Best MPG vs High Speed

[Roundozo]

Ok, so I couldn't work out an appropriate title for what I’m asking so here's a little explanation....

Me and a mate were discussing if its better fuel saving to get up through your gears quickly to get into your cursing speed in 6th gear or to keep the revs down and slowly get up to speed but it’ll take longer. This “discussion” is for the 3.0lt straight 6 petrol in the z4 coupe.

Quickly – more fuel, less time (also more fun!)
Slowly – less fuel, more time (bit boring and eco friendly)

What do you think?

[vtecyo]

I think you need some new friends.

[B'stard Child]

Pretty much what you thought for mpg getting to speed.

The key is maintaining momentum once you are at that speed - anticipating and avoiding using the brakes or having to accelerate any more than is absolutely required to over take anything while cruising

[trickywoo]

Best to use wide open throttle but change up at lowish revs.

[kambites]

The optimal rate of acceleration in most cars is surprisingly high initially, although obviously you don't want to push the ECU in to open-circuit fuelling which usually limits you to <50% throttle. Once your past about 40 or 50mph (depending on the car), you want to accelerate as slowly as possible; ideally not at all since cars are most efficient at that sort of speed.