36/100
1986Two SeatersRegular

1986 Nissan 300ZX

EPA ID: 1696
16
City MPG
19
Combined MPG
19MPG· Below Avg
23
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 1986 Nissan 300ZX achieves an EPA-estimated 19 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 16 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 3L 6-cylinder engine paired with a automatic 4-spd, this two seaters features Rear-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 1986 300ZX produces approximately 468 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 $3,150, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $5,000 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
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
Drive TypeRear-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions468 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score-1/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$3,150
5-Year Cost DeltaSave $5,000

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
18.5
Impact vs EPA
+$69
/ 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
$1,079/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
51.0%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$13,816
21.3%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$17,550
27.1%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
0.6%
Total 5-Year Cost$64,766

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$3,150
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Save $5,000

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

Efficiency Breakdown

City16 MPG
Highway23 MPG
Combined19 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

93.5 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 116 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 7.8 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.