HiTempguy1
03-18-2018, 11:09 AM
In my daily pursuit of useless "whatif" scenarios for cars, I've been thinking of a daily driver.
I recently saw an ad for the updated 2018 Impreza, and as I clearly like Subarus, decided to do some info digging.
One thing that really stood out is Subaru claims 38mpg highway with the CVT vs 32mpg with the 5 speed??! Wut? How is that even possible?
My only guess is that the CVT allows a much lower cruising rpm at speed, and because of the "infinite" gear ratio options between the upper and lower limits of adjustability, can easily compensate for the reduced torque available in such an overdriven gear ratio by increasing the gear ratio as necessary anytime more power is required. Unlike the 5 speed, which has only 5 available ratios and has to balance city driving with a 5th that is practical both in the city and highway.
But 6mpg?? That is insane, especially when considering the efficiency differences between CVT and manuals. That would be like claiming my pickup would gain 4mpg highway by going from 4.10's to 2.73's... its just not happening as a certain amount of energy is require to move the vehicle.
So what am I missing?
I recently saw an ad for the updated 2018 Impreza, and as I clearly like Subarus, decided to do some info digging.
One thing that really stood out is Subaru claims 38mpg highway with the CVT vs 32mpg with the 5 speed??! Wut? How is that even possible?
My only guess is that the CVT allows a much lower cruising rpm at speed, and because of the "infinite" gear ratio options between the upper and lower limits of adjustability, can easily compensate for the reduced torque available in such an overdriven gear ratio by increasing the gear ratio as necessary anytime more power is required. Unlike the 5 speed, which has only 5 available ratios and has to balance city driving with a 5th that is practical both in the city and highway.
But 6mpg?? That is insane, especially when considering the efficiency differences between CVT and manuals. That would be like claiming my pickup would gain 4mpg highway by going from 4.10's to 2.73's... its just not happening as a certain amount of energy is require to move the vehicle.
So what am I missing?