Miles per gallon (mpg) is an important factor in determining a vehicle's gas mileage efficiency. Consumers can have a more accurate picture of their vehicle's fuel economy, however, by also calculating in terms of gallons per 100 miles.
Updated EPA Methods
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updated its testing methods for fuel economy in December 2006 by factoring in more realistic driving conditions, "such as high speed, aggressive driving, use of air conditioning, and cold temperature operation," according to its website. The revised mpg estimates were applied to all 2008 models, and consumers became understandably confused about whether or not the new vehicles were less fuel efficient than older cars.
Skewed View
Measuring fuel economy with mpg methodology led to a misconception that it rises proportionately. This could lead you to believe that you would spend 1/2 as much on fuel for a car with a 50 mpg rating than a 25 mpg vehicle. Calculating a vehicle's gas mileage efficiency in terms of gallons per mile (GPM), however, results in a more realistic view of fuel consumption.
Truer Picture
The article "The Truth about Fuel Consumption" on Edmunds.com states that the value of using GPM to gauge fuel efficiency is that it takes into account the fact that "fuel-economy improvements from 12-20 mpg are significant" and "once vehicles get over 25 mpg, the gains are much less dramatic." The True Fuel Consumption Calculator on Edmunds.com allows you to convert your car's mpg into GPM easily; it is linked in the Resources section.
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