MPG test ecoboost vs ecodiesel

Terryallan wrote:

8iron wrote:
Did I miss something or did they really just go by the trip computer numbers to determine MPG?

I don't see the problem of using the computer for MPG. Even IF you hand calc. You are still using the information given you by the computer. You trust the computer to tell you how fast you are going, To adjust the fuel mix, to add and subtract power. and to keep up with the miles driven. None of that stuff is mechanical any more.

For hand calculating MPG, the only vehicle computer factor you are trusting is you are assuming the odometer is accurately measuring distance traveled. And that measurement by the vehicle computer can easily be checked by comparing the odometer readings to some mileposts, or to an accurate GPS. I have GPS apps on my smartphone that accurately measure distance traveled, and that can be compared to the odometer.

MPG figures reported from the on board computer are completely meaningless and irrelevant to me, whether my own or other peoples' vehicles. Yes, there are differences in when the pump shuts off, but that slight variation can be virtually eliminated as a factor by hand-calculating mileage over a number of miles and a number of tankfuls. Or for a one off comparison test such as the subject of this thread, they could fill the fuel right up the neck to where the fuel is visible every time.