Porsches & Fuel Efficiency (Important Facts to Know)

Porsche is one of the most iconic auto brands in the world. It boasts superior models ranging from the classic 911 to the new-generation Boxster and is a favorite for luxury car shoppers around the world.

Are Porsches fuel-efficient?

Porsche has several high-performance sports cars with turbocharged engines that guarantee a decent fuel economy. But it also produces big SUVs and sedans with below-average fuel economy.

Fuel economy varies across models because of differences in the engine, drivetrain, weight, etc.

Porsche vehicles are popular for their performance, athleticism, and refinement.

Considering their hefty price tags, people who can afford these expensive toys can afford gas even if it costs $100 per barrel.

But it helps to know how far you can go on a full tank!

Below is a table comparing average MPG (Miles Per Gallon) of recent Porsche vehicles:

Which Porsches Have The Worst Fuel Efficiency?

After extensive research, we found the following Porsche models to be the worst in terms of fuel efficiency:

Porsche Macan

While Porsche purists believe the automaker should not be making SUVs, the Macan’s success has validated its decision to expand its collection.

The Macan is built to give users the benefits of an SUV and the agility and athleticism associated with Porsche sports cars.

Despite its high points, the Macan’s fuel economy is abysmal.

According to EPA estimates, the 2019 Macan puts up 19 mpg on city roads and 23 mpg on the highway, giving it an average mpg of 21.

The Macan S does not fare better and has a reduced city mpg rating (18). Highway mpg is the same, giving the Macan S an average mpg of 20.

Porsche Macan vs. Competition (Fuel Efficiency)

The Macan’s fuel economy ratings are among the lowest in the light-SUV category.

Lower-priced competitors such as the Jaguar F-Pace and Land Rover Range Rover Velar have better fuel efficiency ratings.

The F-Pace has an average mpg of 24, while the Range Rover Velar has an average mpg of 25.

Porsche’s German rivals also have more fuel-efficient offerings: The Audi Q5 has an average mpg of 24, while the BMW X4 offers an average mpg of 25.

Porsche Cayenne

The Cayenne has more cargo space and a bigger interior compared to other Porsches and is a good family car. However, its poor fuel economy may discourage buyers.

From EPA estimates, the most fuel-efficient model is the base Cayenne model, which has an average mpg of 21. Other models have lower fuel economy ratings with the Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo getting average mpg ratings of 20 and 17, respectively.

Cayenne vs. Competition (Fuel Efficiency)

The Cayenne has better fuel efficiency than some of its rivals (Mercedes Benz GLE Class and Maserati Levante have combined mpg ratings of 20 and 17, respectively).

However, it is behind rivals such as:

• the Lexus RX 350 (22 mpg),
• Acura MDX (22 mpg),
• and BMW X5 (22 mpg) in terms of fuel efficiency.

Porsche Panamera

The Porsche Panamera is a luxury sedan targeted at drivers who want more room and space in their cars but don’t want a big SUV like the Macan or Cayenne.

The 2019 Panamera model has an EPA-estimated average mpg of 22 (City – 19/Hwy – 27), while the Turbo version has a lower average mpg rating of 21.

Panamera vs. Competition (Fuel Efficiency)

While the Panamera has above-average fuel efficiency for a sedan with an AWD drivetrain, it is poor when compared to other vehicles in the class.

The Cadillac CTS-V has a higher combined mpg rating of 25. Similarly, the BMW 7 Series does better with a combined mpg rating of 23.

You may also like to explore our article that says about Are Porsche Cars Reliable? Here are the Facts

How Do Porsche Models Compare To Other Sports Cars In Terms Of Fuel Efficiency?

Porsche’s sports car line-up ranges from the expensive 911 supercars to the budget-priced Boxster.

All these models have exceptional road performance and minimal fuel consumption.

 Porsche 911

The 911 is an awe-inspiring performer, a fact corroborated by performance enthusiasts and race car drivers.

Describing the 911’s superior performance, a review on caranddriver.com says “[the Porsche is] a strong performer and a joy to drive.”

Naturally, you’d expect such a car to be as uber-thirsty, but this is not the case.

The 911 has an above-average fuel efficiency – given its performance. In fact, the 911 is one of the most environmentally friendly sports cars you can buy.

Porsche 911 vs. Competition (Fuel Economy)

Using EPA estimates, the 2019 Porsche 911 Carrera gives 22 mpg for city driving and 30 mpg on the highway. This is very impressive, especially when compared to other vehicles in the supercar class. The Audi R8 has an average mpg of 17, and the Aston Martin Vantage has an average mpg of 21.

