In automobiles a lot has to do with the gearing. Something that Mercedes has known for years. we had a Mercedes 420 SL with V8. Averaged over 22mpg on the car over 330,000 miles. Presently have a E 350 Blue Efficiency V6. I don't recall what the Blue Efficiency means but everyone thinks it is a diesel.
7 speed transmission and 302hp verses the other V6 with 268hp. The car has averaged 29mpg since new. On the trip to California against 60mph headwinds averaged 28mpg. Without headwinds averaged 34mpg. With the trunk fully loaded. Back in the days of muscle cars I had a Plymouth VIP with 318 ci engine and 3.72 rear end. It was quite fast for the weight it pulled.
Now I wonder if boats had a 3 speed tranny would it make a difference. I think it is doing a marine engine a disservice to WOT from a standing stop. A lot of dead weight and water to push unlike an automobile.
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