MPG differences between H3/Alpha?

[Lezam]

Looking at the epa website, I find myself wondering how they do their tests. According to them, the only difference in gas milage between the V5 and the V8 is one mpg. Can that be remotely correct?

V8:
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/24659.shtml

V5:
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/24658.shtml

[3Hummer]

First off its an I-5 not a V-5. And besides that who knows how they do their testing, the best testing is the on that YOU get when you drive the car becuase every person drives differently. I know the sticker on the I-5 is 14-19 MPG where as when i saw the alpha at the dealer it says 13-16 (or 17). I would say the sticker is pretty accurate considering most of my driving is not on the highway and i get 15 MPG

[lance-n]

i have the 2006 I5 and consistently get 13-15 mpg.
i do mostly non highway driving, but commute 5 miles daily.

[LesC.]

Recently picked up a nice Alpha, 17.5 mpg so far consistantly. Mostly highway driven.

[3Hummer]

Originally Posted by lance-n

i have the 2006 I5 and consistently get 13-15 mpg.
i do mostly non highway driving, but commute 5 miles daily.

the "06's are supposed to get 15-20 MPG where as the "007-later are supposed to get 14-19MPG due to the .2 litre increase in the engine and the 22 added horsepower

[wpage]

My 06 I5 3.5 avg. 17mpg. With the archaic 4 speed auto...

[Lezam]

Does anyone with the Alpha have their average mpg results? I might even go for the alpha now, it seems the power will not affect mpg?

[lance-n]

from what i have seen and from the experience of others on this forum, it seems that the adventure model gets a little less mpg than the base or lux model.
i am sure the A/T treads and larger tire size are one factor.
maybe the different gears are a factor as well, i am not an expert.
what i do know is that if you are worried about fuel economy, just talk with anybody who has upgraded to 35" M/T's and they will assure you that your fuel efficiency will be further reduced.
to put it in perspective, i just think about the long hours i spend fueling the tiara at the fuel dock - it burns around 2 gallons to the mile! (hope the greenies don't see this)
then the h3 mileage doesn't seem so bad!

[Lezam]

Originally Posted by lance-n

from what i have seen and from the experience of others on this forum, it seems that the adventure model gets a little less mpg than the base or lux model.
i am sure the A/T treads and larger tire size are one factor.
maybe the different gears are a factor as well, i am not an expert.
what i do know is that if you are worried about fuel economy, just talk with anybody who has upgraded to 35" M/T's and they will assure you that your fuel efficiency will be further reduced.
to put it in perspective, i just think about the long hours i spend fueling the tiara at the fuel dock - it burns around 2 gallons to the mile! (hope the greenies don't see this)
then the h3 mileage doesn't seem so bad!

Thanks for the info. I think im going back to the lux, it seems that acceleration isnt increased much with the V8 anyways, thats what I read on another topic.

[3Hummer]

Originally Posted by Lezam

Thanks for the info. I think im going back to the lux, it seems that acceleration isnt increased much with the V8 anyways, thats what I read on another topic.

thats where your way wrong, the current H3 gets between 10.8 and 11.2 on the 0-60MPH and the H3 Alpha does 0-60 MPH in 8.2 seconds, if you ask me 3 seconds is a significant difference in 0-60

[Lezam]

Originally Posted by 3Hummer

thats where your way wrong, the current H3 gets between 10.8 and 11.2 on the 0-60MPH and the H3 Alpha does 0-60 MPH in 8.2 seconds, if you ask me 3 seconds is a significant difference in 0-60

Ah, so I guess the other guy was mistaken. From what im thinking now, if theres hardly any effect on gas milage, a big effect on acceleration, wouldnt it be worth it to spend the extra few thousand to get the V8? Any cons you guys notice?

[Hummer Aficionado_VT]

Originally Posted by 3Hummer

thats where your way wrong, the current H3 gets between 10.8 and 11.2 on the 0-60MPH and the H3 Alpha does 0-60 MPH in 8.2 seconds, if you ask me 3 seconds is a significant difference in 0-60

Yup. Thats the differance between a Corvette and a Civic.

[Agriv8r]

Originally Posted by Hummer Aficionado_VT

Yup. Thats the differance between a Corvette and a Civic.

[dkhummerh2]

Just go with a supercharged H2 if you want power. I am getting consistent 11 to 13 mpg's on the highway\
dk

[Lezam]

Originally Posted by dkhummerh2

Just go with a supercharged H2 if you want power. I am getting consistent 11 to 13 mpg's on the highway\
dk

Here in New York City, im mainly stuck in traffic. So Im figuring I might be able to squeeze that much out of an H3, prob less though

[Lezam]

Originally Posted by mkaresh

Yes, it can. Fuel economy sometimes improves with a torquier engine because it doesn't have to work as hard. I wouldn't be surprised if the V8 got better fuel economy for some people.

The big problem with buying the V8 is that GM currently only offers it in fully loaded Alpha trim. So, unless you wanted all the Alpha standard equipment anyway, there's a large price difference.

My site has a fairly sophisticated "real world" Fuel Economy Survey. Results for the H3 here:

Hummer H3 fuel economy

None for the Alpha yet. Any Alpha owners here? If so, I hope you'll consider signing up and participating.

I was going to go for the lux package anyways, so the difference is about 4k between that and the alpha.

[SpeedNut]

The other problem is that they changed the calculation formula for the estimated MPG I think starting this model year ('08) which adjusts almost every vehicle down. If I find the details of the change, I'll post it.

Update: Just found it on Edmunds:

Edmunds.com: EPA Overhauls Fuel Economy Estimates for 2008

[Spuds]

I have been thinking about this issue as well.

I'd almost bet that the final-drive gearing combination of the V-8 and 35" tires would give the best highway mileage, and comparable city mileage to the other drivetrain/tire combinations.

[Lezam]

So you think bigger wheels will get better mileage?

[3Hummer]

i think he was being sarcastic