42/100
1987Subcompact CarsRegular

1987 Volkswagen Scirocco

EPA ID: 3155
21
City MPG
23
Combined MPG
23MPG· Average
26
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 1987 Volkswagen Scirocco achieves an EPA-estimated 23 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 21 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 1.8L 4-cylinder engine paired with a manual 5-spd, this subcompact cars features Front-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 1987 Scirocco produces approximately 386 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 Scirocco performs better than the national average in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $2,600, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $2,250 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 ClassSubcompact Cars
Fuel TypeRegular
Engine1.8L 4-cyl
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
TransmissionManual 5-spd
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions386 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score-1/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$2,600
5-Year Cost DeltaSave $2,250

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
23.0
Impact vs EPA
+$1
/ 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
$528/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
$12,500
39.4%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$11,413
36.0%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$7,375
23.3%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
1.3%
Total 5-Year Cost$31,688

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #91V201000·1991-12-13
critical
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

A CRACK CAN DEVELOP IN THE FUEL TANK ADJACENT TO A SEAM WELD IN THE REAR OF THE TANK.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: FUEL CAN LEAK FROM THE CRACKED FUEL TANK WHICH COULDCATCH FIRE IN THE PRESENCE OF A SOURCE OF IGNITION.

Remedy: CHECK VEHICLE WITH A SPECIALLY DESIGNED TOOL FOR THE PRESENCE OF A FUEL TANK CRACK, AND REPLACE FUEL TANK IF DEFECT IS FOUND.

Campaign #87V053000·1987-06-04
moderate
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

FUEL PUMP, LOCATED INSIDE FUEL TANK, COULD SEIZE DURING HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES BECAUSE OF AN EXTREME FINE MESH FUEL FILTER RESTRICTING THE FUEL FLOW.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: FUEL SUPPLY TO ENGINE WOULD BE PARTIALLY INTERRUPTED,RESULTING IN STALLING.

Remedy: INSTALL A MODIFIED FUEL PUMP AND FILTER.

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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 Volkswagen Scirocco configurations.

View Model History

Similar 1987 Subcompact Cars Alternatives

Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$2,600
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Save $2,250

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

Efficiency Breakdown

City21 MPG
Highway26 MPG
Combined23 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

77.3 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 96 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 6.4 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.