The lower the engine cc = lower petrol consumption?

Question

The lower the engine cc = lower petrol consumption?

Answer 1

Generally speaking, yes.

Answer 2

ALL things being equal YES.

BUT !!!!!  Often all this are not equal.  One of the most important factors in MPG is also the weight of the car and how aerodynamic the car is.

For instance my 94 Civic weight just 2300 lbs.  So it gets great gas mileage (41 MPG on the hwy).  But a Harley Davidsohn should bet even better mileage because it is not even half that weight and the engine CC is lower.

But the Civic is MUCH more aerodynamic when compared to a HD and they get about the same MPG.  So it is NOT so straight as comparing CC.

Good luck...

Answer 3

if you are comparing apples to apples (same car, different motor option) yes, to a degree, all other things being equal.  (same trans, same gear ratio)  

everything has to be the same but usually is not.  check gear ratios.  often to make up for a motor that is not powerful enough for the weight of a car, a maker will give the car lower gear ratios.  this means the engine is running faster at equal speeds thus reducing or removing your advantage.

also, given an equal gear ratio a manual will get better fuel economy than other transmission options... however, to promote clutch life, and because people who drive manuals often want better performance, many manufacturers make manuals with a lower final drive ratio than their automatics.  thus the automatic will be equal or better in fuel economy...  without that, a manual will outperform an automatic by about 10%.

some companies that do that are Kia, Hyundai, Toyota on the new Corolla, Honda on the new Civic, Chevy on the Aveo.