Even against some of its more fuel-efficient rivals, the 911 Carrera can hold its own. The Jaguar F-Type has a combined mpg of 26 while the BMW i8, which is the most fuel-efficient supercar, has an average mpg of 27.

Porsche Cayman

The Porsche Cayman is another of the brand’s high-performance sports cars – the 2019 Cayman goes from 0 to 60 mph in less than five seconds.

It shares attributes with the 911, especially its awesome performance and fuel economy.

The 2019 Cayman model uses a combination of turbo engines and start-stop technology to give an impressive combined mpg of 24 (city – 21/Hwy – 28).

Porsche Cayman vs. Competition (Fuel Economy)

The Cayman is one leader in its class in terms of fuel efficiency.

It is more efficient than competitors like:

• the Chevrolet Corvette, which has a lower mpg rating of 19 (combined),
• Ford Shelby Mustang (16 mpg combined),
• and Nissan 370Z (22 mpg combined).

The Mercedes Benz SLC Class is, however, better with a combined mpg rating of 27.

Porsche Boxster

Originally released as a cheaper alternative to the Cayman and the 911, the Boxster offers exceptional value for money. The fuel efficiency numbers are not bad either.

The 2019 718 Boxster (Automatic Transmission) returns an average of 25 mpg while the manual transmission variation has a combined mpg of 24.

Even the faster Boxster GTS has combined mpg ratings of 21/22 for its AT and MT models, respectively.

Porsche Boxster vs. Competition (Fuel Economy)

The Boxster’s fuel economy is fairly decent.  While it doesn’t lead the class, it isn’t far behind. The Boxster knocks out the Mercedes SLK Class, which has a lower combined mpg rating of 22.

Against more fuel-efficient rivals, however, it is a bit subdued with Audi TT having a higher average mpg of 26 and the Mazda Miata returning a mind-blowing 29 mpg (combined).

Are The Classic 911 Models Fuel-efficient Vehicles?

Fuel efficiency rarely influences the choice of a sports car – buyers are concerned about performance, not fuel savings. However, it doesn’t hurt that the 911 doesn’t consume a lot of gasoline as some of its rivals do.

A review of 911s released in the last decade shows the car has commendable fuel efficiency figures for a beastly performer.

The 2018 911 (AT Model) has an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined. This beats numbers put up by its rivals. The 2018 Chevrolet Corvette has an average mpg of 19, while the Nissan GT-R has a combined mpg of 18.

The 2017 911 (AT Model) has respectable fuel efficiency numbers too. It offers 22 mpg for urban driving and 30 mpg for highway driving with a combined average of 25.

This is significantly better than what you get from competitors like Ford’s Shelby Mustang and Acura NSX.

Why Do The 911 Models Consume Less Fuel?

Sports cars are built for extreme speeds. This often creates a strain on the engine, leading to poor fuel efficiency.

The 911 is different, though. It features fuel-saving tech like the start-stop technology designed to reduce energy use when possible. This model also uses turbocharged engines instead of naturally aspirated engines that consume more fuel.

Also, read up on how many miles Porsches last.

How Does The Stop-Start Tech Work?

While driving, especially on city roads, you may have to stop the car because of a red light or heavy traffic. While the car is idling, the engine is running, and you are burning gas.

To prevent fuel wastage while the car is motionless, the start-stop system kills the engine the moment you apply the brake pedal and halt the car. The moment you take your feet off the brakes, the engine restarts immediately.

For urban Porsche drivers who do a lot of stop-and-go driving, this system can increase fuel efficiency by about 10%-15%.

How Do Turbocharged Engines Reduce Fuel Consumption?

The other factor contributing to the 911’s relative fuel efficiency is the use of turbocharged flat engines instead of naturally aspirated engines.

Turbochargers use energy from the car’s exhaust to power the turbine attached to the compressor. The compressor then forces more air into the engine cylinders. This leads to more air and fuel in the cylinders.

Extra air and fuel in the cylinders translate to bigger combustion reactions and more power. Also, the oil pistons have less work to direct the air-fuel mixture into the combustion chamber.

Overall, the use of turbocharged engines can reduce fuel consumption by 2 to 6%, increasing fuel efficiency.

Final Words

The fuel efficiency of your Porsche depends on several factors. Driving habits and vehicle maintenance often play a role.

If you discover the fuel efficiency of your Porsche is declining, check the vehicle for faulty fuel pumps, clogged fuel filters, or bad oxygen sensors. You can also take the vehicle to the repair shop for a comprehensive diagnostic session.

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