Which is more economical - shorter heavy traffic or longer lighter traffic?

Caliden

I'm trying to figure out which is more economical.

There's 2 possible routes I can use to get to work.
One uses the M50 and a small section of the Naas road - http://goo.gl/maps/gyRKn

and the other uses the ballyowen road - http://goo.gl/maps/N4S04


There are 30 sets of traffic lights along the ballyowen road and 7 sets on the M50/Naas route so there is quite a bit of stop starting, more so in the mornings (most likely due to school runs).

Anyone have any input?
(quite a boring question but there isn't much else to think about when you're stuck in traffic)

Is it more economical to use the longer route?

sebastianlieken

I would go for whichever route allows you to maintain a constant speed. That speed can be 20mph or 60mph. As long as you minimise the amount of start/stopping and accelerating/decelerating.

MrDerp

Which is less stressful to drive?

I'd be inclined to take the route with less traffic lights, if it's less stressful. I have a nice commute with only a handful of lights at either end, and even then some good stretches between them in most cases.

A bad day on my commute can ruin my mood for the morning/evening. I'd much rather arrive to work or home feeling calm.

unkel

It will be far quicker / less stressful to take the N3 then M50 (toll) and then N7. Strawberry beds is very slow (massive speed bumps) and Lucan village is always congested

I wouldn't be suprised if it were more economical too (even taking into account the toll)

Try them all and report back here

September1

Short route 13.5km
Quick route 17.7km

If toll is not taken into account you need 31% better MPG on quick route to offset extra distance.

larchill

Longer lighter traffic is by far the most efficient. If you can keep going @ 80-90kph in 5th & 6th gear you'll get the best consumption. I can get 5.0l/100k in my A4 this way. Once traffic gunges up though & your stuck @ 30-50kph in 2nd & 3rd, the oul consumption meter shoots up to 7-8l/100k!