S4 disappointing Gas Mileage?
12-09-2010, 08:59 AM
#11
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I started tracking my mileage after the break in period. Averaged between 18.8 and 20.3 mpg driving pretty conservatively. Even saw 30 mpg on the trip computer after a 50 mile (mostly) highway drive.
Then decided that I didn't get this car to drive like a grandmother and got 15.8 mpg on my next tank. =)
Then decided that I didn't get this car to drive like a grandmother and got 15.8 mpg on my next tank. =)
12-09-2010, 09:56 AM
#13
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Was going to say don't remember but just reminded that I took a picture because I was so shocked at the mpg I was getting.
It was actually 30.5 mpg on the trip computer for a 34.7 mile drive for 32 minutes which translates to an average of about 65 mph.
It was actually 30.5 mpg on the trip computer for a 34.7 mile drive for 32 minutes which translates to an average of about 65 mph.
12-09-2010, 10:33 AM
#14
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I definately understand that gas mileage is heavily dependent on how you drive and a myriad of other factors. But this seems well out of the norm. Is one S4 vs. another S4 going to show much variation in the MPG under identical conditions?
12-09-2010, 11:19 AM
#15
Rowing through all the gears at moderate throttle is what will cost you MPG.
12-09-2010, 11:58 AM
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As for the 65 mph calculation, it was the average over that trip... I'm guessing I was doing 70-80 mph on the highway... but it probably helped a bit that a good portion of that was just cruising downhill.
And I don't think anyone chooses the S4 over an A4 solely for fuel economy. =)
12-09-2010, 12:30 PM
#18
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I've owned my manual 2011 S4 for about 3 weeks and have logged 1100 miles. I love the car, with my only complaint being the gas mileage. I've averaged 18.5 MPG in mostly light driving(ie light break-in) with at least 80/20 split highway to around town miles. Of course, I didn't buy the car solely on its 18/27 ranking, but it was a major item that put it ahead of the M3. They do use an ethanol blend around here, so I can forgive a couple of the MPG difference, but it still seems low. Does gas mileage get better over time as the engine breaks in? Does this have anything to do with cold weather driving, or most of the highway miles being 20 mile trips (engine isn't completely warm for most of them). What are other users experience with gas mileage in the S4?
Just hit 5000 miles and I am now into the low to mid 20's per tank with careful driving. That is not really very fun or how this car is meant to be driven. But even with spirited driving my worst tank was about 16mpg. For a car with this much power (and weight) it is extremely impressive.
12-09-2010, 01:11 PM
#19
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in a manual, under normal throttle conditions, the driver can shift under 2k rpms also...
As for the 6mt vs. the DSG, they're rated 1mpg diff between the two--you still should easily see >23 with a 6mt.
As for the 6mt vs. the DSG, they're rated 1mpg diff between the two--you still should easily see >23 with a 6mt.
12-09-2010, 09:11 PM
#20
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Need to take into account gear ratios
Shifting below 2k is NOT the way to save gas. You're actually better to keep the engine between peak torque and peak HP and floor it until you get to cruising speed, then shift into 6th and set your cruise. Reasoning being is your engine is at its most efficient (generating the most force per unit of fuel) between peak torque and peak HP, with peak torque being the most efficient point on the curve.
Rowing through all the gears at moderate throttle is what will cost you MPG.
Rowing through all the gears at moderate throttle is what will cost you MPG.