I recently read in a car book that modern cars will actually get better mileage on the highway if the windows are up and the AC is on vs windows down and AC off. The reasoning was that the increase of drag on the car decreases the mileage more than having the AC on. I've always heard the AC just devours gas. What do you think? How do you roll in your xfire.

 

I haven't really noticed but if you're concerned that much about saving gas pull out the air conditioning and save weight! throw out the passenger seat too or do like I do and charge people for riding in your Xfire!

 

wow. lots of gas questions, huh? should have gotten a prius.

 

I'll give you a typical engineering answer - it depends. Its a function of the aerodynamics of the car and the efficiency of the air conditioner. Many ac units were designed to run continuously and adjust the air temp by reheating the air with the heater coils. These units also did not have very efficient compressors, due mainly to the variable speed operation. In these cars the ac used more power than the additional drag of running with the windows open. Most cars today have a very low drag coefficient and the windows open really mess up their aerodynamics, while the ac units are much more efficient.

Of course my feeling is that if the day is nice and since I have a coupe - the windows are down, I'll pay for the few extra drops of gas to let the wind blow through what's left of my hair. However, I doubt if I'll get a roadster - I now burn on the top of my head too easily.

 

I doesn't make much difference. In the UK there is a program on sky called Myth Busters. They tested this one and found very little difference.

 

we have that show in the US as well....neat stuff.

 

I heard that too a long time ago, at least regarding SUV's. I don't really care, if I'm not in the mood for the top down (rare as it is) or in any ol' car, the next best thing is definitely windows down. I love the fresh air whipping through the car!

 

this kid pisses me off soooo hard, QUIT ASKING ABOUT GAS!!! its so ridiculous to buy a performance car and proceed to **** and moan about gas issues, SELL YOUR CROSSFIRE AND BUY A MOUNTAIN BIKE!!!

 

It's pure preference. If you want nice fresh air, roll the windows down. If you want a quit cabin and now wind, turn the AC on. You paid $36K for a luxury car with luxury features such as AC, stop stressing about a few drops of gas...

When I drive, its a flip of the coin. If I am on the highway doing 80 or so I turn the AC on. If im in the city in stop and go traffic the windows come down. To me it seems like common sense...

 

no way. i miss my Miata and my bike now that the sun is coming out again. Those windows are open ALL the time --