Fuel consumption in racing games is often a source of frustration and debate. Some players complain about unrealistic fuel usage or blame AI advantages on fuel efficiency. This article delves into the mechanics of fuel consumption in Forza Motorsport, based on extensive testing in the Spa 100 endurance race, to determine how to achieve the Best Fuel Average Car.
Fuel consumption in Forza Motorsport, since Forza Motorsport 2, is determined solely by throttle application. RPM, speed, and even drafting have no impact on fuel usage. A car at full throttle, regardless of speed or RPM, consumes fuel at a constant rate. The key to maximizing fuel efficiency, therefore, lies in managing throttle input. Coasting through corners and utilizing partial throttle are the only ways to conserve fuel. Experiments with shifting patterns at Spa revealed no difference in fuel consumption compared to normal racing.
In a 46-lap Spa endurance race on Pro difficulty, data was collected to analyze fuel usage and pit strategies. Driving normally consumed 4.4%-4.5% fuel per lap, requiring two pit stops. By adopting a fuel-saving approach, consumption dropped to 3.9% per lap, enabling a single pit stop and a 1st place finish. However, this conservative driving style resulted in a 3.5-second loss per lap.
Analyzing the numbers reveals that pitting takes approximately 22 seconds longer than a regular pit entrance/exit at racing speed. While a fuel-efficient lap saves fuel, the accumulated time loss over a long race outweighs the benefit of fewer pit stops. A strategic approach involving a mix of normal and fuel-efficient laps offers a slight advantage. For instance, in a 69-lap race, strategically incorporating fuel-efficient laps allows for two pit stops instead of three, resulting in a minimal time penalty of 2.5 seconds over the entire race.
However, in a shorter 23-lap race, a no-pit strategy, utilizing fuel-efficient driving towards the end, saves a significant 11.5 seconds. Therefore, pit strategy becomes crucial in shorter races.
These findings highlight that the optimal approach varies depending on race length. In longer races, the time lost from slower fuel-efficient laps generally outweighs the time saved from fewer pit stops. In shorter races, however, a no-pit strategy with conservative driving at the end can provide a considerable advantage.
While this analysis focuses on Spa and a specific driving style, the core principle remains constant: minimizing full throttle usage is key to fuel efficiency in Forza Motorsport. Different tracks and driving techniques may yield varying results, but understanding the relationship between throttle input and fuel consumption is crucial for developing effective race strategies and achieving the best fuel average for your car. Ultimately, achieving the best fuel average depends on carefully balancing speed and fuel conservation based on the specific track and race length.
