[Vwdiesel] mileage woes

[Johann Koenig]

Hey,
I just got my '82 Rabbit on the road last week, and have been trying to
figure out how to calculate my mileage, because I don't have a
speedometer/odometer (gotta check the cable ...). Yesterday I drove up
to my apartment in Ithaca to clean it out, and figured this would be the
perfect opportunity. From past experience, I know the mileage to be
about 160 from my parent's house to the apartment. So I drove to town,
tanked up, and started the trip. About 15 or 20 miles from my
destination, I stopped to fill up. Much to my chagrin, I put almost 5
gallons in the talk, for about 150 miles of driving. After I got to my
apartment, I went to the city to grab some food, adding perhaps 10 miles
overall. Drove home, unloaded my stuff, and went to town to tank up
again and check my mileage (another 6 or 7 miles). Put in just about 5
gallons again! So now I'm looking at a total trip of between 320 and 350
miles, using about 10 gallons. 32-35 mpg?!?! Man, was I bummed at that.
But then I got to thinking, I was driving pretty fast there and back,
averaging probably 70-80mph. Of course, no speedometer, so I really
can't be sure. But I was passing a lot of people. Now I'm wondering,
could my fast driving really have affected the mileage that much? I'm
really hoping so!

Also, about what speed does the rabbit start shaking? At times, the car
would start vibrating, but only when I was going really fast, and the
engine sounded like it was about ready to rip itself to pieces (4spd
manual). It's got almost new tires, that were just mounted/balanced, and
a front end alignment just last week.

Which brings me to yet another quick question, my brother mentioned that
it looked like my car was driving sideways, or at least angled, when he
was following me. Can the rear end be out of a alignment? Can it be
fixed?

Thanks
-- 
-Johann Koenig