Against 291 other 4-cyl cars rated 1988–1990, the PULSAR beats their 23.7 mpg average by 2.3 mpg, about $143 a year.
Every Nissan PULSAR engine, compared
The Nissan PULSAR 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 24.7 / 32.4 | 1984–1990 | $1,391 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1990) | $0.123 |
| Fuel per year | $1,477 |
| Fuel over five years | $7,385 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 1988–1990 | −$143 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,286 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1990 Nissan PULSAR gives up 8 mpg in town: 31 on the highway against 23 in the city, $431 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1990) | 23 mpg | $1,670 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 31 mpg | $1,239 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +8 mpg (35%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the PULSAR changed over the years
The PULSAR peaked in 1986 at 30 mpg (27 city, 35 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1987 at 25 — 5 mpg apart, or $256 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1990 car does 26. The biggest single-year change came in 1987: 30 to 25 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 23 / 31 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 1989 | 23 / 31 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 1988 | 23 / 31 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 1987 | 23 / 29 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 1986 | 27 / 35 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 1985 | 27 / 35 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 1984 | 27 / 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 7 EPA ratings of the Nissan PULSAR — 1 engine across 1984–1990. 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 $2,286. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1990 Nissan PULSAR get?
26 mpg combined, 23 city and 31 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the PULSAR has averaged 27.6 mpg.
Is the 1990 PULSAR more efficient than the 1989?
About the same: 26 against 26 mpg combined.
Which PULSAR year has the best gas mileage?
The 1986, at 30 mpg combined (27 city, 35 highway).
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