How many miles per gallon did a Corvair get?
The Chevrolet Corvair, a unique and innovative car produced by General Motors from 1960 to 1969, was known for its rear-engine design and air-cooled engine. While it stood out for its engineering and styling, many car enthusiasts and potential buyers often wonder about its fuel efficiency. In this article, we’ll explore the miles per gallon (MPG) performance of the Corvair and what factors influenced its fuel economy.
Understanding the Corvair's Fuel Efficiency
The Corvair's fuel efficiency varied depending on the model year, engine configuration, and driving conditions. On average, the Corvair achieved approximately 20 to 25 miles per gallon (MPG) under normal driving conditions. Here’s a breakdown of the factors that influenced its MPG:
- Engine Variants: The Corvair was offered with several engine options, including a 2.3L flat-six engine and later a turbocharged version. The turbocharged models typically had slightly lower fuel efficiency due to increased power output.
- Transmission Type: Models equipped with manual transmissions generally delivered better fuel economy compared to those with automatic transmissions.
- Driving Habits: As with any vehicle, aggressive driving or frequent stop-and-go traffic could reduce the Corvair's MPG.
- Vehicle Weight: Different trims and optional features could affect the car's weight, which in turn influenced fuel efficiency.
How the Corvair Compared to Its Contemporaries
During the 1960s, achieving 20 to 25 MPG was considered respectable for a compact car. The Corvair's fuel efficiency was competitive with other vehicles in its class, such as the Ford Falcon and the Volkswagen Beetle. However, its unique engineering and rear-engine layout made it stand out in terms of handling and performance, offering a balance of efficiency and driving enjoyment.
Conclusion
The Chevrolet Corvair was a remarkable car for its time, offering innovative design and respectable fuel efficiency. With an average of 20 to 25 MPG, it provided a practical option for drivers seeking a compact car with unique engineering. Whether you’re a classic car enthusiast or simply curious about automotive history, the Corvair remains a fascinating example of mid-20th-century automotive innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the biggest problem with the Corvair?
In his 1965 book, Unsafe at Any Speed, Nader called the Corvair “the one-car accident.” He wrote that a design flaw in the rear suspension made the car likely to flip over when driven in abrupt maneuvers, like, say, avoiding a ball that suddenly rolled into the street.
What size engine was in the Corvair 1965?
2,683 cc
1965
| Corvair 500 Series 101 Corvair Monza Series 105 Corvair Corsa Series 107 | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2,683 cc (2.7 L) air-cooled flat 6 engine |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual 4-speed manual 2-speed Corvair Powerglide automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 108 in (2,743 mm) |
How much did a new Corvair cost in 1965?
Production notes
| Year | Production | Base price |
|---|---|---|
| 1964 | 215,300 | US$2,000–2,811 |
| 1965 | 247,092 | US$2,066–2,665 |
| 1966 | 109,880 | US$2,083–2,682 |
| 1967 | 27,253 | US$2,128–2,540 |
How many miles per gallon does a 1964 Chevy Corvair get?
Based on data from 5 vehicles, 339 fuel-ups and 56,008 miles of driving, the 1964 Chevrolet Corvair gets a combined Avg MPG of 17.81 with a 0.37 MPG margin of error. Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 9 outliers (2.59%) removed.
How many miles per gallon does a 1963 Corvair get?
Based on data from 5 vehicles, 40 fuel-ups and 8,077 miles of driving, the 1963 Chevrolet Corvair gets a combined Avg MPG of 18.75 with a 0.92 MPG margin of error.
Why were Corvairs discontinued?
In April 1965, General Motors decided to stop development of the Corvair and to do only what was necessary to keep it legal to sell. That decision was made due to the strong sales of the Mustang, and the Corvair was not considered capable of competing with it without a major redesign.
How many miles per gallon did a 1967 Corvair get?
Based on data from 1 vehicles, 42 fuel-ups and 5,455 miles of driving, the 1967 Chevrolet Corvair gets a combined Avg MPG of 19.03 with a 1.54 MPG margin of error. Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 1 outliers (2.33%) removed.
How much did a dozen eggs cost in 1966?
WHAT THINGS COST IN 1966
| Cost of a new home: | $23,300.00 |
|---|---|
| Cost of a first-class stamp: | $0.05 |
| Cost of a gallon of regular gas: | $0.32 |
| Cost of a dozen eggs: | $0.60 |
| Cost of a gallon of Milk: | $0.99 |
What is the rarest Corvair made?
The rarest Corvair is the amphibious Corphibian Loadside pickup. One was built. The GM plant in Oshawa, Ontario, built 100 amphibious Corvair Dynatrack articulated vehicles for the U.S. and Canadian Armies. The Australian Army ordered 500 but didn't have the money upfront.
What is the gas mileage on a 1965 Corvair?
Based on data from 15 vehicles, 625 fuel-ups and 81,194 miles of driving, the 1965 Chevrolet Corvair gets a combined Avg MPG of 18.29 with a 0.31 MPG margin of error.
