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Fuel consumption is a major concern for auto buyers. Cars are the dominant mode of transportation but motorcycles and scooters have experienced a tremendous upswing in popularity as fuel prices have risen.
Miles Per Gallon
In terms of raw miles per gallon (mpg), motorcycles seem to have the advantage over cars. Commuter motorcycles regularly prove themselves capable of 60 mpg or more, while even hybrid cars top out at 50 mpg. Cars do have an advantage because they can get that kind of mileage while transporting four people, while motorcycles can only carry two people at a time.
Cost for Efficiency
The major difference in efficiency between cars and motorcycles comes from their cost. For $4,100 you can purchase a new motorcycle that will get 61 mpg. A Toyota Prius retails between $22,000 to 28,000 and gets 51 mpg. Scooter aficionados can get as much as 150 mpg from $1,300 machines, though with greatly reduced performance and carrying capacity.
The Used Market
High mpg cars are more competitive in the used market. Cars such as the Honda CRX and Geo Metro get fuel mileage comparable to large displacement 70s and 80s motorcycles such as the CB750 or Virago. Used EX250 motorcycles frequently sell for $2,000 or less and consistently get 60 to 70 mpg. Many dual sport motorcycles get 50 to 60 mpg and are extremely reliable.
