It’s a common refrain among some: no real-world, street-legal car could possibly burn through fuel as quickly as their digital counterparts in racing games often do. While there are exaggerations in the virtual world, the core concept of fuel consumption, especially in high-performance vehicles, is rooted in reality.
Consider the classic example of the Starsky & Hutch Torino. As highlighted in a Forza Hub article, this iconic vehicle was notorious for its abysmal highway fuel economy, achieving a mere 8 miles per gallon. That’s a staggering amount of fuel to be guzzled by a road-going car. The owner, an expatriate from Europe, mentioned that despite the high fuel costs in the US, it was still manageable compared to European prices, where fuel could reach upwards of $10 per gallon. Imagine embarking on a 1100-mile journey in such a car, the number of fuel stops would be considerable!
Turning our attention back to the gaming world, fuel consumption rates can be equally dramatic, and strategically impactful. Take the Ford Daytona Prototype in a popular racing simulation. Prior to a patch update addressing fuel economy issues, this car was infamous for its shockingly poor mileage. Since the fix, the twin-turbo V6 prototype now offers more reasonable fuel usage, considering the relatively small fuel cell capacity typical of cars in its class, designed for entry-level Daytona racing. Compromises are often made in certain areas to optimize performance in others.
Testing the patched Ford Daytona Prototype in an Indy 50 lap race initially resulted in running out of fuel. The issue wasn’t the car itself, but rather a lack of attention to driving style and pit stop strategy. On a subsequent attempt, pushing the fuel tank to its absolute limit, down to the last 2% before pitting, proved to be a game-changer. By pitting earlier than many AI opponents (Drivatars), the car rejoined the race around 10th position. Instead of conceding defeat, the strategy shifted to shorter, more frequent pit stops.
Pitting approximately every 10 laps, instead of the usual 14-16, led to a surprising outcome. As larger fuel capacity cars pitted later, the Ford Daytona Prototype surged into the lead, gaining four positions. With clean air and less traffic, the fuel tank was then pushed to its 15-lap limit. Another quick 8-lap stint followed, exiting the pits just as the second-place car rounded the bend. This aggressive pit strategy allowed for holding off competitors until the 50th lap finish.
Throughout the race, AI opponents were observed making pit stops, although sometimes these occurred out of direct sight. There were even instances of Drivatars pitting with only a few laps remaining, suggesting miscalculations in their fuel management.
Regarding AI pit entry behavior, it’s true that Drivatars aren’t always paragons of pit lane etiquette. While many enter correctly, instances of AI cutting across the track to enter the pits abruptly are not uncommon. This has become a valuable lesson learned: anticipate unpredictable AI pit maneuvers. Approaching pit entry zones, especially on exits from turn 4 or on pit straights, it’s prudent to maintain a higher line or stay on the extreme outside, providing buffer space for any erratic AI pit entries to prevent collisions or spins.
While Drivatar AI isn’t flawless, their strategic racing behavior is often preferable to dealing with intentionally disruptive players in online lobbies.
For high-performance cars known for their “worst fuel consumption,” strategic driving techniques can make a difference. Drafting effectively and, when in the top positions, employing coasting to conserve fuel by letting AI opponents provide a tow for a few laps can extend fuel range. In longer races, remember that victory isn’t always secured in the initial laps. Many successful racers strategically utilize the field, allowing natural race progression and pack separation, then employing well-timed pit stops and skillful drafting to make their move for the lead in the later stages of the race. Impatience often leads to early mistakes, whereas skilled drivers plan their track attack and adapt to the race dynamics as they unfold. Observing top leaderboard racers reveals their mastery of strategic racing in competitive environments.
In conclusion, whether in the real world with gas-guzzling classics like the Torino, or in the virtual realm of high-octane racing simulations, understanding and managing fuel consumption is critical. Mastering fuel strategy, even with cars known for their “worst fuel consumption,” can be the key to victory, both on the track and in the game.
