gas mileage

Chevrolet Camaro Gas Mileage

by

The Chevrolet Camaro’s long-awaited comeback in the 2010 model year brought a relatively fuel-efficient V6 engine among with the tire-smoking V8s. Throughout the history of Chevy’s pony car, the entry-level Camaro’s gas mileage ratings were an important part of the marketing mix. While many enthusiasts only remember the V8 engines, six cylinder Camaros have always been popular, dating back to the earliest days. Throw on a set of chrome rims and you could cruise the boulevard with coolness on a fraction of the gas consumed by the boy racers.

Camaro concept

Chevy went so far in the early-to-mid eighties as to bolt a four cylinder engine under the Camaro’s hood. 2.5 liter Iron Duke equipped 1982 to 1986 entry level models were the undisputed Camaro gas mileage champs of all time (never mind their overly underwhelming performance).

Read more

Ford Mustang Gas Mileage: 1978 – 2013

by

By all accounts, the Ford Mustang has had one heck of a run. The Mustang’s arrival in the 1964 model year brought on the pony car era, and while performance has always been at the forefront of the car’s appeal, gas mileage in the smaller displacement versions made a bit of hay over the years, as well. Although easily overlooked, the Mustang’s gas mileage ratings set a remarkable high point for fuel economy in 1983, touching the 40 mile per gallon (MPG) highway mark when fitted with the stingy 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine.

While the Mustang’s gas mileage ratings dropped considerably (or perhaps more realistically), a four-banger could be found under the hood of the entry-level ‘Stang for another decade. 1993 marked the last year for the 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, with a still respectable 30 MPG highway.

Read more

Saab Gas Mileage: 1979 – 2008

by

Saab gas mileage ratings have remained relatively steady over the years, with highway ratings that top out in the mid-to-high twenty mile per gallon (MPG) range.

The 2.0 liter equipped 9-3 Sport Sedan (shown below) holds the current high spot in the Saab lineup, scoring 19 MPG city and 29 MPG highway. While those numbers may have been sufficient while gas was cheap, the future is clear. Saab needs to begin offering a fuel-efficient diesel option in America, as quickly as possible.

saab 9-3

Over the years, Saabs have flirted with and have exceeded the 30 MPG milestone (although under the older EPA testing standard). 1984 appears to be the high water mark, with the 2.0 liter equipped Saab 900 hitting 37 MPG when fitted with the five-speed manual transmission.

In the UK, Saab offers the 9-3 with three diesel engine options, with the most powerful of the trio delivering 8 second 0-60 times and 50.4 miles per Imperial gallon combined (in a six-speed manual equipped Saloon) … that’s the equivalent of roughly 42 MPG here in the States.

Read more

BMW 3-Series Gas Mileage: 1978 – 2011

by

Over the years, BMW’s 3-Series have earned a well-deserved reputation for delivering a convincing combination of performance and handling, while achieving reasonable gas mileage (for those blessed with the constitution to keep their foot out of it). The current crop of BMW 328s and 335s are no exception, with highway gas mileage ratings in the mid to high twenty mile per gallon range.

The return of diesel-powered BMWs to America heralds a new era of fuel efficient sporting transport. We had the opportunity to review the BMW 335d and found it to deliver a stunning combination of fuel-efficiency and performance.

Rumor has it that the 335d will not be offered in 2012. We can only hope that the 3-series diesels return quickly, as the mileage ratings are nothing less than stunning.

In the UK, the diesel-powered BMW 320d ES is rated at 47.1 miles per Imperial gallon (MPG) urban, 68.9 MPG extra-urban, and 58.9 MPG combined with a six-speed manual transmission. That equates roughly to 39.2 city, 57.4 highway, 49 combined here in America. The 320d is no dog … as turns in a 0-62 mile per hour (MPH) time of 7.9 seconds with a top speed of 143 MPH.

Read more

Better Gas Mileage as an Economic Stimulus

by

It’s clear that the American economy needs a kick in the pants. I’ll go out on a limb and propose something so obvious that it sounds crazy … that better gas mileage can and should be part and parcel of any economic stimulus package. It’s well past time we end our reliance on foreign oil. … Read more