1987 Volkswagen Vanagon Syncro 4WD
Fuel Economy Overview
The 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon Syncro 4WD achieves an EPA-estimated 14 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 14 MPG in the city and 14 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 2.1L 4-cylinder engine paired with a manual 5-spd, this vans features 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive drive.
In terms of environmental impact, the 1987 Vanagon Syncro 4WD produces approximately 635 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 Vanagon Syncro 4WD has higher-than-average emissions in this regard.
The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $4,300, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $10,750 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
Green Scorecard
Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy
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.
The Brick Effect: Highway Speed Penalty
EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Because the Vans has a large frontal area, expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by up to 25% at high speeds.
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Recall Intelligence
THE PLASTIC MATERIAL OF THE CENTER AIR FLOW DUCT, WHICH IS FASTENED BY TWO MOUNTING SCREWS TO THE CEILING OF THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, CAN CRACK AND EVENTUALLY BREAK.
Consequence & Remedy
Consequence: IF THE PLASTIC BREAKS WHERE IT IS HELD AT THE TWOMOUNTING SCREWS, THE CENTER AIR FLOW DUCT CAN SEPARATE FROM ITS SUPPORTS ANDCAUSE INJURY TO THE PASSENGERS SITTING IN THE CENTER SEAT OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT PLATE AT THE CONNECTIONS OF BOTH THE CENTER AND REAR AIR FLOW DUCTS.
WHEN USING THE CRUISE CONTROL THE ACCELERATOR CABLE TENSION MAY ALLOW THE CABLE TO SAG AND BECOME ENTANGLED WITH THE WATER PIPE BRACKET IMPEDING ITS RETURN TO IDLE POSITION.
Consequence & Remedy
Consequence: FAILURE TO RETURN TO IDLE POSITION COULD LEAD TO ANACCIDENT.
Remedy: THE PRESENT ACCELERATOR CABLE BRACKET WILL BE REPLACED.
IN LINE FUEL FILTER LOCATED BETWEEN THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL PUMP COULD SEEP FUEL AT THE SEAM OF THE PLASTIC CASING.
Consequence & Remedy
Consequence: SHOULD SEEPAGE OCCUR, LEAKING FUEL CAN CAUSE A RISK OFFIRE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE.
Remedy: THE IN LINE FUEL FILTER WILL BE REPLACED WITH A STRAIGHT FUEL HOSE.
DUE TO IMPROPER MOUNTING PROCESS, SEMPERIT TIRES 20570R14 MOUNTED ON ALLOY WHEEL SIZE 6J X 14 COULD EXPERIENCE TINY CRACKS IN THE BEAD AREA.
Consequence & Remedy
Consequence: TIRES COULD LOSE AIR, CREATING POTENTIAL FOR LOSS OFVEHICLE CONTROL.
Remedy: REPLACE TIRES AS NECESSARY.
SEAT BRACKETS WHICH ANCHOR REARWARD PASSENGER SEATS MAY NOT ENGAGE PROPERLY.
Consequence & Remedy
Consequence: SEAT COULD BREAK LOOSE DURING ACCELERATION AND CAUSEINJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
Remedy: ASSURE THAT SEAT BRACKETS ARE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
PIN IN SHIFT LOCKING PAWL MAY NOT BE PROPERLY WELDED TO THE PAWL.
Consequence & Remedy
Consequence: IF PIN SEPARATES FROM PAWL, DRIVER WOULD BE ABLE TO MOVETHE SHIFT LEVER DURING DRIVING INTO ANY POSITION WITHOUT PRESSING SAFETYRELEASE BUTTON.
Remedy: REPLACE SHIFT LOCKING PAWL.
USAGE OF FUEL WITH REID PRESSURE UP TO 14 PSI COULD, UNDER HIGH ENGINE LOAD AND HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES, LEAD TO STALLING.
Consequence & Remedy
Consequence: FUEL FLOW COULD BECOME RESTRICTED AND CAUSE THE ENGINETO STALL.
Remedy: INSTALL A NEW FUEL TANK, CONTAINING A REDESIGNED FUEL FILTER, AS WELL AS MODIFIED CONTROL UNITS.
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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 Vanagon Syncro 4WD configurations.
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Fuel Cost Analysis
Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.
Efficiency Breakdown
Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint
(Based on 200,000 miles driven)