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Look at weight too
Most cars were much lighter in the early 90's than they are now. The Mid-size buicks, Ford Tauruses, etc all got into the 30's during this period. Gearing is probably a big cause. I believe the GM's run about 1500 rpm at highway speeds. I drove with a relative in a 92 auto Taurus and I in an 88 Escort manual tranny and he got the same or better mileage on our trip.
Just take a look at some of the weight gains by cars in the mid 90's... it's shocking.....The Crown Vic went from less than 3,000 lbs to about 3500, the Escort added about 10% or more. The Honda Civic was about 2000 and now is between 2700 and 3000. VW Rabbit from the 80's about 2,000 , The Golf about 2900.
Older models will tend to get better city mileage if properly tuned and better highway if aero improved.
I'm hitting well into the 40's highway and approaching 30 with mixed city driving ( about 50% of the time on city highway and 50% crawling in Chicago rush hour traffic or locals) in a lowly, but lightweight 93 TRacer/ Escort wagon with auto.
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