Now i can comeup with a number of things having to do with the differences between the two. But my biggest question is, My buddy has got an 88 xj auto while i have an 88 xj manuel. Hes averaging about 16 mpg while i'm only getting around 13 mpg. Is this correct or do i got a problem?

Thanks,
Taylor

 

My understanding is, if you drive it right to keep your RPMs decently low, manuals get better mileage. But let someone else confirm that!

 

I think you have a problem. I have a 1990 with a manual, stock gears, and 33" tires and I think I get around 13mpg. If yours is stock, you defenitly have a problem.

 

I would say driving style is a big factor in it, but where you drive is gonna make a difference too. If he's mostly freeway driving and you're doing more around town he's obviously gonna get better MPGs. You vehicles "set-up" is going to factor into it too (gear ratios, tire size, etc.).

 

Like rivercrazy said, driving style plays a huge part. I find, when driving a manual car, my driving style is much more, um... spirited...

But yeah, it's a given that manuals get better milage than an identical car with an auto tranny, it's just the nature of the beast, and the way auto trannies work, lol.

 

start with the basics air filter, fuel filter and a tune up. my xj got 15 highway before I put in my lift kit, in doing the lift kit I noticed my fuel filter was as rusty as my floorboards so I changed it, did a tune up, installed the lift kit put on some 235/85/16 M/Ts and now I get around 19 highway... go figure

 

add an oil change and motor flush to the mix + seafome the fuel

 

x2, drop a little lucas in the oil after you add the first two quarts. never lucas first. a buddy of mine did an oil change put half a quart of lucas in before the new oil and burned up his oil pump

 

Ill keep all of this in mind. Thanks guys.

Taylor

 

Haha, I never said that you would get the better mileage out of the manual....my lead foot makes sure of that.

 

with a auto you have the TQ and a pump to spin......and it takes more power...alot less effort is needed to spin a manual...plus with a manual you can shift lower and skip gears..where as a auto has to cycle them all.....

 

X2, was just gonna write that.

 

i have a 95 country 4x4 stock with 235/75/15 and a 5 speed. i average 18 to 19 mpg on the highway.

 

unfortunately i have an automatic going to do a swap soon though, hands down wheelin is more fun with manual! and if fuel mileage is an issue dont get the cherokee lol!

 

It's definately better to rock crawl with an auto though, you have much finer control of the vehicle.