Against 279 other 4-cyl cars rated 1984–1986, the GLC trails their 25.2 mpg average by 1.2 mpg, about $76 a year.
Every Mazda GLC engine, compared
The Mazda GLC 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 4-cyl | 25.3 / 32 | 1984–1986 | $1,371 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1986) | $0.133 |
| Fuel per year | $1,600 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,000 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 1984–1986 | +$76 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,267 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1986 Mazda GLC gives up 4 mpg in town: 26 on the highway against 22 in the city, $268 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1986) | 22 mpg | $1,745 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 26 mpg | $1,477 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +4 mpg (18%) | Typical for its type |
How the GLC changed over the years
The GLC peaked in 1985 at 30 mpg (27 city, 35 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1986 at 24 — 6 mpg apart, or $320 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1986 car does 24. The 1986 model loses 6 mpg against 30 for the 1985.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | 22 / 26 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1985 | 27 / 35 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 1984 | 27 / 35 | 1 | $1,280 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 3 EPA ratings of the Mazda GLC — 1 engine 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 $2,267. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1986 Mazda GLC get?
24 mpg combined, 22 city and 26 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the GLC has averaged 28 mpg.
Is the 1986 GLC more efficient than the 1985?
No: 24 against 30 mpg combined, about $320 a year more to run.
Which GLC year has the best gas mileage?
The 1985, at 30 mpg combined (27 city, 35 highway).
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