Small Car EPA comparison

Just curious, so Ithought I'd share this:
I chose base engines with auto, for comparison purposes.

Model hwy/city/overall

Focus: 32/26/28
Cobalt: 32/24/27
Civic: 40/30/34
Corolla: 38/30/33
Mazda 3: 34/26/29
Caliber: No Entry??

All figures from the EPA.

In short, the new cobalt is slightly worse than the old-design focus. The
'3' has a reputation as having pretty poor gas mileage, but in fact is
better than the domestic brands.
However, the honda and toyota are amazing. if you're in the market for a
small car, and can afford the premium for an import, AND gas mileage is one
of your top concerns....there's really only 2 choices.

Interesting.
JP

These numbers are gathered on a dynamometer with tightly controlled ambient
conditions. Real world numbers can vary significantly.

True, but those tightly controlled conditions allow for a comparison,
versus talking to 2 neighbors who have different brands and asking what
their mileage.
Oddly, my focus gets almost exactly the EPA's estimate.
JP

Definitely... but it is important to remember that these numbers are for
comparison only.... Driving style has a big effect... Engine design has a
big effect...

I don't think many come here to compare new cars...

Except Mike H... and then there's no 'comparison'.

I did this little ****ysis for me, and thought I'd share it.
JP

Yet the bad driving styles would affect the gas mileage of different cars
similarly. For example, a lead foot would affect the mileage of both a Dodge
Stratus and Honda Accord. Of course, it wouldn't affect the mileage of a
hybrid as much. Likewise, keeping tire properly inflated will help both the
Stratus and Accord. I don't think engine design will affect how well the EPA
numbers apply to a particular driver that mcuh, however. Jeff

Yeah it is.. for SMALL CARS

Makes my 230KMile 93 tbird 24/23/20 and 190 KMile 95 Taurus 27/24/21
ACTUAL recorded..Look pretty freaking good!

--
Yeh, I'm a Krusty old Geezer, putting up with my 'smartass' is the price
you pay..DEAL with it!

Did you compare engines? Did you figure how much gas one can buy with the
difference in drive home prices?

mike

Good point. My one son bought a 3 dr Focus with a 5 speed manual, to use on
his long 150 mile round trip commute to work. Eventually he had a chance to
get into a five man car pool, so he buys a V8 Mercury Grand Marquis. The
actual difference between the two, running over the mountains to Harrisburg
Pa, 5 MPG.

mike hunt

That's close to the EPA difference (32 Highway for Focus - 25 Highway Grand
Marquis = 7 MPG). Jeff

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2 16th August 07:15 jim warman External User Posts: 1	Small Car EPA comparison These numbers are gathered on a dynamometer with tightly controlled ambient conditions. Real world numbers can vary significantly.

3 16th August 07:15 jon patrick External User Posts: 1	Small Car EPA comparison True, but those tightly controlled conditions allow for a comparison, versus talking to 2 neighbors who have different brands and asking what their mileage. Oddly, my focus gets almost exactly the EPA's estimate. JP

4 16th August 07:57 jim warman External User Posts: 1	Small Car EPA comparison Definitely... but it is important to remember that these numbers are for comparison only.... Driving style has a big effect... Engine design has a big effect... I don't think many come here to compare new cars...

5 16th August 07:57 jon patrick External User Posts: 1	Small Car EPA comparison Except Mike H... and then there's no 'comparison'. I did this little ****ysis for me, and thought I'd share it. JP

7 16th August 08:20 backyard mechanic External User Posts: 1	Small Car EPA comparison Yeah it is.. for SMALL CARS Makes my 230KMile 93 tbird 24/23/20 and 190 KMile 95 Taurus 27/24/21 ACTUAL recorded..Look pretty freaking good! -- Yeh, I'm a Krusty old Geezer, putting up with my 'smartass' is the price you pay..DEAL with it!

8 20th August 04:12 mike hunter External User Posts: 1	Small Car EPA comparison Did you compare engines? Did you figure how much gas one can buy with the difference in drive home prices? mike

9 20th August 04:12 mike hunter External User Posts: 1	Small Car EPA comparison Good point. My one son bought a 3 dr Focus with a 5 speed manual, to use on his long 150 mile round trip commute to work. Eventually he had a chance to get into a five man car pool, so he buys a V8 Mercury Grand Marquis. The actual difference between the two, running over the mountains to Harrisburg Pa, 5 MPG. mike hunt

10 20th August 04:32 jeff External User Posts: 1	Small Car EPA comparison That's close to the EPA difference (32 Highway for Focus - 25 Highway Grand Marquis = 7 MPG). Jeff