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Saturn says the 2004 Vue can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 7 seconds, which is pretty quick (and about 1.5 seconds quicker than the 2003 model). Yet EPA fuel economy ratings remain unchanged (19/25 mpg for the AWD V6). Variable-valve timing enhances high-end power, low-end torque and fuel economy.
The results are similar, though not as extreme, with the Chevrolet Cruze. Testing has revealed both the 1.4 turbo and 1.8 naturally-aspirated models to get the same 26 mpg, while the 1.4 was only marginally faster. In the Dodge Dart, the turbocharged 1.4 was much quicker than the 2.0 model, but only 2 mpg better on gas mileage. Perhaps most galling is the 2.0 Ecoboost Ford Escape, slower to 60mph by 1.5 seconds than a 3.5-liter V-6-engined Toyota RAV4, but attaining an identical 22 mpg.