FUEL ECONOMY IN CAR AND DRIVER NOVEMBER 2009

Every month almost every car tested by Car & Driver isn't just measured for decibels at full throttle or the time required to travel from 50-70mph in top gear. Most cars are also tested for fuel economy. Are the EPA's numbers not trusted? Not exactly. The EPA's numbers are a lot more accurate than they once were; but real-world driving tells a real-world story. 

Check out the same cars below in the 0-60mph test

In the new November issue, pay particular attention to the merits of the good ol' fashioned American V8s of the Corvette and Shelby GT500 Mustang. Although the Mustang accelerates more quickly than Audi's S4; weighs just about as much as the Audi; and puts out an extra 207 horsepower and 185 lb-ft more torque, the Ford V8 returns better economy. And though every car tested this month was particularly hefty and/or wildly sporty, is it not still a wonder that the quickest car was also the most fuel efficient? Head past the jump for details.


Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport: 21 miles per gallon
Audi Q7 3.0 TDI: 21 miles per gallon
Nissan 370Z Roadster Touring: 21 miles per gallon
Jaguar XF S'Charged *: 20 miles per gallon
Ford Shelby GT500: 18 miles per gallon
Maserati Quattroporte S *: 18 miles per gallon
BMW 335i: 18 miles per gallon
Audi S4: 17 miles per gallon
Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon 3.6 *: 16 miles per gallon
Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe *: 12 miles per gallon


* denotes automatic transmission