Against 155 other V8 cars rated 1987–1989, the DIPLOMAT beats their 15.3 mpg average by 1.7 mpg, about $251 a year.
Every Dodge DIPLOMAT engine, compared
The Dodge DIPLOMAT was rated in a single specification, so its gas mileage does not vary by version — only by model year. Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.2L 8-cyl | 15 / 19.8 | 1984–1989 | $2,299 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1989) | $0.188 |
| Fuel per year | $2,259 |
| Fuel over five years | $11,295 |
| Against other V8 cars, 1987–1989 | −$251 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $4,483 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1989 Dodge DIPLOMAT gives up 5 mpg in town: 20 on the highway against 15 in the city, $640 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1989) | 15 mpg | $2,560 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 20 mpg | $1,920 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +5 mpg (33%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the DIPLOMAT changed over the years
The DIPLOMAT peaked in 1988 at 18 mpg (16 city, 21 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1984 at 15 — 3 mpg apart, or $427 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1989 car does 17.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 15 / 20 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 1988 | 16 / 21 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1987 | 15 / 20 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 1986 | 15 / 20 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 1985 | 15 / 20 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 1984 | 14 / 18 | 1 | $2,560 |
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 Dodge DIPLOMAT — 1 engine across 1984–1989. 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 $4,483. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1989 Dodge DIPLOMAT get?
17 mpg combined, 15 city and 20 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the DIPLOMAT has averaged 16.7 mpg.
Is the 1989 DIPLOMAT more efficient than the 1988?
No: 17 against 18 mpg combined, about $126 a year more to run.
Which DIPLOMAT year has the best gas mileage?
The 1988, at 18 mpg combined (16 city, 21 highway).
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