What is the fuel economy of the caprice V8?
The Caprice V8’s fuel economy varies considerably by generation, engine size and drivetrain. In general, older big‑block Caprices tended to deliver around 10–15 mpg in city driving and 15–20 mpg on the highway, while later small‑block versions could reach roughly 17–19 mpg city and 25–29 mpg highway in favorable conditions. Real-world results depend on gearing, maintenance, and how the car is driven.
To understand the numbers, it's important to tie them to model year, engine size, and transmission. The Caprice line ran from the late 1960s through the 1990s, with engines ranging from large-displacement big-blocks to 5.0‑liter and 5.7‑liter V8s, plus varying transmissions and axle ratios. Those differences produced wide variations in fuel economy.
Fuel economy by era
Classic era: big-block power (1960s–1970s)
During the classic era, Caprices commonly used large V8s in heavy bodywork, which kept mpg modest by modern standards. The numbers below reflect typical ranges observed in consumers' reports and maintenance guides.
- 7.4L/7.5L big-block engines (e.g., 454 ci variants): roughly 10–12 mpg city, 15–18 mpg highway; combined around 12–15 mpg.
- Other large-block configurations from the era: similar ranges, often slightly higher on the highway due to gearing—roughly 12–17 mpg combined.
These figures are illustrative and depend on transmission choices (three-speed vs four-speed), axle gearing, and vehicle condition.
Modern-era revival and late 80s–90s: small-block and mid-size V8s (1980s–1990s)
As GM moved to lighter bodies and smaller V8s, efficiency improved somewhat, particularly on the highway, though city mpg remained modest for a full-size sedan.
- 5.0L (305 ci) V8 with automatic: roughly 14–18 mpg city, 22–26 mpg highway; combined about 17–22 mpg.
- 5.7L (350 ci) V8: roughly 16–18 mpg city, 25–28 mpg highway; combined near 20–23 mpg.
Actual results hinge on factors like tire size, fuel system condition, and how well the engine idles and revs during city driving.
Late-1990s Caprice with updated tuning (late era)
In the late 1990s, some Caprice configurations with refined 5.7L V8 engines offered modest gains in highway efficiency, though the cars remained heavy and thirsty in urban conditions.
- 5.7L V8 (late era): approximately 17–18 mpg city, 26–29 mpg highway; combined around 21–23 mpg.
- Other V8 configurations: similar ranges, with real-world results varying by maintenance and driving conditions.
Remember that actual fuel economy can deviate from these ranges due to wear, driving style, and load.
Summary
The Caprice V8’s fuel economy is not a single figure; it depends on the generation, engine displacement, and drivetrain. Across the lineup, expect city mileage roughly in the mid-teens to low-20s and highway mileage in the mid-20s to high-20s for the later, smaller V8s, with earlier big-blocks generally delivering lower numbers. For potential buyers or restorers, it’s wise to consult era-specific data or owner groups for the most precise figures tied to the exact model and condition.
What is the gas mileage on a 401 hp 6.6 L V8?
6.6L V8 Gas Engine: With 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque, this gasoline option delivers a slightly lower fuel economy, averaging around 13-18 MPG on the highway.
How much horsepower does a 1996 Chevy Caprice 5.7 L V8 have?
260hp
Powered by a 5.7 Liter V8 producing 260hp while mated to a responsive Automatic transmission.
What is the gas mileage on a 2014 Chevy Caprice?
With the 3.6-liter V6 engine, the Caprice can get up to 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
Which V8 has the best fuel economy?
As of my last knowledge update in August 2023, the most fuel-efficient V8 car is often considered to be the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3-liter V8 engine, which features Dynamic Fuel Management.
