WildAssTheory: Beaters get better MPG in real life.

Here's one for discussion.



I notice in my new Note that compared to my Escort that I am often forced to yield my legal right of way much more often. This costs gas in wasting momentum, tire wear, brake wear etc. I guess the scissor paper stone mentality is a bit like "Shiny (sub)compact will give way to SUV, but SUV yield to $500 wreck"



I don't personally test the propensity of drivers having the legal right of way to yield, but I get tested on this frequently when there's larger private vehicles going around parked cars or other obstructions on their side of the road. When I'm in the beater, they flinch and wait AS THEY LEGALLY SHOULD, when I'm in the Note, I have to brake or avoid collision on shoulder or other action.



So my WAT is, given identical theoretic fuel economy figures, a beater will get better real world MPG than a newer car, due to "beater respect" the feeling that other drivers have that you will not mind in the least if you add a ding or two to it, thus allowing you to preserve momentum. (I guess it doesn't hurt that they might doubt that your brakes are any good etc)



thoughts?





RW222



edit: Cliffs notes for AAA, hypermilers are crazy out of control cheapskates driving barely guideable missiles that cost less than your deductible, better drive a Humvee so you can continue to ignore rules of road without killing your kids.

WildAssTheory: Beaters get better MPG in real life.