Since the gas has go up in my area lately and I just did a 1600 mile trip its got me thinking what is the best speed to go for best gas mileage.
I know efficiency will go up higher in rpms and in speed, but at some point load becomes to high. But even if its 150% more efficient at 2000rpms then at 1000rpms you are still squirting fuel 200% more of the time. But then again you are going faster at 2000rpms vs 1000rpms so hmm. Well I found an article explaining alittle bit of it.
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/question477.htm
So what I gathered is a 280z will be most efficient at about 50mph due to its poor aero, but its light weight. While lets say my new car a Z4 Should be efficient at 60 due to is much better aero, but slightly heavier. Then a Hummer will be best at 40 because of heavy weight, and poor aero drag. So for every mph we go over 50-60mph we are getting worse gas mileage.
I'm still not at the point where i'm going to change my driving habits or buy a hybrid but I might go 75-80mph instead of 80-90mph to get my extra 2mpg or more.