Porsche 944
18.5 MPG The 1989 Porsche 944 is EPA-rated at 18.5 MPG combined (16.5 city / 22 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 811 gallons, $2595 a year in fuel, or $0.173 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1984–1989 run it averages 19.3 MPG, essentially flat across 6 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 | $0.135 | $1351 | $2027 | $2703 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.162 | $1622 | $2432 | $3243 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.173 | $1730 | $2595 | $3459 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.189 | $1892 | $2838 | $3784 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.216 | $2162 | $3243 | $4324 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.243 | $2432 | $3649 | $4865 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.270 | $2703 | $4054 | $5405 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 18.5 MPG | 16.5 | 22 | $4175 | 481 | 2 |
| 1988 | 19 MPG | 17.5 | 23 | $3275 | 469 | 2 |
| 1987 | 19.6 MPG | 17.2 | 23.2 | $3490 | 454 | 5 |
| 1986 | 19.7 MPG | 17.3 | 23.7 | $3417 | 452 | 3 |
| 1985 | 20 MPG | 18 | 25 | $3100 | 444 | 1 |
| 1984 | 18.8 MPG | 17 | 22.5 | $3325 | 476 | 4 |
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 Porsche 944 ranks 51 on current figures, against a class average of 22.5 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Audi Cabriolet (19), Jaguar XK8 Convertible (19), Lexus SC 430 (19), Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS (19), Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet (19).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 481 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 7.2 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Porsche 944 get?
The 1989 Porsche 944 is rated at 18.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 16.5 city and 22 highway. Across all 6 model years in the database it averages 19.3 MPG, ranging from 17 to 21 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Porsche 944 cost in fuel per year?
At 18.5 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 811 gallons — roughly $2595 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.173 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1989 model is $4175.
Has the Porsche 944 become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 18.5 MPG today against 18.8 in 1984 — essentially flat across 6 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Porsche 944 efficient for its class?
It ranks 51 of 68 in the Minicompact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 22.5 MPG. That is 4.0 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.