How are 04's rated at 31 MPG

[Surprise]

I just recently went to my local dealership and looked at the 04 they had on the lot and noticed the the EPA rated the car at 26/31 compared to the 02-03 26/30. Does anyone know what was changed? I know that the wheels are 205/55/16's which are about 4% taller than 195/60/15 is that enough to make a difference, or maybe they used a tire with less rolling resistance. Any other ideas?

[2k2ep]

I'v made almost 35mpg at 70-75mph on trips.

[civic hatch boi]

every car is diff... i drive 99% hwy miles at 65 mph. and get 27mpg.. krappy.

[Siman]

My HKS SRI causes some hella low mpg, i am guessing 25!
My gas needle literally drops 1/4 a tank in 1 day of normal driving!

[bigace]

Oddly enough, EPA ratings are based on calculations of various numerical values, not of actual road tests. The addition of taller tires would most likely be enough to account for the change. The EPA's numbers are a decent guideline, but it can vary so widely that they're almost not worth looking at. In Los Angeles, I'd pay to see someone that gets within 20% of the quoted numbers. My mom gets 15mpg in her automatic G35 sedan, and its not because she's a lead foot, late braker, or overall shitty driver. In certain cities, intense stop and go is the only way to get around and not get hit, so it can vary widely. Anyways my EP has averaged 28mpg for 80-90mph highway trips, which I think is very reasonable. Revving lower doing 65-75, possibly even using cruise control, I'm sure 31 would be quite attainable...

[blueiedgod]

Originally posted by bigace
Oddly enough, EPA ratings are based on calculations of various numerical values, not of actual road tests. The addition of taller tires would most likely be enough to account for the change. The EPA's numbers are a decent guideline, but it can vary so widely that they're almost not worth looking at. In Los Angeles, I'd pay to see someone that gets within 20% of the quoted numbers. My mom gets 15mpg in her automatic G35 sedan, and its not because she's a lead foot, late braker, or overall shitty driver. In certain cities, intense stop and go is the only way to get around and not get hit, so it can vary widely. Anyways my EP has averaged 28mpg for 80-90mph highway trips, which I think is very reasonable. Revving lower doing 65-75, possibly even using cruise control, I'm sure 31 would be quite attainable...

Actually, EPA tests highway MPG's at 48 mph granny shifting, on flat surface with no wind.