does running tha ac in new cars use more fuel, compared to older cars of the 70s & 80s?

Question

my car is an 06 ford focus zx3

Answer 1

A/C systems are much more efficient than the older ones and they place much less of a load on the engine as a result of this. Your focus engine is completely capable of operating the air conditioning whereas cars of the 70's and 80's that had four cylinder engines were greatly affected by the compressors that were used then. Interestingly there have been several studies on how effective A/C is today, in terms of its effect on fuel economy. I believe that the generally accepted estimate is that a modern car will only lessen your mileage by about 1 mpg when using the air conditioning. Back in the 70's & 80's, I recall hearing that almost 1/3 of the fuel economy was lost to A/C operations.

Answer 2

new cars use low friction oil and engines are better but a few things we cannot change a/c sucks up about one mile to a gallon. Back in the stone age 70's and 80's 400 cubic inch engines were good only for about 200 hp now the same size gets 400 hp A little four cyl 125 cubic inch like yours has to work the wheels and alternator power steering pump and a/c compressor too. My thought is new A/C compressors are more efficient too

Answer 3

To spin your A/C compressor when it's on, the engine has to work a little harder and obviously it won't do it for free, it needs more fuel to burn. So any car, old or new would spend more gas with the A/C on, although for larger cars this difference will be less notable. Same is true for highway speed - when you drive on a highway, the difference with A/C or without will be very small.

Answer 4

Running the car without AC on will only save fuel if the windows are rolled UP. Totally not worth saving six dollars a month.

Answer 5

Becase the a/c compressors of today are more efficient than previous units, the newer ones probaly use a little less gas to power them.