Merkur XR4Ti
18 MPG The 1989 Merkur XR4Ti is EPA-rated at 18 MPG combined (16.5 city / 21.5 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 833 gallons, $2667 a year in fuel, or $0.178 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1985–1989 run it averages 18.4 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 | $0.139 | $1389 | $2083 | $2778 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.167 | $1667 | $2500 | $3333 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.178 | $1778 | $2667 | $3556 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.194 | $1944 | $2917 | $3889 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.222 | $2222 | $3333 | $4444 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.250 | $2500 | $3750 | $5000 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.278 | $2778 | $4167 | $5556 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 18 MPG | 16.5 | 21.5 | $3475 | 495 | 2 |
| 1988 | 18.5 MPG | 17 | 21.5 | $3375 | 484 | 2 |
| 1987 | 18.5 MPG | 17 | 21.5 | $3375 | 484 | 2 |
| 1986 | 18.5 MPG | 16.5 | 21 | $3375 | 481 | 2 |
| 1985 | 18.5 MPG | 16.5 | 21 | $3375 | 481 | 2 |
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 227 compact cars models tracked here, the Merkur XR4Ti ranks 204 on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Peugeot 505 Sedan (18.2), Volkswagen Quantum (18.5), Acura Legend (18.8), Bentley Continental GT (19), BMW M3 Competition Sedan (19).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 495 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 7.4 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Merkur XR4Ti get?
The 1989 Merkur XR4Ti is rated at 18 MPG combined by the EPA — 16.5 city and 21.5 highway. Across all 5 model years in the database it averages 18.4 MPG, ranging from 17 to 20 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Merkur XR4Ti cost in fuel per year?
At 18 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 833 gallons — roughly $2667 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.178 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1989 model is $3475.
Has the Merkur XR4Ti become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 18 MPG today against 18.5 in 1985 — essentially flat across 5 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Merkur XR4Ti efficient for its class?
It ranks 204 of 227 in the Compact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG. That is 8.6 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.