Simulating a 2008 VUE - almost

[BobbyP]

This weekend I carried three different loads on the same road course of 75 miles. The loads were 800 pounds, 400 pounds, and 60 pounds.

The first two trips were with the cruise control on 65mph, AC on, and rain conditions, 41 degrees.

The ride of the VUE was well controlled and smoother than normal with the heavier loads.

The fuel economy took a dive. I averaged 25 mpg with the 800 pound load, 26 mpg with the 400 pound load. The next day the same trip, no AC with a 60 pound load I was getting 28-30mpg.

Definately the increased weight of the new VUE will have a toll on the fuel mileage. The six speed automatic can't compensate enough to offset these loses.

[cdp326]

I don't think it's quite that simple....

I could put some loads in my SC2 and do similar tests, but I don't think that would simulate how an ION would do.

[junie]

You didn't really do that....did you?

[BobbyP]

I don't think it's quite that simple....

I could put some loads in my SC2 and do similar tests, but I don't think that would simulate how an ION would do.

With both VUE generations on essentially the same chassis, just the newer one 400-500 pounds heavier. The test is comparable.

The ION and SC2 are very different chassis.

[Charlie]

Interesting study. I guess we'll see soon enough. The '08s should be arriving soon...

Charlie

[page2171]

Funny thing is...when I turn my AC off I get better gas mileage too.

[BobbyP]

Interesting study. I guess we'll see soon enough. The '08s should be arriving soon...

Charlie

Thanks for the pics, looks like you had the run of the place.

Now I can't wait to see it. Cute how they hid the tweeters in the door trim.

I'd like to see how the 2008 VUE measures up to my Red Line. Now that I've driven a Torrent about 1000 miles I have a pretty good idea how a metal bodied Theta chassis should ride and handle.

This week I'm in a PT Cruiser, Mexican built, my only complaint is it needs more power to merge on the freeway. Construction seems to be good.