1985 Volkswagen Golf/GTIFuel Economy & MPG Ratings
Diesel Compact CarsFront-Wheel Drive
City
31
MPG
Highway
41
MPG
Combined
35
MPG
Real-World MPG
Based on 5 owner reports via EPA fueleconomy.gov
40.8MPG average+16.6% vs EPA label
EPA combined: 35 MPG · Owner reported avg: 40.8 MPG
Range: 33–46 MPG
Driving mix: City 50% / Highway 50%
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov “Your MPG” owner submissions. Real-world results vary by driver behavior, conditions, and equipment.
Owner reported MPG for this vehicle averages 40.8 real world MPG based on 5 owner reports. EPA combined rating is 35 MPG.
Trim Comparison
Manual 5-spd
Diesel Diesel
City
31
Hwy
41
Comb
35
Fuel cost: $2,400/yr
Manual 5-spd
Regular
City
23
Hwy
31
Comb
26
Fuel cost: $2,600/yr
Manual 5-spd
Regular
City
23
Hwy
29
Comb
25
Fuel cost: $2,700/yr
Automatic 3-spd
Regular
City
21
Hwy
25
Comb
23
Fuel cost: $2,950/yr
| Trim | Engine | City | Hwy | Combined | Fuel Cost/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manual 5-spd | Diesel Diesel | 31 | 41 | 35 | $2,400 |
| Manual 5-spd | Regular | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Manual 5-spd | Regular | 23 | 29 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Automatic 3-spd | Regular | 21 | 25 | 23 | $2,950 |
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,400
Based on gasoline at $3.67/gal, 15,000 miles/year
5-Year Fuel Savings
$0
vs. average new vehicle
EPA Fuel Economy Score: -1/10
GHG Score: -1/10
Environment
- CO₂ Tailpipe Emissions
- 291 g/mile
- Annual Petroleum Consumption
- 10.2 barrels
Specifications
- Engine
- 1.8L 4-cyl
- Transmission
- 5-speed Manual
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Body Style
- Sedan
- GVWR
- Class 1 (≤6,000 lbs)
Source: EPA fuel economy data & NHTSA vPIC. Specifications reflect the most common trim configuration.
Engine & Efficiency Details
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
- Engine Size
- 1.6L, 4-cylinder
- Fuel Type
- Diesel
Annual Fuel Cost by State
Prices as of week ending May 18, 2026 · Source: EIA
National AvgEPA default
$4.490/gal$1,924/yr
California
$5.957/gal$2,553/yr
Texas
$3.888/gal$1,666/yr
Florida
$4.136/gal$1,773/yr
New York
$4.522/gal$1,938/yr
Ohio
$4.510/gal$1,933/yr
Washington
$5.591/gal$2,396/yr
Colorado
$4.618/gal$1,979/yr
Minnesota
$4.344/gal$1,862/yr
Massachusetts
$4.448/gal$1,906/yr
| State | Gas Price | Annual Cost | vs. National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| National AvgEPA default | $4.490/gal | $1,924/yr | — |
| California | $5.957/gal | $2,553/yrHIGHEST | +$629 |
| Texas | $3.888/gal | $1,666/yrLOWEST | $-258 |
| Florida | $4.136/gal | $1,773/yr | $-151 |
| New York | $4.522/gal | $1,938/yr | +$14 |
| Ohio | $4.510/gal | $1,933/yr | +$9 |
| Washington | $5.591/gal | $2,396/yr | +$472 |
| Colorado | $4.618/gal | $1,979/yr | +$55 |
| Minnesota | $4.344/gal | $1,862/yr | $-62 |
| Massachusetts | $4.448/gal | $1,906/yr | $-18 |
Calculated at 15,000 miles/year (EPA standard assumption) using 35 MPG combined. Regular gasoline prices. Actual costs vary.
Related
Volkswagen Golf/GTI MPG History
See how this model's fuel economy changed by year