(no subject)

You'd think a lightweight 2-seater with a relatively small engine, especially a Toyota made from components left over from their sensible family cars, would get great fuel economy. In the interests of science (and just a little to do with the glorious sound the MR2's engine makes at 7500rpm) I set about disproving this assumption.

It was hard work, but someone had to do it. 29 litres of fuel over 217km renders 7.5km/litre, or 17.5mpg.

Seventeen point five miles per gallon.

Although I appreciate the level of mercilessness I've applied to the MR2 in the last week, I have to admit I was expecting slightly better mileage, perhaps in the early 20s. Unless you're driving a Chevy Tahoe, 17-and-a-bit is thirsty. The only thing emptying faster than the fuel tank was my wallet., and I suspect that once you add tyres, brakes and clutches to that equation the cost of running would be surprising. And not in a good way.

Thankfully there is a solution, and one Paul is familiar with: treat it nice, like a regular car. Let's see how she runs when treated respectfully over the next couple of weeks.

(no subject)

You'd think a lightweight 2-seater with a relatively small engine, especially a Toyota made from components left over from their sensible family cars, would get great fuel economy. In the interests of science (and just a little to do with the glorious sound the MR2's engine makes at 7500rpm) I set about disproving this assumption.

It was hard work, but someone had to do it. 29 litres of fuel over 217km renders 7.5km/litre, or 17.5mpg.

Seventeen point five miles per gallon.

Although I acknowledge the level of mercilessness I've applied to the MR2 in the last week, I have to admit I was expecting slightly better mileage, perhaps in the early 20s. Unless you're driving a Chevy Tahoe, 17-and-a-bit is thirsty. The only thing emptying faster than the fuel tank was my wallet., and I suspect that once you add tyres, brakes and clutches to that equation the cost of running would be surprising. And not in a good way.

Thankfully there is a solution, and one Paul is familiar with: treat it nice, like a regular car. Let's see how she runs when treated respectfully over the next couple of weeks.

handling...

I found it! the mysterious point at which the MR2 switches from mild understeer to remarkable oversteer. And when I say 'switches' I mean 'like a lightbulb'. One moment you're zipping around a tight motorway onramp with the front pushing a little wide, the next you're a passenger on a wild fun-fair ride, trying to think fast enough to prevent the back wheels from overtaking the front. Thank god for quick steering and plenty of practice with the throttle over the last week. And wide onramps.

Lets not do that again.