I'm interested in what driving mode most 850 drivers use, and if anyone has carefully measured MPG to see if "economy" is any more economical than "sport" shifting mode.

I have a '95 850 Turbo and I use the sport mode exclusively. At one point I experimented driving sport vs. econ mode over several months and found no difference in the mpg. I figure I bought the turbo model for its sporty ride - it would be silly to drive in econ mode. Any other opinions?

on highway economy, in town depends on my mood...

i THINK that on the highway economy offers better mpg, in town (wierdly) sports does..I guess this is to do with keeping the block in the powerband....

interesting question might be if people have turbo/non turbo and wagons or sedans...i think one might get different answers..

also interestingly on my block (2.5 20 valve with the variable air inlet tracts) I think it also accelerates faster in ECONOMY! - I think this is due to torque curves and tyre adhesion...but thats just seat of the pants stuff..

The only, and I mean ONLY difference between sport and econ is that the transmission shifts more aggresively (hence higher upshift RPM, higher downshift speed) in sport mode. There is no difference in engine power or anything. They removed that in the newer cars, as the software in the newer cars figures out how you like to drive and adapts.

David

"sport" mode is more fuel efficient and a better ride on highway driving.

The opposite is true for economy mode, in stop and go traffic in the city.

Thus, alternating modes is the way to go, depending on what type of driving you are doing.
--
'88 240, '92 745, '98 v70 John, Tampa Bay

I like sport more than econ, of course. My driving has always been in econ and I get around 20 city. I guess it is time to go for it! If I notice a difference in my next tankful, I will post a new message.

Klaus
--
95 854T, 88 780, 88 245

There just might be something wrong with my econ mode as I get about 27-28 mpg in sport mode and closer to 26 in econ mode. Personally I don't like the way it shifts in econ.

I have a 1993 850 GLT and I have switched to using only the sport mode. I checked the mpg out a couple years ago and found it to be about 1 mpg less in sport in the city, but 2-3 mpg when going mostly highway. I agree - I think it is a much better ride in sport, well, as good one would hope for anyways!!!

oops - I forgot on important word!!! the mpg IS 2-3 mpg BETTER in sport vs economy on the highway. Sorry!

I would like to know the answer to your question also. I have a '98 C70 and I have it in "economy" mode 90% of the time.
I do like the "sport" mode.
Thanks.
Butchman

I have always found the shifting to be smoother in sport mode. Econ mode lugs/lurches through shifts like an old school bus with a bad transmission. Sport mode on the otherhand feels more like a smooth lincoln continental limo shift. IMO