Against 144 other V8 cars rated 1988–1990, the Electra beats their 15.2 mpg average by 3.8 mpg, about $505 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 5.7L 8-cyl (1984–1985), does 21 mpg and the thirstiest, the 5L 8-cyl (1986–1989), 17.5: $365 a year apart.
Every Buick Electra engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 18 / 26 | 1984–1985 | $1,829 | |
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 16 / 25 | 1990–1990 | $2,021 | |
| 5L 8-cyl | 15 / 22 | 1986–1989 | $2,194 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1990) | $0.168 |
| Fuel per year | $2,021 |
| Fuel over five years | $10,105 |
| Against other V8 cars, 1988–1990 | −$505 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,571 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1990 Buick Electra gives up 9 mpg in town: 25 on the highway against 16 in the city, $864 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1990) | 16 mpg | $2,400 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 25 mpg | $1,536 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +9 mpg (56%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Electra changed over the years
The Electra peaked in 1985 at 21 mpg (18 city, 26 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1987 at 17 — 4 mpg apart, or $430 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1990 car does 19. The biggest single-year change came in 1986: 21 to 17 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 16 / 25 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1989 | 15 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1988 | 15 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1987 | 15 / 22 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 1986 | 15 / 22 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 1985 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1984 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 7 EPA ratings of the Buick Electra — 3 engines across 1984–1990. 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 $3,571. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1990 Buick Electra get?
19 mpg combined, 16 city and 25 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the Electra has averaged 18.7 mpg.
Is the 1990 Electra more efficient than the 1989?
Yes: 19 against 18 mpg combined, about $112 a year less to run.
Which Electra year has the best gas mileage?
The 1985, at 21 mpg combined (18 city, 26 highway).
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