# Same performance from a smaller engine

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/same-performance-from-a-smaller-engine/151583>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** golf, volkswagen\
**Created:** [October 27, 2019, 3:00pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/same-performance-from-a-smaller-engine/151583 "2019-10-27T15:00:19Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![JohnHolton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/bbe5ce/32.png) [@JohnHolton](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JohnHolton)\
**Post date:** [October 27, 2019, 3:00pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/same-performance-from-a-smaller-engine/151583/1 "2019-10-27T15:00:19Z")

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I hve a 2017 VW Golf Sportwagen with a 1.8 liter engine and 6 speed transmission that gets 34 mpg (highway). The identical 2019 model has a 1/4 liter engine and 8 speed transmission that gets 37 mpg. How do they get the same performance with better mileage from the smaller engine.

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**Author:** ![Purebred](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/purebred/32/46796_2.png) [@Purebred](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Purebred)\
**Post date:** [October 27, 2019, 3:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/same-performance-from-a-smaller-engine/151583/2 "2019-10-27T15:16:02Z")

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Eight speed transmission allows the engine to operate in the “sweet zone” for performance testing. The 1.4 L engine allows for higher MPG when driven for economy.

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**Author:** ![Mustangman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mustangman/32/44130_2.png) [@Mustangman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mustangman)\
**Post date:** [October 27, 2019, 6:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/same-performance-from-a-smaller-engine/151583/3 "2019-10-27T18:20:57Z")

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@Purebred is spot on.