I just returned from a 700 mile trip up and across NY State. It
> included mountainous terrain and an average speed of 70+ mph (with the
> A/C on). I got 28 mpg all told. What I find amazing is that this is
> a 3700 lb plus car with 3 fairly heavy people. The car was an 07
> Malibu Maxx SS with the 3.9L engine. On the other hand, making this
> same trip with a Honda Civic Hybrid, I only got about 8 mpg more. I
> had to take hills into more consideration as the car was underpowered.
> To go with that, I had to leave the A/C off, go slower because the
> ultra super low rolling resistance tires tended to skid when braking,
> and I got a sore behind in the bargain from being shoved into a tin
> can. I think we have and do make wonderful cars.
Ted,
If you were to use our improved Mercedes-Benz (any vesion up to E320) on the same trip, you will get about 37mpg instead of 28mpg. Each heavy person takes about away 6.5mpg. Driver's weight is included with the vehicle.
Here is the formula for our Benz system: 50mpg - (2 * 6.5mpg) = 37mpg.
Don't be too hard on your hybrid.
GasSaver.