Festiva MPG vs. 14 year newer cars

[Pu241]

Interesting response!
Seems like we might have gathered another supporter!

http://tinyurl.com/39pmwv

[GenevaDirt]

and there you have it....lol

[freshtiva]

I dont understand these parts of the answer:

1. The Aveo's engine displacement is 1.6 litre; yours is 1.3 litre. Your engine, with its lower power, runs closer to full load more of the time. An Otto cycle engine is usually more efficient at full load than at part load.

Whats an Otto cycle engine ?

2.It's a pity that cars the size and weight of your Festiva are no longer available in the US. If your lightweight Festiva had the more modern engine and drivetrain of the Honda Fit, it would probably score an EPA highway rating of 48-50 mpg

Ive gotten 45-50mpg out of mine already ?

[oxbrain]

Otto cycle is the standard 4-cycle, as opposed to the less common miller, scuderi, crower, etc. cycles. Most engines are otto cycle.

They meant EPA rating of 48-50. With hypermilling you might get a festiva to 50mpg, but that's far above the EPA rating.

[Kraig]

I got 48 mpg on my first tank with my Festiva! With hypermiling I've gotten a little over 56 mpg. My average for over 16,000 miles now is a lttle over 49 mpg......

[project b6t]

Yeah but can your stock festiva keep up with a stock econo car, can it keep you as safe as a new car, is it as comfortable, does it have all the new luxury's.

I think its stupid to compare new and old econo box's... its apples and oranges

[Pu241]

Yeah but can your stock festiva keep up with a stock econo car, can it keep you as safe as a new car, is it as comfortable, does it have all the new luxury's.

I think its stupid to compare new and old econo box's... its apples and oranges

Some valid points Ian, but for some of us, the festiva is transportation, economical transportation!

It's not about keeping up with anyone (speed or luxury)!

Better safety would be nice, but if I got T-boned by a 4-6,000 lb SUX (SUV) in my other choice
of econo box (Honda fit or Toyota echo) do you seriously think there'd be much difference in the out come!

Yes, there is a valid point in comparing new and old econo box's!
These vehicles are pushing 15years old and there is nothing that can touch them for mpg performance,
except a hybrid, and that's hardly a comparison based on price (even adjusting for inflation a hybrid cost way
more than a festiva did when new). The point being that the US general public was willing to pay
for speed/power/luxury over efficiency.
So the market place was happy to comply.
Now when we need efficiency so that we can avoid paying this countries enemy's big $$ to to keep our fat arses in
fast, heavy, fuel sucking vehicles we don't have them.
Or we have to buy them from the Japanese/Koreans!

Ian, clearly you have a B6t, so speed isn't an issue, but if safety, comfort, and luxury is important to you why are you still driving a 14+ year old car?

[todd00]

remember the ok city bombing? recall the festiva hit with the trucks axle?

"The rear axle of the Ryder truck that exploded outside the Murrah building had flown through the air and landed on the Festiva's hood, obliterating the ngine and the dash. The adults weren't hurt. the child had a bump on his head" not so bad!

i think ian tore his poor car apart and sold the pieces didnt he?
i agree with your comments, pu241. i never have bought american cars.

so is the yaris econobox that much different than the festiva? i doubt there is all that much difference in ride of the newer econo cars. yes it has a higher hp engine, but doesnt get as good a gas mileage. yes they do have air bags. which is a plus, though people have been killed by the airbag exploding. are they that much fancier? well many have power windows. but what other luxury items are available on any new economy type cars??

if you want a luxury car, dont look at econoboxes period.

[b3 madness]

Another factor that I have noticed is that the newer cars are geared way too low for US highway cruising. While my Festiva purrs along at 65 mph at 2500 rpm, most newer comparable cars (ie. Echo, Yaris, Aveo, etc.) are pushing 3000 rpm or higher at the same speed. The statement that the Festiva is running near maximum power output is just not true when the car is cruising at 60 mph. I believe that manufactures should be offering vehicles with 6 speed manuals with better OD gearing and auto trannys with the same.

[Pu241]

I think you see the new engines running higher RPM because most (all?) of them are DOHC.
The Toyota's are, not sure about the Aveo.
With the 1.5L 105 BHP engines, again in the Toyota's, a 6 spd tranny would be of some use
and with an appropriately selected OD could push out some good MPG numbers.
But, I wonder, if plain simple weight reduction might be just as useful.
And of course aerodynamics, I think the Yaris probably has decent coefficient of drag.
Been thinking of possible aerodynamic mods to the festiva of late myself.

[freshtiva]

Do you think the rear hatch spoiler helps the aerodynamics any ?

[Pu241]

Do you think the rear hatch spoiler helps the aerodynamics any ?

I would think at higher speeds!
But not so certain about normal highway speeds!

I asked Rodger, of FMS fame, about this sometime ago
and he said that it does help keep dirt off the back hatch glass.
If that is the case, then it is helping the air to detach from the vehicle
and should be of some use as far as aerodynamics are concerned.
Can someone who has a spoiler comment?

[freshtiva]

I have noticed less dirt on the rear window myself. Unless its my imagination.

[Pu241]

I have noticed less dirt on the rear window myself. Unless its my imagination.

Hey, we can do an experiment!
Take that spoiler off and send it to me!
Then I can see if it helps and you can confirm that you are getting more dirt on the back glass!

[freshtiva]

duh OK :lol: I may have fallen off the turnip truck but it wasn't yesterday. :lol: