Volkswagen Cabriolet
23 MPG The 1993 Volkswagen Cabriolet is EPA-rated at 23 MPG combined (21 city / 25.5 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 652 gallons, $2087 a year in fuel, or $0.139 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1985–1993 run it averages 22.7 MPG, improving by 1 MPG over 9 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 | $0.109 | $1087 | $1630 | $2174 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.130 | $1304 | $1957 | $2609 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.139 | $1391 | $2087 | $2783 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.152 | $1522 | $2283 | $3043 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.174 | $1739 | $2609 | $3478 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.196 | $1957 | $2935 | $3913 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.217 | $2174 | $3261 | $4348 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | 23 MPG | 21 | 25.5 | $2725 | 387 | 2 |
| 1992 | 24 MPG | 21.5 | 27.5 | $2600 | 371 | 2 |
| 1991 | 24 MPG | 21.5 | 27.5 | $2600 | 371 | 2 |
| 1990 | 24 MPG | 21.5 | 27.5 | $2600 | 371 | 2 |
| 1989 | 21.5 MPG | 20 | 23.5 | $2900 | 415 | 2 |
| 1988 | 21.5 MPG | 20 | 23.5 | $2900 | 415 | 2 |
| 1987 | 22 MPG | 20.5 | 24.5 | $2825 | 405 | 2 |
| 1986 | 22 MPG | 20.5 | 24.5 | $2825 | 405 | 2 |
| 1985 | 22 MPG | 20.5 | 24.5 | $2825 | 405 | 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 68 minicompact cars models tracked here, the Volkswagen Cabriolet ranks 14 on current figures, against a class average of 22.5 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Subaru BRZ (23.5), Audi TT Coupe (25), MINI John Cooper Works Convertible (28), Fiat 500 (28.5), Fiat 500 Abarth (28.5).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 387 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.8 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Volkswagen Cabriolet get?
The 1993 Volkswagen Cabriolet is rated at 23 MPG combined by the EPA — 21 city and 25.5 highway. Across all 9 model years in the database it averages 22.7 MPG, ranging from 20 to 25 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Volkswagen Cabriolet cost in fuel per year?
At 23 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 652 gallons — roughly $2087 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.139 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1993 model is $2725.
Has the Volkswagen Cabriolet become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 22 MPG in 1985 to 23 in 1993 — an improvement of 1 MPG, or 5% across 9 model years.
Is the Volkswagen Cabriolet efficient for its class?
It ranks 14 of 68 in the Minicompact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 22.5 MPG. That is 0.5 better 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.