MPG differences between 1998 and 2000 V70

[htschek]

Hi all,
I have a 98 V70 XC and a 2000 V70 XC. Despite appearances, there are, of course, many differences between these cars and one of them is the rated mileage. 20/28 for the 98 and 18/25 for the 2000. This has always born out in the measured mileage and we have always just driven the 98 when we had a choice and the 2000 was extra. But, now the 98 is getting pretty tired and the 2000 is stepping up to first string and that has me wondering if anyone knows which differences really contribute to the gas mileage difference?

I know the 2000 has coils on every cylinder instead of a distributor and it does feel like it is geared or perhaps controlled a little differently. It drives more like a luxury car. At any rate, the 2000 gets the mileage it should, but I would like to know if there are any small upgrades that could help it get closer to what the 98 was getting. Being very conscious of RPM while driving of course is a big help, but other suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Henry

[Ozark Lee]

The rated MPG is really meaningless and it rarely reflects reality. If anything, the rated mileage difference is likely due to a DOT change in the method determining the mileage that got posted on the window sticker. The engines are essentially the same and the ETM feedback to the ECU should, in theory, do a better job than the throttle body in optimizing mileage.

A fresh set of spark plugs might get you mileage up one or two MPG depending on what kind of shape they are in presently. The gap tends to grow as the spark plugs age and just re-gapping them to 0.028 will get you another 10k miles or so.

...Lee