"Correct" city highway cruising gear/rpm?
#16
Track Day
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Thanks to everyone for your input. My son will be happy (probably gloatingly so) to hear that you all think he is right. (To JW911: When I said "city highway traffic" I meant freeways inside the city limits. Not much opportunity to go more than 70 due to congestion.) I appreciate your views and will call my son now and eat some humble pie.
#17
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Wow! I must be a socially debunked environmentally challenged "high-rever". I LIVE for the 4500 rpm and above HOWL. This where that oh-so delicious high torque band is. I rarely get out of 2nd gear in the city. Sorry to spoil the party BUT you guys are a bunch of "low-revers"...
#19
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If you want to drive for economy, choose lower RPMs in higher gears. If you want to drive for fun, choose the opposite. There's no "wrong" about it, just understand the choice you're making and accept the costs (fuel, wear & tear, etc.)
#20
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These engines are not being lugged at 1800rpm
#21
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I like to drive around in 4th gear like the OP at 70mph for fun because the engine is responsive and sounds so nice at those revs. However the oil temperature soon gets hot at those revs in the Houston heat (currently 35, 45 with humidity). If I'm cruising then I'll change into 5th or 6th at that speed.
#22
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Zeus993 and FiatCoupe: Thanks for letting me know that I'm not the only one that likes 4th gear/70 mph/4200 rpm driving. I drove around for about an hour tonight and tried the 5th/6th gear cruising, and while the mpg was about 2-3 mpg better in that range, it just doesn't "feel" as satisfying to me. Again, thanks to everyone for your opinions. I respect and appreciate all of them. Good guys.
#23
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Wow! I must be a socially debunked environmentally challenged "high-rever". I LIVE for the 4500 rpm and above HOWL. This where that oh-so delicious high torque band is. I rarely get out of 2nd gear in the city. Sorry to spoil the party BUT you guys are a bunch of "low-revers"...
#24
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My son recently told me that he thinks I push my 2010 C4S too hard because I generally "cruise" in city highway traffic in 4th gear at about 4000-4200 rpm (70-75 mph). He thinks I should upshift to 5th and keep it in the 3400 rpm range. I think the car likes the higher revs better, and it just "feels" right to me. He disagrees. Who is right?
But, daily realities are not always optimal for best driving.... and it can be grating to have to "sit" at 4000-5000 rpm at a constant drone never shifting or varying speed in city traffic. Personally, I drive at 3000 MINIMUM because in traffic there is usually a need to simply press the gas and get to a certain spot as opportunities to maneuver through traffic emerge. At anything less than 3000, the car simply does not respond quickly, and that traffic space destination may have eluded you. varying between 3000 - 4500 in city traffic is aurally pleasing, driving effective (maintains ability to accelerate without downshifting) and not overly taxing the car.... infact she loves that range as a baseline.
On the highway? Sure, for extended periods at constant speed with little traffic or need to maneuver through mini-accelerations, shift to 5th gear and "save gas". *eyeroll*
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bschurr (02-27-2020)