Against 312 other V6 cars rated 1994–1996, the 300ZX sits right on their 18.7 mpg average.
Every Nissan 300ZX engine, compared
The Nissan 300ZX 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3L 6-cyl | 16.5 / 22.8 | 1984–1996 | $2,043 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Mazda MX-5 gets 22.7 mpg, the Porsche Boxster 20 mpg and the Toyota MR2 22 mpg, next to 19 mpg for the 1996 300ZX. The 300ZX costs the most of them to run: $329 a year more than the Mazda MX-5.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1996) | $0.168 |
| Fuel per year | $2,021 |
| Fuel over five years | $10,105 |
| Against other V6 cars, 1994–1996 | −$32 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,746 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1996 Nissan 300ZX gives up 5 mpg in town: 22 on the highway against 17 in the city, $514 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1996) | 17 mpg | $2,259 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 22 mpg | $1,745 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +5 mpg (29%) | Typical for its type |
How the 300ZX changed over the years
The 300ZX peaked in 1984 at 20 mpg (18 city, 24 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1994 at 18 — 2 mpg apart, or $213 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1996 car does 19.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 17 / 22 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1995 | 17 / 22 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1994 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1993 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1992 | 16 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1991 | 17 / 22 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1990 | 17 / 22 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1989 | 16 / 24 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1988 | 16 / 24 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1987 | 16 / 24 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1986 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1985 | 17 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1984 | 18 / 24 | 1 | $1,920 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 13 EPA ratings of the Nissan 300ZX — 1 engine across 1984–1996. 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 $3,746. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1996 Nissan 300ZX get?
19 mpg combined, 17 city and 22 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the 300ZX has averaged 18.8 mpg.
Is the 1996 300ZX more efficient than the 1995?
About the same: 19 against 19 mpg combined.
Which 300ZX year has the best gas mileage?
The 1984, at 20 mpg combined (18 city, 24 highway).
Does the 300ZX get better gas mileage than the Mazda MX-5?
No: 19 mpg for the 1996 300ZX against 22.7 for the 1997 Mazda MX-5, about $329 a year more to run.
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