Against 35 other 5-cyl cars rated 2011–2013, the C70 trails their 24 mpg average by 2 mpg, about $145 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1998, the 2.5L 5-cyl (2006–2013), does 21.6 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.3L 5-cyl (1999–2004), 20.4: $104 a year apart.
Every Volvo C70 engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 5-cyl | 18.5 / 27.1 | 2006–2013 | $1,778 | |
| 2.4L 5-cyl | 17.5 / 24.5 | 1998–2002 | $1,873 | |
| 2.3L 5-cyl | 17.8 / 24.8 | 1999–2004 | $1,882 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Nissan Sentra gets 31.7 mpg, the Volkswagen Beetle 27.3 mpg and the Mitsubishi Eclipse 21.5 mpg, next to 22 mpg for the 2013 C70.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2013) | $0.145 |
| Fuel per year | $1,745 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,725 |
| Against other 5-cyl cars, 2011–2013 | +$145 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,430 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2013 Volvo C70 gives up 8 mpg in town: 27 on the highway against 19 in the city, $599 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2013) | 19 mpg | $2,021 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 27 mpg | $1,422 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +8 mpg (42%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the C70 changed over the years
The C70 peaked in 2011 at 23 mpg (19 city, 28 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2004 at 20 — 3 mpg apart, or $250 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2013 car does 22.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 19 / 27 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2012 | 18 / 28 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2011 | 19 / 28 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2010 | 20 / 28 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2009 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2008 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2007 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2006 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2004 | 17 / 24 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2003 | 18 / 24 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2002 | 18 / 25 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2001 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2000 | 18 / 25 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1999 | 18 / 25 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1998 | 17 / 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 15 EPA ratings of the Volvo C70 — 3 engines across 1998–2013. 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 $3,430. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2013 Volvo C70 get?
22 mpg combined, 19 city and 27 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1998 the C70 has averaged 21.1 mpg.
Is the 2013 C70 more efficient than the 2012?
Yes: 22 against 21 mpg combined, about $84 a year less to run.
Which C70 year has the best gas mileage?
The 2011, at 23 mpg combined (19 city, 28 highway).
Does the C70 get better gas mileage than the Nissan Sentra?
No: 22 mpg for the 2013 C70 against 31.7 for the 2014 Nissan Sentra, about $534 a year more to run.
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