Nissan 300ZX
18.3 MPG The 1996 Nissan 300ZX is EPA-rated at 18.3 MPG combined (16.3 city / 22 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 820 gallons, $2623 a year in fuel, or $0.175 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1984–1996 run it averages 18.2 MPG, essentially flat across 13 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 | $0.137 | $1366 | $2049 | $2732 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.164 | $1639 | $2459 | $3279 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.175 | $1749 | $2623 | $3497 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.191 | $1913 | $2869 | $3825 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.219 | $2186 | $3279 | $4372 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.246 | $2459 | $3689 | $4918 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.273 | $2732 | $4098 | $5464 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 18.3 MPG | 16.3 | 22 | $4238 | 487 | 4 |
| 1995 | 18.3 MPG | 16.3 | 22 | $4238 | 487 | 4 |
| 1994 | 18 MPG | 16 | 22 | $4300 | 494 | 4 |
| 1993 | 18 MPG | 16 | 22 | $4300 | 494 | 4 |
| 1992 | 18 MPG | 16 | 22 | $4300 | 494 | 4 |
| 1991 | 18.3 MPG | 16.3 | 22 | $4238 | 487 | 4 |
| 1990 | 18.3 MPG | 16.3 | 22 | $4238 | 487 | 4 |
| 1989 | 18.3 MPG | 15.3 | 23 | $3413 | 487 | 4 |
| 1988 | 18.3 MPG | 15.3 | 23 | $3413 | 487 | 4 |
| 1987 | 18.3 MPG | 15.8 | 22.8 | $3413 | 487 | 4 |
| 1986 | 18.8 MPG | 15.8 | 23.3 | $3338 | 474 | 4 |
| 1985 | 17.4 MPG | 15.4 | 20.8 | $3588 | 513 | 8 |
| 1984 | 18.3 MPG | 16.3 | 21.5 | $3413 | 489 | 8 |
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 105 two seaters models tracked here, the Nissan 300ZX ranks 58 on current figures, against a class average of 21.4 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: BMW Z4 sDrive35i (19), BMW Z4 sDrive35is (19), Lotus Esprit Turbo (19), Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG (19), Nissan 350z Roadster (19.5).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 487 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 7.3 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Nissan 300ZX get?
The 1996 Nissan 300ZX is rated at 18.3 MPG combined by the EPA — 16.3 city and 22 highway. Across all 13 model years in the database it averages 18.2 MPG, ranging from 16 to 20 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Nissan 300ZX cost in fuel per year?
At 18.3 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 820 gallons — roughly $2623 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.175 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1996 model is $4238.
Has the Nissan 300ZX become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 18.3 MPG today against 18.3 in 1984 — essentially flat across 13 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Nissan 300ZX efficient for its class?
It ranks 58 of 105 in the Two Seaters class on current figures, against a class average of 21.4 MPG. That is 3.1 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.