[ericbecky]

I'm trying to decide which is a better option for my daily work commute and would be interested in any opinions.

Route A: 25 miles; ~61 mpg (7.5 miles of it in the city; 15 stoplights)
Route B: 30 miles; ~67 mpg (2.5 miles of it in the city; 5 stop lights)

Both routes take the same amount of time, 40 minutes.

Route A would mean less miles annually, but the mpg would be worse.
Route B would put on more miles annually, but the mpg would be better.

I don't plan on reselling the car, so resale with the higher miles isn't a factor.
There is ~30,000 miles on the Insight now.

Which is a better route?
What else should I be factoring in?

Eric
New Formula Red 02 #1902
5 spd, Cruise
Wisconsin

 

[Foxpaw]

Route A is better I'd say. Although the MPG is less, the distance is also shorter:

Route A: ~0.41 gallons burned (and less miles on the car too)
Route B: ~0.45 gallons burned.

 

[lethostigma]

I concur with Foxpaw but with such little difference in total fuel consumption I would take the route that is less stressful, or mix it up.

 

[ericbecky]

I keep hoping that Route B is the best because I'd like to be able to boast a better lifetime mpg and dismiss the extra wear/tear as minimal.

Overall route B would mean approximately 1250 more miles a year.

Eric
New Formula Red 02 #1902
5 spd, Cruise

 

[Guest]

I concur with Foxpaw but with such little difference in total fuel consumption I would take the route that is less stressful, or mix it up.

Agreement. I recently started taking a different route to/from work when my old route was under construction. The new route is about 2 or 3 miles longer and takes maybe 8 to 10 minutes longer, but I get better mileage, it is more scenic and less stressful (no highway). The old route is no longer under construction, but I still usually go the new route unless I'm in a hurry.

 

[b1shmu63]

IMHO, the better gas mileage indicates less stress on the engine, brakes, batteries, driver. The only thing getting greater wear on acount of the greater distance would be the wheel bearings. Even then, the torsional forces of braking and accelleration would be reduced.

 

[Motty82]

I say more miles and better fuel economy over fewer miles and less economy. It's probably less stressful not being in a lot of traffic, and you'll be getting better mileage too!
Whatever you decide, i'm sure it will be the right one.
~Martin
Recycled
2000 5 Spd

**Edit**
Yeah, what the guys below me said.... LOL

 

[Foxpaw]

Well, as I mentioned, the mileage is better on Route B from a pure MPG standpoint, but in terms of actual fuel consumed, Route A is better. As far as wear is consumed, less fuel consumption to me implies less total revolutions of the engine, thus less wear. Plus there will be less total miles on the odometer. The LMPG reading will be lower, that's about the only downside. And maybe driving in traffic, if that bothers you. On the other hand, driving in traffic is kind of better because driving on the highway leads to stone chips.

 

[Billy]

Many of you are, I believe, looking at this interesting question from a limited perspective only. The key point is, this is a DAILY commute; so everything is magnified and cumulative. Overall, and based on the information given, route B is by far superior. This is because, assuming the stated commute is one-way, route B provides for exactly 100 LESS stop lights each and every week. The more stop lights you negotiate, the more braking, accelerating, and the more chance of a traffic accident! Choose the route with the fewest stop lights and intersections, and your chance of being rear-ended (or sideswiped) is greatly reduced. The next big factor is MOMENTUM. Fuel economy & driving comfort are enhanced and mechanical wear is reduced as you keep the momentum......keep the vehicle rolling. Billy.........

 

[Guillermo]

I agree with Billy,
One of the most important factors that affects wear and tear on the car is the number of stops and accelerations (assuming both roads are good and don't have nasty pot holes).
Taking route Route B everyday your brakes will last 3 times longer!
And your engine will get less wear and tear.

 

[ericbecky]

Both roads are of comparable quality. Due to the reduced amount of stoplights I am in "stop and go" traffic much less. Most of the extra 5 miles are spent on a 4 lane highway crusing up an down lightly rolling hills. In fact it is this coasting and conservation of momentum that increases the mpg.