I was wondering if anyone has charted their MPG at various highway speeds. I'm taking the Z on its first road trip, South Jersey to Kentucky, and I was curious what MPG differences (if any) there are between 55, 60, 65....etc.

Anyone ever measure?

Thanks.

 

I've gotten 29 mpg while cruising at 80 mph on the interstate.

 

That is what I was hoping to hear. Just better get my radar detector hooked up before the trip 80mph cruisin might be frowned upon through Ohio.

 

i got 31 mpg at 67mph locked on cruise control on the turnpike!!!!

 

I get 26 or so with hills at about 75... maybe I had a strong headwind...

 

The 29 mpg was on a trip across some relatively flat land.

I've driven on some hilly roads and have still managed to get ~27 to 28 mpg, while driving at about 70 mph.

In my experience what really hurts fuel economy on the Z is start/stop traffic and racing the car around town. In town I'll typically get anywhere from 18 to 22 mpg, depending on how light I am with the throttle.

Also, my fuel economy rose after the break-in period was over. I don't know whether or not this was because of me following break-in procedure on the car or instead because I learned how to drive it better?

I think that if you budget ~25mpg for your trip plus a couple of extra gallons for driving around once you reach your destination, then you'll be fine.

 

btt...any more #'s?

 

On another 350Z site I posted concerning a trip from Seattle to California and back last week - 3010 miles. The best mileage over a 40 mile flat stretch, 85-95 degrees, cruise control, 75mph, 2 in car, loaded with luggage was 31.5 with Washington gas. I refilled in California and re-did the mileage on the trip computer. The mileage dropped to 28 and no matter how many times I tried it in 40 mile stretches, I never got over 28 until I got gas in Oregon, then the number increased to 30. 65-75 mph made little difference just be sure you are in 6th gear, not 5th.

The 30+mpg was wonderful but I was more pleased that the car was so comfortable for me and my wife. We drove up to 550 miles a day and have never owned a easier car to sit in for that amount of time. (first car in 1966). It may help that I am 5'11" and weigh 170lbs - very normal.

Good luck with your trip.