2 Attachment(s)
How wheel & tire size and style affect Mirage fuel economy/mileage
In New Zealand, just two Mirage models are offered: LS (base) and GLS, both with the CVT automatic transmission only.
They both have identical drivetrain/technical specifications, yet the LS has a better fuel economy rating than the GLS, burning 6.1% less fuel. Why? Mitsu points to the wheel/tire spec on the two cars as the culprit.
N.Z. AA explains:
(Off-topic... I think it's funny that they call the 165 width tire "skinny", but not the tire that's only 1cm wider. Duh.)
How do different wheel /tire size and style cause the GLS to get worse fuel consumption?
- the slightly narrower tire will have a slightly better drag coefficient and smaller frontal area
- that flat plastic 14 inch wheel cover is probably more aerodynamic than the open spoke alloy wheel
- the different tires probably have different rolling resistance coefficients
- the bigger alloy wheels & lower profile tires may have more of their mass concentrated further away from the rotation axis, which would need more power to accelerate
I haven't compared the overall diameter of the 2 tires, but I assume they're very close. If they're not, though, gearing could also be slightly affected.
UPDATE (Jul 11/2013):
Mitsubishi again points at wheel/tire choice and its effect on fuel consumption, this time regarding the new Mirage Sedan G4 / Attrage:
Quote:
22 KM/LITER. (with 14 inch wheels) Having the lightest body weight, it isn’t surprising that the Mirage G4 has the lowest fuel consumption in its class. [...]
Equipped with 15-inch wheels, the Mirage G4’s fuel efficiency is rated at 21 kpl.
source:
http://business.inquirer.net/131241/...ry-chapter-two
http://mirageforum.com/forum/attachm...3&d=1369146404
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FYI: here's a dramatic example of how these wheel size/style issues can affect fuel economy:
Use a Sat-Nav for better speed or mileage reading.
I use a Garmin Nuvi 50 [5 inch screen] in speedo mode so if you do change your tire size the sat nav will continue
to provide correct speed and distance. It is mounted in front of the steering wheel which saves me looking down
at the car speedo as well. It cost $90 Aus. no life time maps.
You can also use Phone apps but my sat nat is working the moment I drive.
Phone apps can take 5 minutes to aquire the satalite signal.
I'm a big fan of not getting speed camera photos,