Which route is better for fuel economy? (for fun, but seriously)

[nutt7]

I plan to go camping on Labor Day weekend. At a point on the freeway, I need to decide to:

a) Continue on the freeway (~70mph), at a gradual climb and go 47 miles in 44 minutes to get to my forest road.

b)Take a 31 mile shortcut (in 50 minutes) to my forest road with speeds varying from 50mph for about 8-10 of those miles, then 15-35mph through roundabouts and tourists, then a STEEP climb (maybe 15-20mph) for a couple miles at the end.

My burb gets about 10mpg avg MAYBE 11-12 on the freeway. Whats better? 16 less miles, but through town, or all freeway for more miles?? (the six minutes isn't enough for me to factor factor in the initial decision, unless it's a tie breaker!)

I am a math teacher, so I can figure this out mathematically, but obviously there are other factors too...which would YOU do and why?

BTW, we will certainly come home through Sedona.

My routes:

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

For such a short trip, you're talking about fractions of a gallon. I would choose whichever drive is more awesome

 

[4X4HIGH]

A constant speed will net the best fuel economy but if you're truely worried about fuel economy in these rigs maybe you should consider getting rid of it. Seriously though the distance is minor on "this" trip so I would take the more scenic route.

 

[mrk5]

For me the highway route is always far better than any kind of stop & go or lots of accelerate-decelerate even if it's not stop & go.

 

[nutt7]

Like I said, this post is mostly for fun, and I will NOT get rid of my bus I just like making the best with what I have!

Both drives are nice. The long one goes gradually from desert to pinion/junipers to tall pines, while the shorter takes you through Red Rock country of Sedona and up a pretty canyon to the top of the Mogollon Rim.

Anyone else?

 

[AV8TER]

I would jump in my little Cessna and fly there straight shot and get 22 mpg. Seriously thou, I would take the back route. If you're going up 17 you might as well take the Camry. Sadona is awesome. Anytime I get to AZ I have to get there. It's one of those kind of places.

 

[AV8TER]

Plus, how can you beat a trip up Oak Creek Twice?

 

[diesel4me]

I'd rather take the "back way" over the highway..any day...

Not just because my vehicles aren't really trustworthy on the interstates and I'd much prefer to be on a side road than the interstate if I had to hoof it...but I just like going slower,taking life easier,enjoy the view,not be white knuckled going 70+ mph in bumper to bumper traffic or having semi's passing me ,or having to follow them...

Lately I find in my area the "main roads" are always gridlocked at certain times of day,due to traffic or many workers getting out at the same times--taking the back roads may take a few minutes longer,but often it does not--you may not be going "fast" but its better than sitting at red lights or construction zones in gridlock,and most of the time I find the back roads almost devoid of any other vehicles,I often wonder why more dont use them.....and I use less fuel in my trucks the slower I go,having low gears..

 

[chulisohombre]

Highway would be less gas without All the stop And go. If it were me I'd go up highway and come back the other rought just for
Change of Scenery.

 

[n4xplay]

id go threw sedona, if your geting to hot theres a place call slide rock i beleve its off of 89 right next to the road with granite water slides to cool off most people just park next to the road and jump in was free last time i was there,

if you plan to fish do it below the trout fish hatchery up there

 

[y5mgisi]

The one way is 31 miles shorter? No brainer. Take the short cut!

 

[nutt7]

Poorly phrased on my part. It's about 16ish miles.

 

[dhcomp]

You'd definitely get better mileage going the extra miles on the highway.

I like backroads, but the climb and twisties in the truck get old after a while. I save those for the BMW.

 

[eagle mark]

Always take 89a! It is the awesome road!

 

[TheBeast_88K5]

The soft parts, in your transmission, like the most constant speed.

There's that.

 

[ktmoutfront]

2 lane roads for the win. The fuel difference will negligent.

 

[TheBeast_88K5]

Doesn't owning a Square body truck, kind of imply that you're taking the scenic route?

 

[dhcomp]

Doesn't owning a Square body truck, kind of imply that you're taking the scenic route?

In life? Maybe. But often times, the fastest way to the Scenic part of life isn't via the long road....

My burb is plenty happy at 75-80mph.

 

[AV8TER]

In life? Maybe. But often times, the fastest way to the Scenic part of life isn't via the long road....

My burb is plenty happy at 75-80mph.

Ah yes, but the scenic part of this trip is up 89a. If you have never driven that road thru Sadona and up Oak Creek Canyon I could see why you would say take the freeway.

 

[eagle mark]

Ah yes, but the scenic part of this trip is up 89a. If you have never driven that road thru Sadona and up Oak Creek Canyon I could see why you would say take the freeway.

I don't think I've ever seen that part of the freeway.

Man 89a is just a gorgeous drive.

Side trip to Sedona.

South of 89a look for Montezuma castle!