V6 Vs V8 MPG Debate (Argument)

[mickss]

Every so often I see this debate or argument pop up from time to time when ever one of us try to justify our decision to buy a V6 over a V8 based on the cost of regular over the cost of hi-test gas and MPG. The V8 guy comes back with the "Well at current price`s hi-test "only" cost $4(Est.) more for a full tank of hi-test over regular" which at first glance seem`s to be a logical argument until you consider they pay more and go a less distance. What should really be considered is what is your cost for every mile traveled.

Given the current rate of gas price`s their justification is getting weaker by the week and months as those prices are now again on the rise.

Here`s some ammunition for that logic.
http://www.unfocusedbrain.com/projec...es_per_dollar/

[rtcat600man]

[a red maro]

i didn't get a V8 cause it would've costed a butt load but i would imagine that the gas mileage is worse than the V8 than in the V6. And as you said the gas prices are going up and we don't see any relief from that coming any time soon

[justa25thTA]

Considering the power of the V8, it gets incredible gas mileage. Really, at the the end of the month your talking about one less meal eaten at a restaurant, not a big deal. And if you finances on this ragged of an edge, you shouldn't have bought an expensive new car anyways.

[Beauwulf]

As we all know, it isn't just MPG that adds to the cost/mile. Initial cost, insurance and maintenance add fuel to the debate....

[MagnumForceGB]

Some quick little figures (Oklahoma):

$2.80 for 87 octane
$3.10 for 91 octane

V6 Combined MPG: 22 (based off of fueleconomy.gov)
V8 Combined MPG: 19 (based off of fueleconomy.gov)
And for fun, a 4 door Colbalt (Wife's car)
I4 Combined MPG: 27

1000 miles per month average

$127.23 per month to drive the V6
$163.13 per month to drive the V8
$103.73 per month to drive the Colbalt

Still expensive, but cheaper then it was to drive my V8 Silverado.

[Mr. Wyndham]

I need to ask why its necessary to have 'ammunition' for any argument? :(

Love your car, ignore the haters and they'll eventually go away.

[mickss]

Originally Posted by Dragoneye

I need to ask why its necessary to have 'ammunition' for any argument? :(

Love your car, ignore the haters and they'll eventually go away.

Na, they (haters) don`t bother me all that much, it`s just another one of those minor irritations that pop up from time to time. Everyone has their reasons for why they bought what they did, performance, price, looks, mileage, age+insurance, yearly income`s, ect.

"Ammunition" probably wasn`t the best term to use. :( sorry.

One last thing folk`s, research the 1974 gas shortage, alot of hi-test burning performance cars were lucky if they could even find hi octane gas during that period, I just hope that doesn`t happen again for those that require hi-test.

[Mr. Wyndham]

Originally Posted by mickss

Na, they (haters) don`t bother me all that much, it`s just another one of those minor irritations that pop up from time to time. Everyone has their reasons for why they bought what they did, performance, price, looks, mileage, age+insurance, yearly income`s, ect.

"Ammunition" probably wasn`t the best term to use. :( sorry.

Gotcha. I misunderstood.

Originally Posted by mickss

One last thing folk`s, research the 1974 gas shortage, alot of hi-test burning performance cars were lucky if they could even find hi octane gas during that period, I just hope that doesn`t happen again for those that require hi-test.

I think this time around it's a little different, because it's not a 'shortage', per se....just high-cost.

[PoorMansCamaro]

Haters will never go away, until we have world peace. Lol

[VR Baron]

For me I do the math for my situation. I keep cars along time. If all goes right for 11 years more till I retire, just to compare:
V6=18 mpg average in my city stop and go driving
V8= 14 mpg(A realistic number quoted from several SS guys, same type driving and my own experience in 12 years in a 98 Z28)
12000 miles a year, which is accurate for me so far.
Right now gas prices are:
87= 3.30/gal
91= 3.50/gal
V6 costs $2200 a year
V8 costs #3000 a year

But over my 11 more years the difference is $8800 !!
I could use that for mods, down pay on another car , retirement, vacations or whatever.
This not a V6 vs V8 justification, just a comparison between the two.

Just saying, my situation as it could develope only, your mileage may vary!

[mrray13]

Anna, Il..

$3.059 for 87/89 (depending on station)
$3.149 for 91

400 miles a week, x 2 cars = 800 miles a week.

One car is a 2010 Malibu LTZ with the 2.4(or 2, can't remember, lol) EcoTech, Average combined is 28.7mpg. That means 13.94 gallons of gas a week.

Second car is the 2010 Camaro 1LT/RS is the signature. It has Trifecta tuneing, ARH long tubes, custom catback and Injen CAI, 25.7mpg combined. That means 15.56 gallons a week.

$47.60 a week for the Camaro using 87/89, $42.64 for the Malibu.

If I used premium, which I do most of the time, it's $49.00 week. I'd save $72.80 a year by running 87/89 at current prices.

Now, a SS is 19mpg combined by the source quoted above. At current prices, and my mileage...

21.05 gallons a week.
$64.18 for 87/89 AND reduced performance
$66.29 for 91
$3447.08 for the year on 91, $3337.36 for 87/89.

Compared to $2548 for 91 in the v6 and $2475.20 for 87/89, and that's a savings of $862.16 a year for low grade and $899.08 for premium.

That's quite a bit, over 5 years, that's almost $4500 difference in premium fuel, and just over $4300 in low grade. That adds up. Doesn't seem like much per week, $17 or so, but it is there.

[american v8]

Here is another point. Living in ca you can't go 55 merging onto a freeway, you have to go atleast 65 to not get totally run over. A v6 needs to work a little harder (small engine=more work for a heavy car) to get the camaro up and going. The v8 works less therefore using less gas (keeping your lead foot off the gas is another story . AND using a CAI (one that actually does it's job) or simply a K&N filter will get the ss's 24 mpg up to 27 on the filter and even higher on the CAI, again if your foot can manage to relax. If GMMG can make an average 27 mpg 2002 zl1 with a ls7 in it, a modern ls3 should be able to do this no problem

[Mr. Wyndham]

Originally Posted by american v8

Here is another point. Living in ca you can't go 55 merging onto a freeway, you have to go atleast 65 to not get totally run over. A v6 needs to work a little harder (small engine=more work for a heavy car) to get the camaro up and going. The v8 works less therefore using less gas (keeping your lead foot off the gas is another story . AND using a CAI (one that actually does it's job) or simply a K&N filter will get the ss's 24 mpg up to 27 on the filter and even higher on the CAI, again if your foot can manage to relax. If GMMG can make an average 27 mpg 2002 zl1 with a ls7 in it, a modern ls3 should be able to do this no problem

Uno problemo at the end there...2002 EPA numbers aren't compatible with today's...that car (if it was EPA-tested, which I doubt a little bit) would register somewhere around 23mpg now.

EDIT: Actually dos problemos...I don't think the LS7 existed in 2002...did you mean LS6?