When you set the A/C mode to recirculated instead of outside air are the mileage and performance affected more by the A/C since the air comes out cooler? Or is there no difference at all between outside mode and recirculated mode when it comes to affecting the mileage and performance?

 

from what i have seen the ac has little to do with gas mileage. as to performance i think the compressor cuts out at 75% throttle.

fla usa = ac all day

beers

 

If there were any difference at all, I'd say that it would be better on recirculate. When you are on recirculate, the air being cooled is already cooler than the outside air, so it doesn't warm up the evaporater as fast, so the compressor doesn't cycle as often, and thus the engine doesn't work as hard.

 

keeping the air on recirc also prevents noxious fumes from getting inside the cabin. I'll tell you if anyone drives with the windows down, you will decrease your mpg. the car acts like a parachute and allows a lot of drag. Of course on a beautiful day it's tempting to drive with the windows down and the sunroof open.

 

I always heardthat driving w/the windows down and turning off the air INCREASED your mpg

 

w2aew hit it right on. The compressor uses power from the engine which reduces mileage - so the less the it has to cool the air the better so if you must be cool, recirculate.

 

Driving with the windows down especially while at a good speed will definitely reduce mpg more than the compressor! Test the car by driving 50 miles down the highway with the windows down and then try it with the windows closed and the air on recirculation and a fan speed of 2 and see what you get!

 

It's funny, all my other cars have suffered, both in power and in mpg, when I use the A/C in any mode. The RX-8, though, does not seem to care. I don't notice any appreciable loss in power and mpg stays the same regardless.

I LOVE that! :D

Is there something about the rotary that makes it less susceptible to the A/C issues that piston engines have?