fiat v's merc consumption figures?

[scottie58]

Hi Folks, just returned from a great 3 week holiday in france & spain. We have a fiat based hymer with a 2.8TD motor ( not the jtd). our fuel consumption figures were best of 31 mpg, worst of 23mpg ( grinding up the cols in the pyrenees!) I am fairly pleased with this. Next year we will be in the very fortunate position to change our van for a newer, slightly bigger one. Max of 7.3m long, 3.85 T Choices, choices! Many rapidos, hymers etc ( we want a european LHD model) have the fiat 2.3 / 3.0lt fitted, some have the merc 2.7 sprintshift.. Can anybody give me some "realife" fuel consumption figures based on actual experience please.

I have heard all sorts of claims for how good the bigger engines are - but also some horror stories! I don't thrash along the motorways, prefering to cruise at 60 - 65 mph max.

:wave:

 

[Dezi]

Hi Scottie58, We had a Murvi motorhome from new,bought 1999, powered by a 2.8 td diesel Fiat. Over the next 10 years & 110,000 miles we averaged 34.6 including the Eberspacher heating system.

The new Murvi, bought 2009, on the later 2.3 td diesel Fiat has now covered 26,000 miles & is averaging 30.5 including the Webasto heating system.

The first Fiats mileage improved quite a lot after 40 / 45,000 miles & I anticipate the same for this one. I cannot comment on the Mercs performance.

Dezi

 

[zipnolan]

I have the Fiat 2.7 jtd (06 reg) it's a low liner motorhome and I have a chart reckoner to monitor fuel consumption which I do when on holiday, I get a constant 35.5mpg but the secret is to cruise just below 60mph or another good way to measure is just cruise to a speed to just be able to overtake HGV's (they have a top speed of 57mph), the van is normaly fully loaded on our return with wine/beer/goodies. Travel over 60mph then it begins to hurt ie... getting returns of only 22/24mph, take your time changing gears and best tip... look forwards and see whats coming and plan ahead, as a HGV driver with a blue chip company I constantly receive training to reduce cost's, correct tyre inflation is also important and if fitted "cruise control" ASAP. sorry if I'm teaching you to suck eggs.

 

[rolandrat]

Fiat Vs Merc fuel consumption

I have recently parted company with a 3ltr x250 Fiat, it was a prancing horse, the best engine ever to be made. The only downside was the fuel consumption, no more than 20mpg. I now have a new 2.3ltr x250 which is very noticably less powerfull but hopefully more economical. A 2.7 cdi merc I once owned was also very thirsty but very powerful so you have to decide whether you need the extra power with poor fuel economy or slightly less power but easier on the pocket.