Against 279 other 4-cyl cars rated 1984–1986, the LTD trails their 25.2 mpg average by 6.2 mpg, about $497 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 2.3L 4-cyl (1984–1986), does 20 mpg and the thirstiest, the 5L 8-cyl (1984–1985), 17: $339 a year apart.
Every Ford LTD engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4-cyl | 18.3 / 22.7 | 1984–1986 | $1,920 | |
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 17 / 21.3 | 1984–1986 | $2,098 | |
| 5L 8-cyl | 15 / 22 | 1984–1985 | $2,259 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1986) | $0.168 |
| Fuel per year | $2,021 |
| Fuel over five years | $10,105 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 1984–1986 | +$497 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,350 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1986 Ford LTD gives up 4.5 mpg in town: 22 on the highway against 17.5 in the city, $449 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1986) | 17.5 mpg | $2,194 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 22 mpg | $1,745 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +4.5 mpg (26%) | Typical for its type |
How the LTD changed over the years
The LTD peaked in 1986 at 19 mpg (17.5 city, 22 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1985 at 18.3 — 0.7 mpg apart, or $77 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | 17.5 / 22 | 2 | $2,021 | |
| 1985 | 17 / 21.7 | 3 | $2,098 | |
| 1984 | 16.7 / 22.3 | 3 | $2,053 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 8 EPA ratings of the Ford LTD — 3 engines across 1984–1986. 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 $3,350. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1986 Ford LTD get?
19 mpg combined, 17.5 city and 22 highway, per EPA; its 2 versions that year range from 18 to 20. Across every year since 1984 the LTD has averaged 18.6 mpg.
Is the 1986 LTD more efficient than the 1985?
About the same: 19 against 18.3 mpg combined.
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