better MPG?? 190e 2.0 4speed or 2.3 5speed - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

z3ds · #1 10-20-2004, 03:04 PM

HI guys, I checked the entire forum for an answer but I wasn't so lucky. I currently have a 1992 2.3 5 speed and thinking of buying a 1985 2.0 4 speed. I just wanna know which one has a better mpg? The 92 190e uses premium gasoline, I heard that the 84-87(?) uses regular gas?

MTI · #2 10-20-2004, 03:59 PM

The '85 can use regular unleaded, has lower compression and the older CIS fuel injection.

z3ds · #3 10-21-2004, 10:58 PM

thanks for the info MTI, so does that mean 85 with the 2.0 with 4speed is better?

deanyel · #4 10-22-2004, 11:12 PM

It sort of depends upon your driving habits but my guess would be that the four speed would be more fuel efficient. As a general rule shifts are inefficient and the more of them you do the less efficient your driving. In one of our prior fuel crises Saab came out with a recommendation to skip gears, e.g. 1st to 3rd, 2nd to 4th, for better fuel economy. Our US Corvettes do the same thing automatically in order to avoid gas guzzler tax. It's crazy that six speeds are becoming so common at a time of high fuel prices. If common sense prevailed we'd be going back wide ratio 4 speeds.

tvpierce · #5 10-23-2004, 08:13 AM

Deanyel is right when he says that it depends on your driving. But if most of your driving is at constant speeds of above 50 mph (80kph), then the 2.3 5-speed will likely yeild a higher efficiency. Because the final gearing in the highest gear is generally higher in a 5-speed than in a 4-speed.

Jeff Pierce