Let’s do another comparison. Let’s examine the gas mileage of the Ford Mustang according to the new Federal EPA gas mileage estimates. In 2007 owners of a Mustang GT (4.6L engine) with manual transmission could expect to get somewhere in the area of 15 city/23 hwy. In 1997 owners of new Mustang GT (4.6L engine) manual transmission could expect to get 15 city/24 hwy. Take a look at the 1987 Ford Mustang GT (4.9L) with stick shift, and you’re looking at 15 city/22 hwy.
Bottom line, although gas prices have risen at an alarming rate, not a lot has changed in regard to the amount of mileage a Mustang get can out of a gallon of gasoline. Similar to worker salaries and the cost of living, mileage increases have shown little change, while the cost of gasoline has more than tripled in the past 20 years.
So where does all of that money go? According to The U.S. Energy Information Administration, the break down for a gallon of gas is as follows:
December 2007 Breakdown: $3.02/gallon
- 13% taxes
- 11% distribution & marketing
- 8% refining
- 68% crude oil
