Gas usage: distance vs time?

Question

Ok which use up more gas? driving 43 miles that takes an hour through backroads or driving 63 miles on the highway that takes an hour?

Answer 1

There are alot of variables that need to be considered in this one, you probably won't know the true answer unless you drive them both, start with a full tank of gas (important I know expensive to fill) when you get to the destination you would need to fill up again (and check your gas mileage). Then drive back the other way, when you get to the destination fill up again (and check gas mileage)  The time travelled being the same won't affect much, but the slower speed may help you with mileage as long as there isn't a bunch of stops & curves you need to slow & accelerate for. Of course you challenge that against the ability to use your cruise control on the highway... The only way to know for sure is to check it...

Answer 2

That depends on the back roads.  If there are precious few stops to be made, you can easily hypermile your car to freaky high mpg numbers on a slower road.

If you don't mind driving just a little bit slower, you'll get hugely improved fuel mileage even on the highway if you'll slow down from 63 to 55 - no kidding.  I know it sounds geeky but it's true.