Rolls-Royce Continental R
12 MPG The 1997 Rolls-Royce Continental R is EPA-rated at 12 MPG combined (10 city / 15 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 1250 gallons, $4000 a year in fuel, or $0.267 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1993–1997 run it averages 11.4 MPG, improving by 1 MPG over 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 | $0.208 | $2083 | $3125 | $4167 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.250 | $2500 | $3750 | $5000 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.267 | $2667 | $4000 | $5333 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.292 | $2917 | $4375 | $5833 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.333 | $3333 | $5000 | $6667 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.375 | $3750 | $5625 | $7500 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.417 | $4167 | $6250 | $8333 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 12 MPG | 10 | 15 | $6400 | 741 | 1 |
| 1996 | 12 MPG | 10 | 15 | $6400 | 741 | 1 |
| 1995 | 11 MPG | 9 | 15 | $7000 | 808 | 1 |
| 1994 | 11 MPG | 9 | 15 | $7000 | 808 | 1 |
| 1993 | 11 MPG | 10 | 15 | $7000 | 808 | 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 227 compact cars models tracked here, the Rolls-Royce Continental R ranks 225 on current figures, against a class average of 26.7 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Mercedes-Benz CL600 (14), Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG (14), Rolls-Royce Dawn (14), Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe (14), Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe (14).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 741 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 11.1 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Rolls-Royce Continental R get?
The 1997 Rolls-Royce Continental R is rated at 12 MPG combined by the EPA — 10 city and 15 highway. Across all 5 model years in the database it averages 11.4 MPG, ranging from 11 to 12 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Rolls-Royce Continental R cost in fuel per year?
At 12 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 1250 gallons — roughly $4000 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.267 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1997 model is $6400.
Has the Rolls-Royce Continental R become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 11 MPG in 1993 to 12 in 1997 — an improvement of 1 MPG, or 9% across 5 model years.
Is the Rolls-Royce Continental R efficient for its class?
It ranks 225 of 227 in the Compact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 26.7 MPG. That is 14.7 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.