LeVeL

I was trying to figure out when to roll the windows up and turn the AC on so I did the good thing and searched and apparently its around 45-50mph. But what if you have the windows up but the sunroof open at highway speeds? Anyone know if thats better, mpg-wise, than AC?

roggeezy

iTrader: (18)

It'll be alot hotter, that's for sure.

ryant35

iTrader: (3)

Has anyone actually compared mileage with and without the AC? I can't believe it would really make a noticeable difference. Go clean your MAF, I got an additional 5 mpg.

maximabebe

iTrader: (24)

I have no definite proof yet, but I would guess that at 50+ mph, windows up, AC off, with sunroof open w/wind deflector = better mpg.

ryant35

iTrader: (3)

Yeah well it gets hot here, so better mpg isn't worth it. It also sucks having a $300 electric bill in the Summer but I can't sweat all night too.

maxilac99

IMO. buy/trade for a '99.. hit the ECON button and set your temp.. roll windows up.. open sunroof w/ deflector and tada! i did that on my way to platte city for a show and it did the job. there was wind noise but thats what i get for keeping up w/ my buddy's GTO doing ten over..

LeVeL

Why would I get a 99 when my 97 has the econ botton?


10 over oh noes!


5mpg? wth, really??

Tatanko

iTrader: (34)

My rule of thumb is highway vs. normal roads. Highway the A/C goes on, normal roads the windows are down. Then again, I use the windows even on the highway because my A/C button won't stay pushed in and I literally haven't used my A/C in two years

sports8705

anyone see mythbusters? proved (with a ford explorer though) that highway speeds with the a/c on gets worse mileage than highway speeds and windows down... this may just be an enigma of the vehicle that they were driving? but unless someone does some investigation with facts on the max, i'm still going to stick with having the windows down gets you better (although maybe not alot better) gas mileage.... but then again in 95 degree weather and 90% humidity whats 2 mpg, lol

IHAVEA2KMAXIMA

iTrader: (7)

What? No? I thought the conclusion was that A/C + highway > windows down + highway

Drafting 10ft behind a big rig > all

LeVeL

Ive heard that but I have yet to try it because they go 60 and I usually go 85

Thanatos

iTrader: (1)

big rigs hear = 75-90. crazyness. anyway. mythbusters did the drafting myth also. i love drafting. of anything. it works. i have no stats and cant remember the busters results.

ryant35

iTrader: (3)

I did see that one, but it was really boring watching them drive circles so I didn't really pay attention.

black_maxed95

iTrader: (41)

FTW! I drafted a big rig prolly 3 car lengths (~30 feet?) for 150 miles at 65mph and I estimated about 35-37 mpg. It really works but those numbers arent hard facts.

Tatanko

iTrader: (34)

I don't think windows > AC on the highway. That just doesn't make sense. I have friends with Grand Prix GTP's who have tested and gotten that AC > windows. We're talking like 2 MPG better.

toyick

iTrader: (6)

yeah the mythbusters did do both thease comparisons...really if ur that cheep to pay for comfort then stop driving a maxima...
the AC is worth it...and there really is no drag with the sunroof open...the air goes up and over the car...if there was drag then it would be a wind tunnel with the roof open.
it also is way benificial to draft semis! i beleive the most effiecent was around 20 feet of the rig, they compared all sorts of different lengths, 5 feet, 20 feet, and so on. 5 feet behind the rig is illegal and dangerous, and also super ineficiant.....lol but around 25 feet or so it was super worth it. I used to do it in my toyota truck, and get about 15 miles more a gallon...
also, i am getting around 28 miles per gallon on the interstate, with the ac on..

sports8705

yeah... mythbusters did 2 different tests.. one with the trucks (which said that drafting a truck gave you better gas mileage) and one with the a/c (which said driving with the a/c on, windows up, at highway speeds = less gas mileage than windows down without the a/c). but it cant be that big of a difference either way; maybe a mile a gallon or so?? idk unless someone shows facts of significant difference either way what does it matter? its all personal preference and personally, i'll take my a/c

LeVeL

Yeah, AC vs windows cant be a big difference. Drafting trucks though, mythbusters got like 40% better mileage...

Reece616

iTrader: (3)

mythbusters FTW!!

i love that show

njmaxseltd

iTrader: (19)

I baught my car for it's performance, looks and comfort.

When the temp goes up, the A/C goes on regardless of what speed I travel.

Maxie40

That is a new one and I have done some 1000+ trips one way with my 95 SE. I used to stick behind a big rig to get away from the troopers, they see you less behind a big truck than out in the open.

AC not a big issue for me with cruise control steady at 80-85 fill up down the highway with my odom tops off at 350miles and I'm near empty. Have a K&N air filter, don't know if that helps.

99grnmaxgxe

iTrader: (11)

Keep in mind that mpg @ 60-65mph > than 80-85mph. Just a thought.

hot_wax_tree

yeah you had to be like 5ft away from the truck.

toyick

iTrader: (6)

no thats not true..

the results at 5 ft were worse then at 20...because u had to work harder to keep it there....thats what they said anyways..

maximabebe

iTrader: (24)

The original poster asked about mpg differences. I don't care hot hot it gets there.

Snypa

iTrader: (35)

Well, i def roll my windows up on highways.i think that kinda helps, so the wind does go into the car and "cause car to put more power."

NABU6

iTrader: (9)

There are a number of things that would affect your gas mileage. Anything from how well tuned your cars is, ie: dirty airfilter, gas filter, to weight. If you have aftermarket rims, chances are they weigh more than stock, system in trunk = weight. Bottom line, AC or not, there are other things to consider.

KJS2023

from the reaserch I have done it shows their is minimal difference between the 2 but that is also on average. What others were saying about car specific is true. I have weathertech wind guards on my windows which prob help a small amount. I would say test it both ways a few times and compare.