Against 237 other 4-cyl cars rated 1995–1997, the Stanza sits right on their 24.6 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 2L 4-cyl (1984–1989), does 24 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.4L 4-cyl (1990–1997), 23.1: $62 a year apart.
Every Nissan Stanza engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 21.3 / 28.3 | 1984–1989 | $1,600 | |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 20.3 / 27.1 | 1990–1997 | $1,662 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1997) | $0.133 |
| Fuel per year | $1,600 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,000 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 1995–1997 | +$39 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,671 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1997 Nissan Stanza gives up 7 mpg in town: 28 on the highway against 21 in the city, $458 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1997) | 21 mpg | $1,829 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 28 mpg | $1,371 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7 mpg (33%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Stanza changed over the years
The Stanza peaked in 1984 at 27 mpg (24 city, 31 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1992 at 22 — 5 mpg apart, or $323 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1997 car does 24. The biggest single-year change came in 1987: 25 to 22 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 21 / 28 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1996 | 21 / 28 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1995 | 21 / 28 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1994 | 21 / 28 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1993 | 21 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 1992 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 1991 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 1990 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 1989 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 1988 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 1987 | 20 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 1986 | 23 / 30 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 1985 | 23 / 31 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 1984 | 24 / 31 | 1 | $1,422 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 14 EPA ratings of the Nissan Stanza — 2 engines across 1984–1997. 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 $2,671. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1997 Nissan Stanza get?
24 mpg combined, 21 city and 28 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the Stanza has averaged 23.5 mpg.
Is the 1997 Stanza more efficient than the 1996?
About the same: 24 against 24 mpg combined.
Which Stanza year has the best gas mileage?
The 1984, at 27 mpg combined (24 city, 31 highway).
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