1998 Volkswagen New BeetleFuel Economy & MPG Ratings
Diesel Subcompact CarsFront-Wheel Drive
City
34
MPG
Highway
43
MPG
Combined
38
MPG
Real-World MPG
Based on 10 owner reports via EPA fueleconomy.gov
48.2MPG average+26.8% vs EPA label
EPA combined: 38 MPG · Owner reported avg: 48.2 MPG
Range: 39–61 MPG
Driving mix: City 45% / Highway 61%
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 48.2 real world MPG based on 10 owner reports. EPA combined rating is 38 MPG.
Trim Comparison
Manual 5-spd
Diesel Diesel
City
34
Hwy
43
Comb
38
Fuel cost: $2,250/yr
Automatic 4-spd
Diesel Diesel
City
29
Hwy
39
Comb
33
Fuel cost: $2,550/yr
Manual 5-spd
Regular
City
20
Hwy
27
Comb
23
Fuel cost: $2,950/yr
Automatic 4-spd
Regular
City
19
Hwy
24
Comb
21
Fuel cost: $3,200/yr
| Trim | Engine | City | Hwy | Combined | Fuel Cost/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manual 5-spd | Diesel Diesel | 34 | 43 | 38 | $2,250 |
| Automatic 4-spd | Diesel Diesel | 29 | 39 | 33 | $2,550 |
| Manual 5-spd | Regular | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,950 |
| Automatic 4-spd | Regular | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,200 |
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,250
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
- 268 g/mile
- Annual Petroleum Consumption
- 9.4 barrels
Specifications
- Engine
- 2L 4-cyl
- Transmission
- 4-speed Automatic
- 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
- 1.9L, 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$1,772/yr
California
$5.957/gal$2,351/yr
Texas
$3.888/gal$1,535/yr
Florida
$4.136/gal$1,633/yr
New York
$4.522/gal$1,785/yr
Ohio
$4.510/gal$1,780/yr
Washington
$5.591/gal$2,207/yr
Colorado
$4.618/gal$1,823/yr
Minnesota
$4.344/gal$1,715/yr
Massachusetts
$4.448/gal$1,756/yr
| State | Gas Price | Annual Cost | vs. National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| National AvgEPA default | $4.490/gal | $1,772/yr | — |
| California | $5.957/gal | $2,351/yrHIGHEST | +$579 |
| Texas | $3.888/gal | $1,535/yrLOWEST | $-237 |
| Florida | $4.136/gal | $1,633/yr | $-139 |
| New York | $4.522/gal | $1,785/yr | +$13 |
| Ohio | $4.510/gal | $1,780/yr | +$8 |
| Washington | $5.591/gal | $2,207/yr | +$435 |
| Colorado | $4.618/gal | $1,823/yr | +$51 |
| Minnesota | $4.344/gal | $1,715/yr | $-57 |
| Massachusetts | $4.448/gal | $1,756/yr | $-16 |
Calculated at 15,000 miles/year (EPA standard assumption) using 38 MPG combined. Regular gasoline prices. Actual costs vary.
Related
Volkswagen New Beetle MPG History
See how this model's fuel economy changed by year