To calculate the difference in annual gas costs for two cars that travel 450 miles a week, one getting 20 miles per gallon (mpg) and the other getting 40 mpg, we will use the current average gas price.

As of the latest information, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is approximately $3.26 source.

Calculation for Car A (20 mpg):

1. Weekly Mileage: 450 miles
2. Miles per Gallon: 20 mpg
3. Gallons Used Per Week: 450 miles / 20 mpg = 22.5 gallons
4. Weekly Fuel Cost: 22.5 gallons * $3.26 = $73.35
5. Annual Fuel Cost: $73.35 * 52 weeks = $3,817.80

Calculation for Car B (40 mpg):

1. Weekly Mileage: 450 miles
2. Miles per Gallon: 40 mpg
3. Gallons Used Per Week: 450 miles / 40 mpg = 11.25 gallons
4. Weekly Fuel Cost: 11.25 gallons * $3.26 = $36.68
5. Annual Fuel Cost: $36.68 * 52 weeks = $1,909.36

Difference in Annual Gas Costs:

• Car A Annual Cost: $3,817.80
• Car B Annual Cost: $1,909.36
• Difference: $3,817.80 - $1,909.36 = $1,908.44

Thus, the difference in gas costs per year between the two cars is approximately $1,908.44, with the less fuel-efficient car costing significantly more to operate over the course of a year.To determine the difference in annual gas costs between two cars that travel 450 miles a week—one that gets 20 miles per gallon (mpg) and another that gets 40 mpg—we'll also need to consider the current average gas price. Based on recent data, the national average gas price is approximately $3.26 per gallon (source: Forbes Advisor) or $3.288 as noted by YCharts (YCharts).

Calculation Overview

1. Distance and Fuel Efficiency:

   • Weekly travel: 450 miles
   • Annual travel: 450 miles x 52 weeks = 23,400 miles

2. Fuel Consumption:

   • Car A (20 mpg): [ \text{Gallons needed} = \frac{23,400 \text{ miles}}{20 \text{ mpg}} = 1,170 \text{ gallons} ]
   • Car B (40 mpg): [ \text{Gallons needed} = \frac{23,400 \text{ miles}}{40 \text{ mpg}} = 585 \text{ gallons} ]

3. Annual Fuel Costs:

   • Car A: [ \text{Cost} = 1,170 \text{ gallons} \times 3.26 \text{ $/gallon} = 3,820.20 \text{ USD} ]
   • Car B: [ \text{Cost} = 585 \text{ gallons} \times 3.26 \text{ $/gallon} = 1,908.10 \text{ USD} ]

Annual Cost Difference

• Difference in costs: [ 3,820.20 \text{ USD} - 1,908.10 \text{ USD} = 1,912.10 \text{ USD} ]

Thus, the difference in annual gas costs between the two cars is approximately $1,912.10, with the car that gets 20 mpg incurring significantly higher costs compared to the one that gets 40 mpg.

Sources

Fuel Cost CalculatorAAA Gas Cost Calculator2025 Mileage Reimbursement Calculator & Rates by State - RampVehicle Cost Calculator - Alternative Fuels Data CenterFuel Cost Calculator | The ZebraCompare Side by Side - Fuel EconomyFree IRS mileage calculator 2024 and 2025 - Driversnote

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