Well, as subject says, if you have a car with Xenon discharge lamps that supposedly use 'less' energy, is it correct to presume you'd get better fuel economy than 'standard' lamps?

VERY marginally. Conventional dipped headlights consume something like 50-75W each. Even if xenons used no power whatsoever, this reduction would have to be compared to the 75,000W that a 100bhp engine (say) produces. So even if xenons used no electricity at all, you'd still only be around 0.2% more efficient. You can save far more than this by making sure your tyres are at the right pressure!

So fuel consumption's not really a make or break factor for xenons, I'm afraid!

The wattage is lower so less heat is produced at the 'bulb' end, but fuel economy-wise there really isn't much in it. It would be so incredibly small a difference IMHO it's not worth worrying about it.

To be totally pedantic (I'm in the mood :P ) - as you are carrying a 5 liter window spray bottle rather than IIRC 2 liters for the non-Xenon version, you may be carrying about 3kg extra weight, which on acceleration would cost you more fuel.

I'd go for whichever type of lighting system you feel happy with, the standard lights are very good as well.

technically yes you may be right.

however lets factor in the extra weight of the ballasts and the need for the headlight washers, then i think we can see xenons are actually reducung your MPG,

Get rid of em now:rofl:

if you had 1000 50p coins in the car after not deciding to buy Xenons then the car would weigh more by far. buy xenons, the weight is lost instantaneously!

therefore

increasing mpg with xenons.

if you had 1000 50p coins in the car after not deciding to buy Xenons then the car would weigh more by far. buy xenons' date=' the weight is lost instantaneously!

therefore

increasing mpg with xenons.[/quote']

You've got your pounds mixed up again! I'm plenty good at losing the

The MPG increase from Xenons is probably about the same as giving the car a good polish

Which btw I must go do

Come on guys - how sad is this topic!!!???

The MPG increase from Xenons is probably about the same as giving the car a good polish

suggest you read this weeks autoexpress an dthe article about dirty cars and mat paint finishes being more aerodynamic as the dirt particles force less air into contact with the bodywork creating les drag.

Shocked to say the least, wait till we see F1 teams using muck spreaders at pit stops:rofl:

auto express or millions of pounds worth of research put into F1

id say auto express are talking turd!

unless the aerodynamics of an F1 car lends itself to be well polished. just thought the same would apply with a road car?

Sod the weight and economy issues, the improved safety is the primary concern, I thought about xenons as I drove home with the dim lights on my car.