Against 10 other 5-cyl cars rated 1986–1988, the 5000 trails their 21.7 mpg average by 1.7 mpg, about $150 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 2.3L 5-cyl (1988), does 20 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.2L 5-cyl (1985–1987), 19: $101 a year apart.
Every Audi 5000 engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 5-cyl | 18 / 23 | 1988–1988 | $1,920 | |
| 2.1L 5-cyl | 17 / 23 | 1984–1984 | $2,021 | |
| 2.2L 5-cyl | 16.7 / 23.7 | 1985–1987 | $2,021 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1988) | $0.160 |
| Fuel per year | $1,920 |
| Fuel over five years | $9,600 |
| Against other 5-cyl cars, 1986–1988 | +$150 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,260 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1988 Audi 5000 gives up 5 mpg in town: 23 on the highway against 18 in the city, $463 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1988) | 18 mpg | $2,133 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 23 mpg | $1,670 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +5 mpg (28%) | Typical for its type |
How the 5000 changed over the years
The 5000 peaked in 1988 at 20 mpg (18 city, 23 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1987 at 19 — 1 mpg apart, or $101 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | 18 / 23 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1987 | 16 / 24 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1986 | 17 / 24 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1985 | 17 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1984 | 17 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 5 EPA ratings of the Audi 5000 — 3 engines across 1984–1988. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,260. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1988 Audi 5000 get?
20 mpg combined, 18 city and 23 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the 5000 has averaged 19.2 mpg.
Is the 1988 5000 more efficient than the 1987?
Yes: 20 against 19 mpg combined, about $101 a year less to run.
Which 5000 year has the best gas mileage?
The 1988, at 20 mpg combined (18 city, 23 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
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