34/100
1985Two SeatersRegular

1985 Nissan 300ZX

EPA ID: 9
15
City MPG
18
Combined MPG
18MPG· Below Avg
22
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 1985 Nissan 300ZX achieves an EPA-estimated 18 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 15 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 3L 6-cylinder turbocharged engine paired with a manual 5-spd, this two seaters features Rear-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 1985 300ZX produces approximately 494 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this 300ZX has higher-than-average emissions in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $3,300, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $5,750 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassTwo Seaters
Fuel TypeRegular
Engine3L 6-cyl
AspirationTurbocharged
TransmissionManual 5-spd
Drive TypeRear-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions494 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score-1/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$3,300
5-Year Cost DeltaSave $5,750

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
17.5
Impact vs EPA
+$82
/ year
💨

Aerodynamic Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by roughly 15-20% at interstate speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$1,092/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$33,000
50.4%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$14,583
22.3%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$17,550
26.8%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
0.6%
Total 5-Year Cost$65,533

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #95I006000·1996-03-18
critical
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. THE CAMPAIGN WILL REPLACE THE FUEL INJECTORS AND RELATED HOSES OF AFFECTED VEHICLES WHICH COULD LEAK.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: FUEL LEAKS IN THE ENGINE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: NISSAN DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL INJECTORS AND RELATED HOSES ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.

Campaign #87V098000·1987-07-06
advisory
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT

UNINTENDED ACCELERATION MAY OCCUR, FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN SHIFTING FROM THE PARK POSITION.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy: INSTALL A SHIFT INTERLOCK SYSTEM WHICH PREVENTS THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER FROM BEING MOVED FROM THE PARK POSITION UNLESS THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.

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Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Nissan 300ZX configurations.

View Model History

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Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$3,300
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Save $5,750

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City15 MPG
Highway22 MPG
Combined18 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

98.7 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 122 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 8.2 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.