Which route uses the most fuel?

up4thecup

Car: Peugeot 206 Diesel.

Route 1 is 13.2 miles, usually takes 45-60 minutes in stop start traffic through Birmingham from Quinton to Solihull.

Route 2 is 27.2 miles, usually takes 35 mins on the M42 again from Quinton to Solihull.

My question is, which one will use more Diesel - obviously the motorway route is twice as far, but as I'm constantly moving at a good speed does this mean I'll be using less/same/more fuel than spending more time in the car moving between gears stopping and starting.

Time wise the motorway is quicker and less stressful but if it works out a lot more expensive in fuel then maybe I will pick and choose depending on how much of a rush I am in to get home!

If anyone could shed some light on this it would be a huge help.

Thank you.

iolanthe07

A lot depends on how fast you drive on the motorway. Keep the speed to around 55 mph and I would expect that to be cheaper, but you'll never really know until you've experimented a few times with both routes.

Ada3050

It would be easier to do a week on the M42, then the next week going in the traffic. If you fill up to the same point before you start and when you finish you will know either way.

Your 206 will obviously do more MPG on the motorway, but probably not twice as much.

Gordon_Hose

Depends whether the motorway is stop start when you need to use it.

Hintza

13 miles in 60 minutes :eek:

Bu$$er the cost take the faster route and stay sane.

bengalknights

The motorway generally should be more economical if you stick to 55mph and its not a jam.But as others state you would have to test both routes for a week or month to see which one is more economical.

forgotmyname

I drove through the city centre just before xmas in the morning rush hour and what a nightmare, Took about an hour
for a journey i used to do on a sat afternoon which was fairly busy yet only took 20 minutes.

getmore4less

HAve you analysed the route to see where the hold ups are


Have you had a look at other routes that might avoid some of the slowest bits for slightly longer mileage.

Can you change the time of travel perhaps leave earlier/later, if work hours won't suite then find some personal stuff to do to fill the time.

If all else fails the longer less stressful choice even if it costs a bit more.

oldagetraveller

The motorway route should also be kinder to your car. Less gearchanging, braking, stop/start etc. So looking into the future using a bit more Diesel could be cheaper than the maintenance probably required due to a stop/start city journey.
Also better for your blood pressure/sanity.:D

MoneySavingUser

why 55mph?

Gordon_Hose

It's more economical, apparently.