definately the RPM thing. I tried driving around shifting at 3000 in every gear and I ended up in 5th gear just for normal street driving every time. It'l drives like a base Civic. But gets better gas mileage.

Elistan is pretty close with his understanding of the C5. I really like that car. I think it turns something like 1200 in 6th at 50 mph. Try that in the S and it'll just about stall out....

coop

I avg about 22mpg around town and on my last trip, I avg 29 with a low of 26 and a high of 31.5. I don't think that's too bad.

cdelena

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Elistan
[B]I don't study Vettes by habit, but my understanding is that on the C5s, top speed is reached in 5th gear - redline it and go into 6th, and you'll loose speed because it's geared so tall.

infinitebass

Chris, thats not the point.

In almost all other cars, 5th and 6th are only there for fuel economy.

Blake

wicky

Wow, blake. Did you even read the quote he was responding too?