Against 257 other V6 cars rated 1989–1991, the 260 trails their 18.1 mpg average by 2.1 mpg, about $278 a year.
Every Mercedes-Benz 260 engine, compared
The Mercedes-Benz 260 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.6L 6-cyl | 17 / 20.8 | 1987–1991 | $2,098 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1991) | $0.200 |
| Fuel per year | $2,400 |
| Fuel over five years | $12,000 |
| Against other V6 cars, 1989–1991 | +$278 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $4,013 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1991 Mercedes-Benz 260 gives up 2 mpg in town: 17 on the highway against 15 in the city, $301 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1991) | 15 mpg | $2,560 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 17 mpg | $2,259 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +2 mpg (13%) | Narrow — equally happy either way |
How the 260 changed over the years
The 260 peaked in 1989 at 19 mpg (18 city, 22 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1991 at 16 — 3 mpg apart, or $379 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1991 car does 16.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 15 / 17 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 1989 | 18 / 22 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1988 | 18 / 22 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1987 | 17 / 22 | 1 | $2,021 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 4 EPA ratings of the Mercedes-Benz 260 — 1 engine across 1987–1991. 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 $4,013. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1991 Mercedes-Benz 260 get?
16 mpg combined, 15 city and 17 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1987 the 260 has averaged 18.3 mpg.
Which 260 year has the best gas mileage?
The 1989, at 19 mpg combined (18 city, 22 highway).
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