* Many Factors Influence Mileage: Fuel economy depends heavily on driving habits, vehicle condition, tire pressure, load, and even weather conditions.
* Engine Size Isn't the Only Factor: While engine size plays a role, transmission type, axle ratio, and even the overall weight of the vehicle can significantly impact fuel efficiency.
* No Standardized Tests: EPA fuel economy ratings for that vintage of El Camino are not readily available, and even if they were, they wouldn't reflect real-world driving conditions.
To get a better idea of the gas mileage, you would need to:
1. Research: Look for online forums, vintage car enthusiast websites, or owner's manuals for similar El Caminos with the same engine and transmission to see what others have reported.
2. Consider Condition: A well-maintained engine and properly tuned vehicle will generally get better gas mileage than one that is neglected.
3. Drive and Track: If you own the El Camino, track your own fuel usage over a few tanks to get a realistic estimate of your personal fuel economy.
General Expectations:
* 4.3L V6: You might expect slightly better gas mileage than the 5.0L V8, perhaps in the low to mid-teens mpg (city) and possibly low to mid-twenties mpg (highway).
* 5.0L V8: The V8 will likely get slightly lower gas mileage than the V6, potentially in the high teens to low twenties mpg (city) and mid to high twenties mpg (highway).
Remember, these are just rough estimates. The actual mileage you achieve will vary.
