Against 263 other 4-cyl cars rated 2001–2003, the NUBIRA trails their 24.3 mpg average by 2.3 mpg, about $165 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1998, the 1.6L 4-cyl (1998), does 25 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2L 4-cyl (1999–2003), 22.8: $148 a year apart.
Every Daewoo NUBIRA engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 22 / 31 | 1998–1998 | $1,536 | |
| 2L 4-cyl | 19.4 / 28 | 1999–2003 | $1,684 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2003) | $0.145 |
| Fuel per year | $1,745 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,725 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2001–2003 | +$165 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,692 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2003 Daewoo NUBIRA gives up 7 mpg in town: 26 on the highway against 19 in the city, $544 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2003) | 19 mpg | $2,021 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 26 mpg | $1,477 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7 mpg (37%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the NUBIRA changed over the years
The NUBIRA peaked in 1998 at 25 mpg (22 city, 31 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2003 at 22 — 3 mpg apart, or $209 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2003 car does 22.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2002 | 19 / 29 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2001 | 19 / 29 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2000 | 20 / 28 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 1999 | 20 / 28 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 1998 | 22 / 31 | 1 | $1,536 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 6 EPA ratings of the Daewoo NUBIRA — 2 engines across 1998–2003. 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 $2,692. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2003 Daewoo NUBIRA get?
22 mpg combined, 19 city and 26 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1998 the NUBIRA has averaged 23.2 mpg.
Is the 2003 NUBIRA more efficient than the 2002?
No: 22 against 23 mpg combined, about $75 a year more to run.
Which NUBIRA year has the best gas mileage?
The 1998, at 25 mpg combined (22 city, 31 highway).
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