Against 281 other 4-cyl cars rated 1991–1993, the 190 trails their 23.9 mpg average by 3.4 mpg, about $266 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 2.2L 4-cyl (1984–1985), does 30 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.6L 6-cyl (1987–1993), 19.6: $679 a year apart.
Every Mercedes-Benz 190 engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 26 / 35 | 1984–1985 | $1,280 | |
| 2.5L 5-cyl | 25.5 / 30.8 | 1986–1989 | $1,381 | |
| 2.3L 4-cyl | 18.3 / 25 | 1986–1993 | $1,846 | |
| 2.6L 6-cyl | 17.4 / 23 | 1987–1993 | $1,959 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1993) | $0.156 |
| Fuel per year | $1,873 |
| Fuel over five years | $9,365 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 1991–1993 | +$266 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,484 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1993 Mercedes-Benz 190 gives up 6.5 mpg in town: 24.5 on the highway against 18 in the city, $566 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1993) | 18 mpg | $2,133 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 24.5 mpg | $1,567 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +6.5 mpg (36%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the 190 changed over the years
The 190 peaked in 1985 at 30 mpg (26 city, 35 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1990 at 20 — 10 mpg apart, or $640 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1993 car does 20.5. The biggest single-year change came in 1986: 30 to 24 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | 18 / 24.5 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 1992 | 18 / 24.5 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 1991 | 17.5 / 24.5 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 1990 | 17 / 25 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1989 | 20.5 / 27 | 2 | $1,634 | |
| 1988 | 21 / 26 | 3 | $1,692 | |
| 1987 | 20.7 / 25.7 | 3 | $1,722 | |
| 1986 | 22 / 26.5 | 2 | $1,600 | |
| 1985 | 26 / 35 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 1984 | 26 / 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 19 EPA ratings of the Mercedes-Benz 190 — 4 engines across 1984–1993. 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 $3,484. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1993 Mercedes-Benz 190 get?
20.5 mpg combined, 18 city and 24.5 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the 190 has averaged 22.8 mpg.
Is the 1993 190 more efficient than the 1992?
About the same: 20.5 against 20.5 mpg combined.
Which 190 year has the best gas mileage?
The 1985, at 30 mpg combined (26 city, 35 highway).
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