Audi Cabriolet
19 MPG The 1998 Audi Cabriolet is EPA-rated at 19 MPG combined (17 city / 22 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 789 gallons, $2526 a year in fuel, or $0.168 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1994–1998 run it averages 19 MPG, essentially flat across 5 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.132 | $1316 | $1974 | $2632 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.158 | $1579 | $2368 | $3158 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.168 | $1684 | $2526 | $3368 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.184 | $1842 | $2763 | $3684 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.211 | $2105 | $3158 | $4211 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.237 | $2368 | $3553 | $4737 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.263 | $2632 | $3947 | $5263 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 19 MPG | 17 | 22 | $4050 | 468 | 1 |
| 1997 | 19 MPG | 17 | 22 | $4050 | 468 | 1 |
| 1996 | 19 MPG | 17 | 22 | $4050 | 468 | 1 |
| 1995 | 19 MPG | 16.5 | 24 | $4050 | 468 | 2 |
| 1994 | 19 MPG | 16 | 24 | $4050 | 468 | 1 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 68 minicompact cars models tracked here, the Audi Cabriolet ranks 44 on current figures, against a class average of 22.5 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: BMW 325ci Convertible (19.5), BMW 330ci Convertible (19.5), Lotus Evora (19.5), Aston Martin DB11 V8 (20), Porsche 911 Carrera 4 (20).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 468 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 7.0 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Audi Cabriolet get?
The 1998 Audi Cabriolet is rated at 19 MPG combined by the EPA — 17 city and 22 highway. Across all 5 model years in the database it averages 19 MPG, ranging from 19 to 19 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Audi Cabriolet cost in fuel per year?
At 19 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 789 gallons — roughly $2526 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.168 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1998 model is $4050.
Has the Audi Cabriolet become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 19 MPG today against 19 in 1994 — essentially flat across 5 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Audi Cabriolet efficient for its class?
It ranks 44 of 68 in the Minicompact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 22.5 MPG. That is 3.5 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.