What's the Difference in Fuel Consumption Between a Car with Five People and One Person?
3 Answers
Fuel consumption increases when a car carries five people compared to one person. Below are the fuel consumption scenarios with different numbers of passengers: 1. Engine Load: The fuel consumption difference between carrying three people and one person could be even more significant, which relates to an important performance metric of the engine—"engine load." Engine load refers to the relationship between the effective specific fuel consumption and the engine load at a certain engine speed, adjusted via the throttle. Therefore, the engine load characteristic is also known as the throttle characteristic. Under full load, the engine load increases, the throttle is nearly fully open, and the throttle opening angle directly affects fuel consumption. The intake air volume and other signals control the injector's opening, determining the fuel injection amount. 2. Steady Driving: Once the car is driving steadily, the fuel consumption difference becomes minimal. For example, when cruising at a constant speed on the highway, the difference is negligible. However, in complex urban driving conditions, such as frequent stops and starts, the difference remains noticeable.
I've driven many cars, experiencing fuel consumption changes firsthand, whether commuting or taking friends for rides. With just one person in the car, the engine responds briskly with stable fuel consumption. When fully loaded with five people, the weight increases by over 400 kg, engine load rises, and fuel consumption can jump by 5-10%. This is especially noticeable during acceleration or hill climbing. For example, my usual 7 liters per 100 km can exceed 8 liters when fully loaded. Aerodynamic drag also increases slightly, but weight is the main factor. Regular maintenance of tires and engine can slightly alleviate this, and city driving conditions consume more fuel. Vehicle type has a significant impact, with SUVs being more pronounced. Overall, fuel-efficient habits like smooth driving are important. Although carpooling may increase fuel consumption slightly, its environmental benefits make it worthwhile overall.
I often notice increased fuel consumption when taking the whole family on trips. With five passengers, the car's weight increases by over 200 kg, and the engine has to work harder, naturally burning fuel faster – consuming an extra half to one liter per 100 km. For long journeys, I always budget extra for fuel in case of unexpected situations. Driving smoothly and avoiding sudden acceleration can help mitigate the impact; maintaining the vehicle well, such as changing the engine oil, also helps maintain efficiency. Although fuel consumption is slightly higher, sharing one car saves energy compared to using multiple vehicles, making it economical and environmentally friendly. The difference is even more noticeable in daily city driving with frequent stops and starts.
