Driver72 Posted April 1, 2005 Share Posted April 1, 2005 Now I know that the EPA and it's gas mileage estimates for cars and the techniques used to get them are a bit dated to say the least. But when do you guys think they'll update their techniques so the ratings are a bit more accurate. A couple examples: I think they test the highway mileage based on averaging constant driving of like 55 or 65 mph? When most cities/states freeway speed limits are 65-75 mph and most drive 10 mph above that? Next, basing it on the actual car and it's specs. For example the 05 Legacy GT weighs 3300 pounds. The 05 Outback XT Limited weighs 3500 pounds, so it's 200 pounds heavier, it's taller and less aerodynamic, and has taller, wider and heavier wheels and tires. Yet the EPA give both cars the same 19 city and 25 highway ratings. Sorry, but add 200 pounds of sandbags, a couple pounds rotational mass to each tire/wheel and attach a small sail to the roof of the standard Legacy GT to reduce aerodynamics and it ain't going to get the same gas mileage. I know it's petty, but I'm having a bit of insomnia and was looking at gas mileage estimates on a couple cars and noticed the disparity. Now I know it would be impossible to give different ratings for each version of a car. Like the LGT and the LGT Limited being only 65 pounds more would get the same rating, but once you've made/add drastic (say 150+ pounds) weight difference, and/or other factors like aerodynamics, gearing, wheel/tire weights into the mix, gas mileage estimates should be adjusted to compensate...just like they are when comparing a manual to an auto tranny. Can't the government and many of it's agencies do anything correctly? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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