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bvz @ Feb 19th 2008 2:56PM
Hey there,
Maybe someone can explain to me why RWD is so hard to make meet CAFE standards. Is it in the nature of the mechanicals of a RWD to be less efficient or is it that these cars tend to be more performance oriented and therefore have larger engines?
Stuka @ Feb 19th 2008 3:13PM
Its the extra loss in efficiency. A FWD has quite a bit less parasitic loss than a RWD, which has the drive shaft going back to the rear differencial, then axle shafts going out.
But with that said, its not a HUGE difference. We are talking maybe 1mpg. If you look at a V6 mustang, its easy to get 26mpg HWY in it with an auto trans with a 4L V6. If you take a FWD car with similar size, weight, and engine, they may get 27mpg with an auto trans.
The big thing CAFE will kill is standard AWD. As it stands, Subaru is hurting bad, as they dont make any cars that get great fuel economy.
Matty @ Feb 19th 2008 5:08PM
I don't think standard AWD is much of a problem. My A4 1.8T Quattro gets only 1 MPG fewer than a FWD model. It works out to roughly 50 bucks more a year in fuel costs based on current prices and my consumption. However, the increase in stability and handling makes it well worth the costs.