1987 Volkswagen GolfFuel Economy & MPG Ratings
Diesel Compact CarsFront-Wheel Drive
City
31
MPG
Highway
37
MPG
Combined
33
MPG
Trim Comparison
Manual 5-spd
Diesel Diesel
City
31
Hwy
37
Comb
33
Fuel cost: $2,550/yr
Manual 5-spd
Regular
City
23
Hwy
31
Comb
26
Fuel cost: $2,600/yr
Automatic 3-spd
Regular
City
21
Hwy
25
Comb
22
Fuel cost: $3,050/yr
| Trim | Engine | City | Hwy | Combined | Fuel Cost/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manual 5-spd | Diesel Diesel | 31 | 37 | 33 | $2,550 |
| Manual 5-spd | Regular | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Automatic 3-spd | Regular | 21 | 25 | 22 | $3,050 |
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,550
Based on gasoline at $3.67/gal, 15,000 miles/year
5-Year Fuel Savings
$-750
vs. average new vehicle
EPA Fuel Economy Score: -1/10
GHG Score: -1/10
Environment
- CO₂ Tailpipe Emissions
- 308 g/mile
- Annual Petroleum Consumption
- 10.8 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
- Induction Type
- (NO-CAT)
- Fuel Type
- Diesel
Annual Fuel Cost by State
Prices as of week ending May 18, 2026 · Source: EIA
National AvgEPA default
$4.490/gal$2,041/yr
California
$5.957/gal$2,708/yr
Texas
$3.888/gal$1,767/yr
Florida
$4.136/gal$1,880/yr
New York
$4.522/gal$2,055/yr
Ohio
$4.510/gal$2,050/yr
Washington
$5.591/gal$2,541/yr
Colorado
$4.618/gal$2,099/yr
Minnesota
$4.344/gal$1,975/yr
Massachusetts
$4.448/gal$2,022/yr
| State | Gas Price | Annual Cost | vs. National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| National AvgEPA default | $4.490/gal | $2,041/yr | — |
| California | $5.957/gal | $2,708/yrHIGHEST | +$667 |
| Texas | $3.888/gal | $1,767/yrLOWEST | $-274 |
| Florida | $4.136/gal | $1,880/yr | $-161 |
| New York | $4.522/gal | $2,055/yr | +$14 |
| Ohio | $4.510/gal | $2,050/yr | +$9 |
| Washington | $5.591/gal | $2,541/yr | +$500 |
| Colorado | $4.618/gal | $2,099/yr | +$58 |
| Minnesota | $4.344/gal | $1,975/yr | $-66 |
| Massachusetts | $4.448/gal | $2,022/yr | $-19 |
Calculated at 15,000 miles/year (EPA standard assumption) using 33 MPG combined. Regular gasoline prices. Actual costs vary.
Related
Volkswagen Golf MPG History
See how this model's fuel economy changed by year