16 MPG combined isn’t going to win the 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster any fuel economy awards, but that’s hardly the point of this car. This isn’t a commuter car or a grocery-getter, it’s a visceral experience, a rolling celebration of motorsport heritage, and a defiant roar against the tide of electrification. To the lucky few who own one, the fuel bill is likely a rounding error in their overall budget. They didn’t buy it for efficiency, they bought it for the symphony emanating from its naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six, a soundtrack largely absent in the turbocharged world.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Speedster at 14 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway. Those figures accurately reflect the extremes to which this car is subjected. In urban environments, expect the stop-and-go traffic to take its toll. The Speedster begs to be unleashed, and creeping through city streets is frustrating. On the open road, however, particularly twisting mountain passes, the 19 MPG figure becomes more attainable, assuming you can resist the urge to constantly explore the upper reaches of the tachometer. The six-speed manual transmission is a delight to use, encouraging frequent downshifts and maximizing the engine’s responsiveness, even if it means fewer miles per gallon.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster is $3,600. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 45% of those miles driven in the city and 55% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. Keep in mind that premium fuel is required, further adding to the expense. While this is just an estimate, and individual driving habits will significantly impact the actual cost, expect to spend considerably more than the average driver on fuel if you regularly exploit the Speedster’s performance potential. The EPA estimate provides a useful framework to understand the costs of ownership and how they stack up against other performance vehicles.

Real-world expectations

Forget the EPA numbers. Real-world fuel economy in the 2019 911 Speedster depends entirely on how you drive it. Treat it with restraint, and you might approach those figures. Regularly engage in spirited driving, canyon carving, or track days, and you can expect to see significantly lower numbers. Owners of a car like this don’t prioritize efficiency. They prioritize the driving experience. They accept the inherent compromises, including frequent trips to the gas station, in exchange for the unparalleled thrill of piloting a truly special machine. The Speedster is an indulgence, not a practical transportation solution, and the fuel economy is a consequence, not a consideration.

How it compares

Compared to other high-performance convertibles, the Speedster’s fuel economy is predictably poor. A Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster, with its twin-turbo V8, manages around 16 MPG city and 22 MPG highway. The BMW M8 Competition Convertible, another forced-induction V8, achieves a similar 15 MPG city and 21 MPG highway. Even the less powerful Porsche 718 Spyder, sharing a similar engine to the Speedster, ekes out a slightly better 18 MPG city and 24 MPG highway, thanks to its lighter weight and slightly different tuning. However, these comparisons are largely irrelevant to the Speedster buyer. They aren’t cross-shopping for fuel economy, they’re seeking the purity of the Speedster’s driving experience, something neither of those aforementioned cars can replicate. Explore 911 MPG across all years to see how different generations compare.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While fuel efficiency isn’t the primary concern for Speedster owners, there are a few techniques to minimize trips to the pump. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking whenever possible. The Speedster is responsive enough to provide ample thrills without constantly mashing the throttle. Smooth, deliberate inputs will not only improve fuel economy but also contribute to a more refined driving experience.

Proper tire inflation is often overlooked, but it can have a noticeable impact on fuel economy. Check your tire pressures regularly and maintain them at the recommended levels. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. The recommended pressures can usually be found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door or in the owner’s manual.

Minimize idling time. Letting the engine idle for extended periods consumes fuel without covering any distance. If you anticipate being stationary for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines start up quickly and efficiently, so restarting is unlikely to significantly impact fuel consumption. Also, avoid extended warm-up periods on cold mornings. Modern engines are designed to operate efficiently even when cold, so prolonged idling is unnecessary and wasteful.

Plan your journeys carefully. Avoid peak traffic hours and choose routes that minimize stop-and-go driving. The Speedster performs best on open roads with flowing corners, not congested city streets. By optimizing your route, you can reduce the number of times you accelerate and brake, leading to better fuel economy and a more enjoyable driving experience. Explore all Porsche fuel economy data to see the range of efficiencies available across the brand.

Consider the overall weight of the vehicle. While the Speedster is relatively light for a modern sports car, removing unnecessary items from the car can help improve fuel economy, even a little. While you’re not going to be stripping out seats, leaving heavy items at home when pleasure driving can’t hurt.