3rd Nov 2010, 21:31
My Caprice has a 305 V-8 and gets better mileage than the 6 cyl version, which is underpowered for a car this large, and uses the same amount of fuel.
It is a well known fact that a well tuned up Chevy 305 V-8 in a car like the Caprice will get 28 MPG. Of course you will not get the same mileage with the 305 in a van or truck, as they weigh more and are less aerodynamic.
I certainly get 28 MPG in my Caprice, which surprises a lot of people, but reality is they have not made any leaps and bounds in fuel economy in the past 20 years. I could get slightly better fuel economy if I got an expensive, newer small car, but it would not be saving me any money in the end, all costs considered.
Another thing to factor in is that I don't drive like an idiot, flooring it at every light. Driving style also is a big factor in fuel economy.
3rd Nov 2010, 19:17
I agree. I would like some of whatever mister 28 MPG is smokin'. Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan of the old boxy GM big bodies. 28 MPG in a full size 1989 Caprice ain't gonna happen, no matter how good of shape the car is in. And it especially ain't gonna happen carrying six adults with all their junk.
Considering their size and the technology of the time, the full size body on frame cars of the 1980's were fairly fuel efficient for their day. 25-26 MPG is almost conceivable if you travel across flat roads with no wind No A/C and don't exceed 65 MPH.
One of my friends in high school had a 1985 Chevy Silverado 4 X 4 with a lift kit and huge tires. The change in axle ratios and different transmission made the speedometer/odometer go way out of whack. It was a severe let down the day he fond out his camouflaged redneck tank really didn't get 24 MPG, barely half that.
On a side note, the few full-sized vehicles from the late 1970's through the mid 1980's that came with Oldsmobile's 350 diesel WERE capable of close to 30 MPG. It's too bad the diesel was so poorly designed and didn't last.