I was just looking at the local weather and noticed that I'm in for a nice headwind on the way home today. This started me thinking about which of my typical routes would get better MPG, and which would use less fuel. Would someone with one of those Prius mileage Simulator programs be willing to plug in some numbers for me and let me know what the mileage is likely to be for each of 3 scenarios? Thanks in advance. General info: 74 deg. F. Dry pavement 50% humidity Tires at 44/42 psi No A/C or heat Headlights off Starting elevation 818 ft Destination elevation 597 ft Scenario 1: Cruise control set at 46 mph with 20 mph headwind from 0 deg. Scenario 2: Cruise control set at 46 mph with 20 mph crosswind from 90 deg. Scenario 3: Cruise control set at 55 mph with 20 mph headwind from 45 deg. Any other significant variables I've forgotten to add? Edit: I'm not sure that it matters, but I forgot to mention that Barometer is should be about 29.5 in. (maybe slightly higher 29.54 in.?)
The simulator can't adjust for net elevation changes, only assume level terrain and a fixed elevation. So I split the difference between your numbers and used 707'. I assumed Goodyear Integritys, E10 for fuel, and a 300# load (passenger & cargo, based on my norm). Weight won't make too much difference, but if yours is substantially different I can redo these. Scenario 1: 48.76 MPG Scenario 2: 55.15 MPG Scenario 3: 41.32 MPG
Mostly good assumptions. I'm not sure what should be included in the weight variable, but aside from things the car came with (spare tire, cargo cover, floor and cargo mats), the only added weight in the car is me, less than 200#. As you mention, I doubt this will make a significant difference. Thanks for the info. In case you're curious, based on the info you provided, I'm looking at a choice between: 31.5 miles @ 51.268 MPG for a total of .614 gallons used and 22.5 miles @ 41.32 MPG for a total of .545 gallons used. So I can get a better "score" on my MFD MPG display but use more fuel, or I can pull my MFD MPG "score" down, but use .07 gallons less. I suppose I could drive the 45 deg. offset wind at 46 mph but on that road I'd really be getting in the way of other drivers. The headwind to crosswind route provides lanes for passing. Either way, I'm headed out now. Thanks again.
Is this mileage simulator something that's commonly available, or is it a homebrew that requires alot of knowledge to be able to use it?
This will tell you more about it, but like Bob says, it's not currently available. The developer took the download links off after he thought someone had hacked the registration code.
