*reassures cfg83* I didnt insult you in mystical foreing language
About the turbo being more economical. Ive had similar experience with my cars. I found that my awd (more tranny loses)that is turboed was more economical on the highways than my previous fwd normally-aspirated. They both had/have a 1.6 liter, altrough they are different engines from the same manufacturer and year.
The boost gauge DOES show less depression in the intake manifold, it is not boosting, but providing just enough air. Gives -10psi instead of -20, so it must be easier to pull air into cylinders.
I would have expected the awd one to guzzle more, since it does have more mecanical losses and weight.