Drag vs. Load - What's worse?
 

Good morning,
I got to thinking about this on the highway the other day as I was deciding whether to open a window or turn on the A/C....
I was wondering what was a more fuel efficient way to cool down - to open a window which creates drag; or turn on the A/C and create load on the engine?
A friend from Florida said the concensus of local opinion down there is it's more fuel efficient to turn on the A/C (creating load) than to open a window (creating drag).
What do all of you think?

RE: Drag vs. Load - What's worse?
 

At highway speeds the AC would be more efficient.

RE: Drag vs. Load - What's worse?
 

didnt they do this on mythbusters and find out that it is more fuel efficient to have the windows rolled down than run the a/c. but the difference was not much, maybe at most about 3-4 miles for a full tank of fuel.

RE: Drag vs. Load - What's worse?
 

Yes, they did that.....and a fully loaded SUV with the windows down ran for like an extra 40 miles I think....

The truth is....it really doesnt matter....its all about preference....because every vehicle will perform differently....