40/100
1998Subcompact CarsRegular

1998 Volkswagen Cabrio

EPA ID: 14154
19
City MPG
22
Combined MPG
22MPG· Average
26
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio achieves an EPA-estimated 22 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 2L 4-cylinder engine paired with a automatic 4-spd, this subcompact cars features Front-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 1998 Cabrio produces approximately 404 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 Cabrio has higher-than-average emissions in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $2,700, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $2,750 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 ClassSubcompact Cars
Fuel TypeRegular
Engine2L 4-cyl
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions404 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score-1/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$2,700
5-Year Cost DeltaSave $2,750

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
21.6
Impact vs EPA
+$42
/ 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
$537/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
38.8%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$11,932
37.0%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$7,375
22.9%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
1.2%
Total 5-Year Cost$32,207

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #02V026000·2003-06-13
critical
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP

ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK FILLER NECK CAN SUFFER ABRASION DAMAGE IF THE REAR TIRE GOES FLAT AND THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN UNTIL THE TIRE DISINTEGRATES.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL FIT PASSAT VEHICLES WITH A NEW WHEEL HOUSE LINER THAT WILL BETTER PROTECT THE CAR'S FILLER NECK. JETTA VEHICLES WILL BE FITTED WITH A DIFFERENT METAL SHIELD DESIGNED TO ENHANCE ABRASION PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF TIRE DISINTEGRATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 13, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

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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 Cabrio configurations.

View Model History

Similar 1998 Subcompact Cars Alternatives

Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$2,700
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Save $2,750

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

Efficiency Breakdown

City19 MPG
Highway26 MPG
Combined22 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

80.8 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 100 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 6.7 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.