Micra speedometer shows faster than it's really going

[AlphaMicra]

I did a test today, I compared my Micra's speedometer with that of my GPS. I was surprised to find it off by 5 KPH.



It seems to be less off at lower speeds, and more off at higher speeds.

After that, I decided to reset my trip counter in both the Micra and my GPS at the same time. After the Micra showed 80.4km of travel, the GPS showed 78.06km of travel.

Has anyone else noticed this?

[Ustauk]

My Mercury Topaz consistently shows 5 km/h more on the speedometer then on the GPS or neighbourhood speed limit signs with a "Your Speed" display show.

[aftica]

I wondered the same thing in my ''review'' post. My commute to work is off by at least 4km, and I know trucks are blowing by me when I'm at 100Kph (they're limited to 105kph)

This has warranty and claimed mpg implications.

I wonder if the all the computers are set for the larger tire size on SR models?

[AlphaMicra]

This has warranty and claimed mpg implications.

As for warranty mileage claims, definitely. My guess is that Nissan could divert those by establishing a "Grace" period that would account for those differences. That is assuming that a Micra would need work under warranty, which I consider unlikely; Micra's are well built machines with a long reputation for reliability. Still, I would argue the point.

As for MPG, Fuelly is still showing that I'm blowing away EPA estimates for highway driving (I'm driving mixed), and that's based on actual fill-ups and odometer readings at those fill-ups, so I doubt anyone would be able to make a claim with regards to that. I wonder if Nissan purposely set the economy estimates low in order to avoid litigation.

[MicraK13NL]

I guess most cars show a higher speed than when measured with GPS.

[AlphaMicra]

Honestly, I don't understand why, in this day and age, we don't have the ability to calibrate our own speedometers. It should be as simple as having a setting in the on-board computer.

[MetroMPG]

Alpha... have you confirmed the odometer is also off?

[aftica]

As for MPG, Fuelly is still showing that I'm blowing away EPA estimates for highway driving (I'm driving mixed), and that's based on actual fill-ups and odometer readings at those fill-ups, so I doubt anyone would be able to make a claim with regards to that. I wonder if Nissan purposely set the economy estimates low in order to avoid litigation.

Yes, good point. I forgot how low the fuel economy numbers are on the new rating system.

I find it amusing: they are so low, and most people will applaud that we are finally getting ''real world'' ratings... and they would be absolutely right...not realizing, that the new numbers just indicate how most guys are asshats behind the wheel without a clue how badly they are driving. LOL.

EDIT:

Alpha... have you confirmed the odometer is also off?

I assume the odometer/speedo both get input from the same point, so they're both probably out the same amount.

[MetroMPG]

When people spend less on transportation, they have money to spend other ways...

True, true.

I assume the odometer/speedo both get input from the same point, so they're both probably out the same amount.

But since the output to the odo/speedo comes from the ECU (no more direct mechanical drive speedo/odo cables), it would be easy to add a correction factor to one or the other. Just curious.

[AlphaMicra]

Alpha... have you confirmed the odometer is also off?

I only did the one test. I should do some others using other methods as well.