Against 279 other 4-cyl cars rated 1984–1986, the SP trails their 25.2 mpg average by 4.2 mpg, about $305 a year.
Every Mitsubishi SP engine, compared
The Mitsubishi SP 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 20.5 / 22.5 | 1985–1986 | $1,786 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1986) | $0.152 |
| Fuel per year | $1,829 |
| Fuel over five years | $9,145 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 1984–1986 | +$305 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,975 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1986 Mitsubishi SP gives up 2 mpg in town: 22 on the highway against 20 in the city, $175 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1986) | 20 mpg | $1,920 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 22 mpg | $1,745 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +2 mpg (10%) | Narrow — equally happy either way |
How the SP changed over the years
The SP peaked in 1985 at 22 mpg (21 city, 23 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1986 at 21 — 1 mpg apart, or $84 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1986 car does 21.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | 20 / 22 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1985 | 21 / 23 | 1 | $1,745 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 2 EPA ratings of the Mitsubishi SP — 1 engine across 1985–1986. 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 $2,975. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1986 Mitsubishi SP get?
21 mpg combined, 20 city and 22 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1985 the SP has averaged 21.5 mpg.
Is the 1986 SP more efficient than the 1985?
No: 21 against 22 mpg combined, about $84 a year more to run.
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