Project Civic Si: Fun With Frugality?

David S.
Update by David S. Wallens to the Honda Civic Si Coupe project car
Oct 4, 2019

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Honda rates our Civic Si at 38 mpg on the highway and 32 mpg combined. Hopeless optimism or have things really gotten that green? Can a track car really deliver strong economy numbers? 

On a recent trans-Florida trip–okay, yes, it was to see GWAR–we used 8.726 gallons to cover 306.2 miles. Most of the trip involved interstate miles, but there was some city mixed in–along with a detour or two. 

Once we got home, we broke out the abacus. Our math says that’s 35.1 mpg for the trip. Not bad for not even trying–no cruise control and, perhaps, not always watching our speed. 

What kind of numbers are you seeing out there?

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Comments
bcp2011
bcp2011 Reader
10/4/19 9:55 a.m.

I routinely get mid 30s on my FRS on the highway.  And that's with 245 sticky summer tires.  Speed does impact the MPG a lot, as once would expect with aero resistance going up exponentially vs. speed.

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
10/4/19 9:59 a.m.

Our BRZ also posted similar numbers. I remember getting teens with an E90 M3....

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
10/4/19 10:14 a.m.

The "Fuel Efficient Vehicles Parking Only" sign was photographed in Gainesville, Florida. I'm assuming they have a standard for what qualifies. It was a Sunday so, being a rebel, I just parked there. 

Rons
Rons GRM+ Memberand Reader
10/4/19 10:25 a.m.

In reply to David S. Wallens :

You are absolutely correct as that sign is nebulous enough to park a 24' foot cube van - that is a fare more efficient way to move 15,000 lbs than a fleet of hybrids.

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
10/4/19 11:01 a.m.
Rons said:

In reply to David S. Wallens :

You are absolutely correct as that sign is nebulous enough to park a 24' foot cube van - that is a fare more efficient way to move 15,000 lbs than a fleet of hybrids.

Exactly. That was my logic. "Look, officer, it's more efficient than a '68 Caddy."

Then I wondered if I was supposed to have a certain sticker or something. Either way, no harm, no foul. 

iceracer
iceracer UltimaDork
10/4/19 11:19 a.m.

The trip computer on my FiST showed 37+ mpg after a 220 mile trip.   Included two lanes and interstate. Even passed a couple cars on the two lanes.    Oh that 4th gear.

bklecka
bklecka New Reader
12/4/19 5:44 p.m.

My 2018 Focus ST at 20,000 miles has a lifetime average of 29.0 miles per gallon. I think that is what the window sticker stated for the highway mileage. I drive 4 days a week in Tampa traffic with a long commute on each end so I am pretty happy with 28.9-29.0. Not the best and certainly not the worst. 

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
12/4/19 5:47 p.m.
bklecka said:

My 2018 Focus ST at 20,000 miles has a lifetime average of 29.0 miles per gallon. I think that is what the window sticker stated for the highway mileage. I drive 4 days a week in Tampa traffic with a long commute on each end so I am pretty happy with 28.9-29.0. Not the best and certainly not the worst. 

Ugh, Tampa traffic. That mpg sounds like a win. 

chrispy
chrispy HalfDork
12/5/19 9:09 a.m.

98 Honda Civic hatchback, B16a and GSR transmission means about 4000 rpm at 70.  I've been averaging 28 mpg for nearly 2 years, no matter how I drive it.smiley

aw614
aw614 Reader
12/5/19 9:53 a.m.
bklecka said:

My 2018 Focus ST at 20,000 miles has a lifetime average of 29.0 miles per gallon. I think that is what the window sticker stated for the highway mileage. I drive 4 days a week in Tampa traffic with a long commute on each end so I am pretty happy with 28.9-29.0. Not the best and certainly not the worst. 

I wish I could get your gas mileage in Tampa traffic with my GTI, driving Dale Mabry to and from work in stop and go-traffic, I barely get around 22 MPG (closer to 20 lol). I need to see if tune causing that MPG hit...but the newer Civic and mk7 GTI seem to solve the poor city mileage that the mk5 and mk6 gtis had in the since my MPG is around the EPA city estimate

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