They've changed the EPA mileage estimation tests, in an attempt to keep the results closer to real-world driving (or to make Japanese hybrids less appealing, depending on who you ask). I don't know the exact differences, but I've heard that the new test involves more acceleration and higher sustained speeds than the old test.



For the 1994 RX-7:

Old numbers:
18-25 mpg (city-highway), average 20 mpg (assuming 55% city driving)

New numbers:
15-23 mpg (city-highway), average 18 mpg (still assuming 55% city driving)




Seems pretty accurate to me. My average MPG is usually 16mpg or so, and I've seen 20-22mpg on long (100+mile) highway trips.

Here's the website:
http://www.fueleconomy.gov



-s-

 

nice

 

They assume that you'll use more throttle to accelerate than they used before. It did significantly change the fuel economy of certain cars. I think it's more accurate IMHO.

Granted it's probably less accurate for those in the (sweeping generalization ahead) 60+ age group.

 

The new figures seem closer to the truth, though even 45% highway driving is still a higher figure than I suspect most people do. Freeway driving in most major metropolitan areas is not really like a sustained highway speed. There's a lot of slowing to 50, then accelerating back up to 70, etc.

What surprises me too is how the FD figures are close to the mileage most RX-8 drivers are reporting. I'm getting around 17 mpg overall and I've talked to RX-8 drivers who are doing worse than me. The Renesis was supposed to be a more efficient rotary engine, but I don't think it's lived up to that promise. In the days of $3/gal. gasoline that could hurt the prospects for future rotary engine models.

 

ive only toped 24 mpg once, and that was driving 55-60 for a whole tank

 

hah, I regularly got 27-28 mpg on the highway (still having a little fun too!), but that was with no cats and a nice intake that opened things up. I'm sure it would have been worse with the stock setup.

Single digits are easy to obtain with spirited driving.

 

i drive probably 65-75% freeway
but the town i live in forces it

 

Anyone notice that everytime a rotary gets on its feet kind of..in the states...ALWAYS gets shafted by gas prices? SHoudl we just say good by to the rotary for ever now? There are zero prospects of a new 7 or anything of the sort in the future sadly. And form what I understand mazda has switched over to the 4 cyl engine in thier AM2 car I believe....

 

Thats not the engine that is in the mazdaspeed3 is it? barf.