How to Compare Small Station Wagon Fuel amp; Performance

1. Compare fuel economy independently of all other considerations. In its 'EPA Class Size' listing, the US Department of Energy includes 19 small station wagon models produced in 2010. This list rates the Audi A3 and Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen as offering the highest fuel economy in their class at 34 mpg combined city-highway; however, it does not include other factors, such as the initial price of the vehicle, yearly maintenance fees and insurance costs, or performance.
2. Eliminate certain models from consideration by price. If you can't afford a car's sticker price, it doesn't matter how much it will save you at the pump. The 2010 Jetta SportWagen started at $24,310, and the Honda Fit had a starting MSRP of $14,900, while the Cadillac models cost a minimum of $37,955.
3. Rank small station wagons by performance indicators such as horsepower and acceleration. The BMW wagon delivers an estimated 21 mpg combined city-highway while cranking out 230 horsepower and sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in 7.26 seconds. A similarly priced and comparatively fuel efficient Audi A4 Avant produces 211 horsepower from a smaller engine while accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 8.77 seconds.
4. Segregate car choices based on the drive configuration offered. If you want a car with all-wheel drive, that criterion narrows your selection to models such as the Audi, Cadillac, Subaru Impreza, Suzuki SX4, Volvo and Infiniti EX35. The center differential in an all-wheel-drive vehicle distributes torque to each wheel or axle to prevent wheel slippage and enable better handling in inclement weather.
5. Rate small station wagons by overall handling characteristics. The 2010 BMW 328 wagon featured a sports suspension that gave it a lateral acceleration of 0.85 g and enabled it to take the 600-foot slalom at an average speed of 59 mph. A modestly-priced 2010 Honda Fit had a lateral acceleration of 0.80 g and moved through the slalom course at a 60 mph average speed.
6. Differentiate models by emission level. The Environmental Protection Agency designates only a few of the 2010 small station wagons by the EPA's ULEV, or Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle standard. The Toyota Matrix earned this designation, while the 2010 Nissan Cube qualified for the EPA's SULEV, or Super-Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle rating.