16 MPG combined. Let’s be frank: if fuel economy is your primary concern, you are looking at the wrong car. The 2016 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang isn’t built for fuel efficiency. It’s built for raw, visceral performance, for screaming down a track with its flat-plane crank V8 singing its unique song. This is a car for enthusiasts, for people who understand the trade-offs inherent in a high-performance machine and are willing to make them. The GT350 buyer isn’t cross-shopping Priuses or checking out all Ford fuel economy data. They’re counting apexes, not miles per gallon.

City and highway performance

The EPA rates the 2016 Shelby GT350 at 14 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. These numbers are achieved under strict, controlled testing conditions. The city figure, in particular, will likely be lower in real-world driving, especially if that driving consists of stop-and-go traffic with generous applications of the throttle. The 21 MPG highway figure is more attainable, but still assumes a steady cruising speed. Frequent bursts of acceleration, necessary for passing or simply enjoying the car’s power, will quickly erode that number.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Shelby GT350 is $3,600. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price at the time the testing was conducted. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on how much you drive, the type of driving you do (city vs. highway), and the prevailing fuel prices in your area. It also assumes you’re using the recommended fuel, which, for a high-performance engine like this, is premium gasoline. Factor in potential price fluctuations at the pump, and your yearly bill could easily exceed this estimate.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA numbers provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy for the 2016 Shelby GT350 will depend heavily on driving style. Treat the throttle with respect, and you might see numbers close to the EPA estimates, especially on the highway. Drive it like it’s meant to be driven, aggressively, with frequent trips to the upper reaches of the tachometer, and you can expect to see significantly lower figures. Don’t be surprised to average in the low teens around town and barely crack 20 MPG on the open road. The GT350 rewards an aggressive driving style, but that reward comes at the pump.

How it compares

Compared to other performance coupes, the GT350’s fuel economy is predictably poor. A 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS with its 6.2L V8 managed 17 MPG combined. The similarly powerful Dodge Challenger SRT 392 also achieved 18 MPG combined. Even the BMW M4, a significantly lighter and smaller car with a turbocharged inline-six, only manages 20 MPG combined. Considering SHELBY MPG across all years, performance trumps efficiency. To the GT350 buyer, these differences are likely secondary to the car’s character, track prowess, and unique engine note, elements that set it apart from its competitors despite their marginally better fuel economy.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Fuel economy might not be a primary concern, but there are a few things GT350 owners can do to wring out every last mile from each gallon. Avoid excessive idling. The GT350’s engine is designed to perform at speed, not to sit stationary burning fuel. Shut it off when you’re stopped for more than a minute or two.

Practice smooth acceleration and braking. Abrupt starts and stops waste fuel. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady pace whenever possible. The GT350’s throttle response is immediate, but restraint can lead to some modest savings.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels. Given how frequently these cars see track days, this is critical, but often overlooked.

Consider the weight you’re carrying. Remove any unnecessary items from the car. Extra weight increases fuel consumption, especially during acceleration. Every pound counts, even in a car as powerful as the GT350.