How do you start off at a stoplight? Gradually accelerate or hit the gas? (vehicle, red light)

[titaniummd]

I was driving a hybrid which has decent acceleration (0-60 in 7.6 or 7.8 seconds, in theory). However, I always tried to eek out a couple of extra miles on a tank of gas, and it became a game for me to try to get close to the EPA gas mileage estimate of 38 mpg. I would get close with 37 or 36 mpg.

Anyways, one of the things I did was not do any sudden accelerations when the stoplight turned green. Where some sports car or sports utility vehicle would hit the gas and take off, I would just casually speed up.

How do you drive? Do you hit the gas or gradually accelerate?

[noid_1985]

I gradually accelerate- sometimes I sit there for a second or two- it's been times at a red light or stop sign where a car who has the red speeds across the intersection. So if I'm not in a rush- it' gradually accelerate

[wheelsup]

I hit the gas, and accelerate to cruise speed quickly to get into a more efficient top gear. However if it's a red light 200 ft up obviously that goes out the window.

I used to go slowly and noticed my mileage was less doing so. Instant mileage is better, but long term is worse.

[Mr.Cat]

Common sense calls for gradually accelerating but then again if it was common, everyone else would have it.

[43north87west]

Originally Posted by titaniummd

I was driving a hybrid which has decent acceleration (0-60 in 7.6 or 7.8 seconds, in theory). However, I always tried to eek out a couple of extra miles on a tank of gas, and it became a game for me to try to get close to the EPA gas mileage estimate of 38 mpg. I would get close with 37 or 36 mpg.

Anyways, one of the things I did was not do any sudden accelerations when the stoplight turned green. Where some sports car or sports utility vehicle would hit the gas and take off, I would just casually speed up.

How do you drive? Do you hit the gas or gradually accelerate?

More on the gradual side, but not so gradual as to hold up traffic either.

[cdelena]

I drive according to conditions. Traffic, road, my needs vary so it all depends although a probably accelerate more quickly than most.

[Bummer]

Depends on the vehicle, Titanium.

If I'm in the Jeep . . . Pedal To The Metal because performance is definitely not a BIGGEE!

If in the SSR . . . a slow gradual "takeoff" is plenty fast enough with that big LS2 V8 under the hood.

[studedude]

I've been a drag racer for over 40 years. It's hard to resist the urge to be first off the line.

[Fleet]

Depends on what I'm driving, too.
With the ('95) Lincoln, usually gradually. Same thing with the '76 Limo.
With the '69 Fleetwood, I will at times use almost full-throttle coming off the line. As studedude said, it is hard to resist the urge.

[Tennesseestorm]

Gradual with all of my cars. I baby them all.

If I am in a hurry however like if I am going to work, I may speed up from a stop faster (I am normally in my V8 Lexus), but even then its at low RPMs because these cars crank out alot of power at lower rpms. I never have to take the car over 2700 rpms in general and have never had it over 3200 rpms.