Against 295 other 4-cyl cars rated 1985–1987, the Brat trails their 24.7 mpg average by 1.7 mpg, about $115 a year.
Every Subaru Brat engine, compared
The Subaru Brat 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 21.8 / 26.8 | 1984–1987 | $1,613 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1987) | $0.139 |
| Fuel per year | $1,670 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,350 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 1985–1987 | +$115 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,625 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1987 Subaru Brat gives up 5 mpg in town: 26 on the highway against 21 in the city, $352 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1987) | 21 mpg | $1,829 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 26 mpg | $1,477 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +5 mpg (24%) | Typical for its type |
How the Brat changed over the years
The Brat peaked in 1985 at 25 mpg (23 city, 28 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1987 at 23 — 2 mpg apart, or $134 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1987 car does 23.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | 21 / 26 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 1986 | 21 / 26 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 1985 | 23 / 28 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 1984 | 22 / 27 | 1 | $1,600 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 4 EPA ratings of the Subaru Brat — 1 engine across 1984–1987. 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 $2,625. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1987 Subaru Brat get?
23 mpg combined, 21 city and 26 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the Brat has averaged 23.8 mpg.
Is the 1987 Brat more efficient than the 1986?
About the same: 23 against 23 mpg combined.
Which Brat year has the best gas mileage?
The 1985, at 25 mpg combined (23 city, 28 highway).
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