Against 164 other V8 cars rated 1994–1996, the Fleetwood beats their 15.4 mpg average by 2.6 mpg, about $361 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 4.3L 6-cyl (1984–1985), does 23.5 mpg and the thirstiest, the 4.5L 8-cyl (1988–1990), 17.3: $586 a year apart.
Every Cadillac Fleetwood engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 20 / 30 | 1984–1985 | $1,634 | |
| 5L 8-cyl | 16 / 23 | 1986–1986 | $2,021 | |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 15.6 / 23.8 | 1985–1996 | $2,087 | |
| 4.1L 8-cyl | 15 / 23 | 1987–1987 | $2,133 | |
| 4.9L 8-cyl | 15 / 23.5 | 1991–1992 | $2,133 | |
| 4.5L 8-cyl | 15 / 22.7 | 1988–1990 | $2,220 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Lincoln Continental gets 18 mpg, the Audi A8 18 mpg and the BMW 740i 17.5 mpg, next to 18 mpg for the 1996 Fleetwood.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1996) | $0.178 |
| Fuel per year | $2,133 |
| Fuel over five years | $10,665 |
| Against other V8 cars, 1994–1996 | −$361 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,729 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1996 Cadillac Fleetwood gives up 9 mpg in town: 24 on the highway against 15 in the city, $960 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1996) | 15 mpg | $2,560 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 24 mpg | $1,600 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +9 mpg (60%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Fleetwood changed over the years
The Fleetwood peaked in 1984 at 24 mpg (21 city, 31 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1993 at 17 — 7 mpg apart, or $659 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1996 car does 18. The biggest single-year change came in 1986: 22 to 19 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 15 / 24 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1995 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1994 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1993 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 1992 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1991 | 15 / 24 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1990 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 1989 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1988 | 15 / 22 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 1987 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1986 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1985 | 18.5 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 1984 | 21 / 31 | 1 | $1,600 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 14 EPA ratings of the Cadillac Fleetwood — 6 engines across 1984–1996. 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 $3,729. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1996 Cadillac Fleetwood get?
18 mpg combined, 15 city and 24 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the Fleetwood has averaged 18.9 mpg.
Is the 1996 Fleetwood more efficient than the 1995?
About the same: 18 against 18 mpg combined.
Which Fleetwood year has the best gas mileage?
The 1984, at 24 mpg combined (21 city, 31 highway).
Does the Fleetwood get better gas mileage than the Lincoln Continental?
About the same: 18 mpg for the 1996 Fleetwood against 18 for the 1997 Lincoln Continental.
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