How many miles per gallon did the Ford Elite get in 1976?
In 1976, the Ford Elite generally achieved about 16 to 18 miles per gallon combined, depending on engine and driving conditions.
Understanding that figure requires context: the Elite was Ford's upscale full-size model, and EPA ratings in the mid-1970s reported separate city and highway figures. Real-world mileage varied with engine choice, gearing, payload, and driving style.
Engine options and EPA estimates
EPA ratings versus real-world performance
The following estimates reflect typical EPA figures and owner experience for 1976 Elite configurations. Note that actual mileage depended on drivetrain and driving style.
- 351 cubic inch (5.8 L) V8 with automatic transmission: roughly 17–18 miles per gallon combined (about 15 mpg city / 22–23 mpg highway in many reports).
- 400 cubic inch (6.6 L) V8 with automatic: roughly 16–17 miles per gallon combined (about 14–15 mpg city / 20–21 mpg highway).
- Other large-displacement V8 options (less common in the Elite that year): generally 15–16 miles per gallon combined.
These figures illustrate the era's tendency toward lower fuel economy for large, heavy cars, with only modest gains from gearing and tuning.
Notes on variation and real-world driving
EPA ratings are historical benchmarks, but actual in-traffic mileage depended on speed, trip type, cargo, and vehicle condition. Period drivers typically observed combined mileage in the mid-teens for most Elite configurations when driven in a normal city/highway mix.
Summary
The 1976 Ford Elite offered several V8 engine choices, and its fuel economy reflected the era's heavy, relatively low-efficiency full-size cars. In general, owners could expect roughly 16 to 18 miles per gallon combined, with variations by engine and driving conditions.
