Weight Reduction for better FE

[theholycow]

Originally Posted by suprapsu

weight reduction is a great way to up the MPG. The rule of thumb is for every 100 lbs you shave off you get 1-2 % better MPG.

I know this isn't the question you asked, but I have to put in my two cents worth. I don't think the results will materialize. I don't know where that rule of thumb came from, but in my study and observations it doesn't seem to actually work.

It certainly could work for someone who drive the opposite of the way any hypermiler would drive -- hard acceleration, never coasting, accelerating right up until it's necessary to stop short for a red light. Even then, it will only affect city driving...and even then, the "100lb = 1-2%" numbers would actually vary depending on the existing weight and FE of the car. For heavier cars you'd probably have to remove way more than 100lbs to get 1-2%, even under those driving conditions.

For people who have even very mild hypermiling practices, I believe that merely reducing weight won't help. It seems to me that the only way a lighter car would benefit such a person is if they can get a more efficient, less powerful engine to go with the lighter weight. Basic entry-level hypermiling strategies (coasting to red lights and accelerating at mild to moderate rates) really help to reduce the effect of existing weight.