> You were right the first time, the load on the engine is much
> higher at higher speeds, and the fuel consumption is much higher. You
> probably also have the throttle more wide open to acheive this.
Right. All "external" loads go up with speed - you've got drag increasing
with speed, higher drivetrain losses, windage, increased friction from
tires heating up (I know, I know, the coefficient of friction is
temperature independent, but the rubber softens and losses go up for a
given compound), etc. Eventually, you hit the "thrust = drag" point, and
thats it. You're making energy in the cylinders and dissipating it in a
lot more places at speed.
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