THE DEBATE CONTINUES!!!

Ok if you haven't heard of the debate, there is a huge controversy over what gets better gas mileage. Windows up with the A/C on, or Windows down with the breeze a blowin'

So I decided since my car definitely isn't as fast as I thought it was/wanted it to be, i would turn into a typical economy car driver and try to max out my mpg. SOOO heres what i did! I did this for 3 minutes each going 60 MPH, btw

I rolled with the windows up on A/C 70 Degrees and Fan speed 3 and on just umm the regular air vents no floor just the ones up top. Thats typically how i ride once Auto A/C cools everything off. So i averaged 32.6, yeah i know wtf i was going 60 ffs >_>

K next i rolled with just the drivers window down for 3 mins, of course trying to keep the wheel as straight as possible etc. Did it again for 3 minutes and i got 34.6!! WOOHOO now thats what im talking about!! :P

Next i drove with both front windows down and the sun roof open. I got 33.8

Lastly i drove just with the sunroof open, not tilted open. I got 33.9

So in conclusion with my mini experiment, i concluded

A/C - 32.6
Window down - 34.6
Windows and Sunroof - 33.8
Sunroof - 33.9

Now im sure at even lower speeds the no A/C would get even better gas mileage due to even lower wind resistance.

Maybe other people could do an experiment and see how this works out!

K cool if you have any info just post it, dont go by what others say DO IT FOR YOURSELF!!

I read an article on yahoo news one day that said when driving under speeds of 50km/h with the windows down is more fuel efficient than having your A/C on, but when you hit speeds above 80km/h aerodynamics have a greater effect and you should roll up your windows and put the a/c on.

I am stuck in a 03 cavalier which doesn't have air conditioning, and doesn't have power windows. So for me I usually just roll down my window a slight crack if I need to, but generally I keep my windows up.

When I drive nicely, which isn't often, I can get about 600km's on a tank of gas roughly. I don't know how that compares to the Lancer's mpg.

+1

It does depend on speed. If you're just cruising around town windows down is the way to go. But on hwys and back roads where you are going faster, A/C will be better for your MPG.

mythbusters did this experiment on a closed track with controlled amounts of fuel in the car. the result of a car traveling 60MPH sustained... the difference was negligible. the power consumption created by the drag of a cars windows down is ~ to the amount used by the compressor in your air conditioner.

i tell you guys that when i travel to miami from orlando in any car i get better gas millage with the a/c on going 70mph

anyone consider the alternative?

Windows up, a/c on for a few and off for a few then back on. It maintains a comfortable temp inside while keeping the aerodynamics smooth and using little drag on the compressor.