Against 303 other 4-cyl cars rated 1986–1988, the Scirocco trails their 24.3 mpg average by 2.3 mpg, about $165 a year.
Every Volkswagen Scirocco engine, compared
The Volkswagen Scirocco 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 | 20.6 / 26 | 1984–1988 | $1,684 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1988) | $0.145 |
| Fuel per year | $1,745 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,725 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 1986–1988 | +$165 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,730 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1988 Volkswagen Scirocco gives up 7 mpg in town: 26 on the highway against 19 in the city, $544 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1988) | 19 mpg | $2,021 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 26 mpg | $1,477 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7 mpg (37%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Scirocco changed over the years
The Scirocco peaked in 1987 at 23 mpg (21 city, 26 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1988 at 22 — 1 mpg apart, or $75 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1988 car does 22.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 1987 | 21 / 26 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 1986 | 21 / 26 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 1985 | 21 / 26 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 1984 | 21 / 26 | 1 | $1,670 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 5 EPA ratings of the Volkswagen Scirocco — 1 engine across 1984–1988. 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 $2,730. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1988 Volkswagen Scirocco get?
22 mpg combined, 19 city and 26 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the Scirocco has averaged 22.8 mpg.
Is the 1988 Scirocco more efficient than the 1987?
No: 22 against 23 mpg combined, about $75 a year more to run.
Which Scirocco year has the best gas mileage?
The 1987, at 23 mpg combined (21 city, 26 highway).
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