Against 241 other 4-cyl cars rated 1996–1998, the 200SX beats their 24.8 mpg average by 4.2 mpg, about $224 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 1.6L 4-cyl (1995–1998), does 29 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3L 6-cyl (1987–1988), 19: $697 a year apart.
Every Nissan 200SX engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 25.5 / 35.5 | 1995–1998 | $1,324 | |
| 2L 4-cyl | 20 / 27 | 1984–1988 | $1,670 | |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 19 / 26 | 1985–1985 | $1,745 | |
| 3L 6-cyl | 16 / 23.5 | 1987–1988 | $2,021 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Volkswagen Beetle gets 38 mpg, the Mitsubishi Eclipse 23.3 mpg and the Mitsubishi Mirage 31 mpg, next to 29 mpg for the 1998 200SX.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1998) | $0.110 |
| Fuel per year | $1,324 |
| Fuel over five years | $6,620 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 1996–1998 | −$224 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,673 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1998 Nissan 200SX gives up 10 mpg in town: 35 on the highway against 25 in the city, $439 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1998) | 25 mpg | $1,536 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 35 mpg | $1,097 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +10 mpg (40%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the 200SX changed over the years
The 200SX peaked in 1998 at 29 mpg (25 city, 35 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1988 at 20.5 — 8.5 mpg apart, or $549 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The biggest single-year change came in 1985: 26 to 22 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 25 / 35 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 1997 | 25 / 35 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 1996 | 26 / 36 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 1995 | 26 / 36 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 1988 | 17.5 / 24.5 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 1987 | 17.5 / 25 | 2 | $1,873 | |
| 1986 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 1985 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 1984 | 23 / 30 | 1 | $1,477 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 11 EPA ratings of the Nissan 200SX — 4 engines across 1984–1998. 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 $2,673. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1998 Nissan 200SX get?
29 mpg combined, 25 city and 35 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the 200SX has averaged 24.4 mpg.
Is the 1998 200SX more efficient than the 1997?
About the same: 29 against 29 mpg combined.
Which 200SX year has the best gas mileage?
The 1998, at 29 mpg combined (25 city, 35 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the 200SX get better gas mileage than the Volkswagen Beetle?
No: 29 mpg for the 1998 200SX against 38 for the 1999 Volkswagen Beetle, about $313 a year more to run.
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