<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(withersea @ Jul 28 2006, 11:35 AM) [snapback]293821[/snapback]</div> I can get as much as 5 MPG better by regulating it myself.
I find that I am more apt to vary my speed unconsciously 3mph +/- without cruise. This constant speeding up and slowing down does impact my mileage. That being said, I would rather take control for inclines and declines, where I can back off a bit on the uphill, and gain it back in coasting on the downhill.
As bad monkey says, I think the answer is - it depends. On level freeway driving the built-in computers can probably optimize FE better than any human. This is especially true since this is where ICE is most efficient, and will be used almost constantly. However, in hilly/mountainous areas, a concientous driver might succeed in eeking out a few more mpg. The one thing the Prius does not have is down the road vision to anticipate, and take advantage of, the ups and downs. Oh by the way, did I say I love this car!
For me, I can easily do better than cruise. However, I live in hilly/mountainous areas, and as jmccord said, a human can see what's coming ahead and plan for it.
Cruise control is so old sk00l.. I keep trying to find this button in my Prius, anyone know where it is?
On the LA freeways it all about the cruise control. Anyone else find themselves getting better mileage at 55-65 than at 45? I even get better mileage at 70...
I call it 'modified' cruise control. I keep it at 64 usually on the NY Thruway, but if there is no one behind me, I'll pop off the CC and coast when I am approaching the top of a hill, then accelerate back to speed on the flat & downhill side. (I do this also on other 'highway' roads I travel, again only not impeding someone). If I find a semi that is going 62 or so, I'll tuck myself behind it and then go slower... this way I am not impeding anyone since the truck is already going that speed
try driving without cruise here on the NJ turnpike and see what will happen........maybe if you drive 80 mph or better you will be ok
