Matching EPA Type to My Car
 

I'm having trouble matching the correct EPA type to my cars. Specifically, there are multiple engine types for my model of car.

As far as my cars go:

Ashley's Vulcan: 2001 Ford Taurus SES, 3.0 Vulcan Engine
EPA Engine Choices: 6 cyl, 3.0 L 3.0 -or- 6 cyl, 3.0 L 3.0M
What are the differences between these two engines?

Dan's Duratec: 2000 Ford Taurus SE, 3.0 24 Valve DOHC Duratec Engine
EPA Engine Choices: 6 cyl, 3.0 L 3.0F -or- 6 cyl, 3.0 L 3.0L 2V -or- 6 cyl, 3.0 L 4V
What are the differences between these three engines?

In each case, how do I tell which one my car is? In both cases, they are Regular Gas Sedans.

That's a tough one, I have no idea. The differences are subtle. I went over the EPA site and looked at the different Taurus options there, and it seems like the major difference is between "4 valve" and "non-4 valve" versions of the Taurus. I guess you could look in your owner's manual and see if these descriptions match up.

We didn't go with the level of EPA detail for this very reason. We wanted to provide an easier way. But when it comes to matching up with EPA estimates, we need people to choose that level of detail. Sorry about the confusion, and that I don't have a good answer for you. I think it'll come down to finding whatever the difference is between the options and matching it to your owner's manual.

If anyone else out there might know, here's what DastardlyDan sees when he goes to choose the EPA model in Fuelly.

The DOHC duratec motor has 4 valves per cylinder, and also has 4 camshafts, 2 intake 2 exhaust. The vulcan motor is an OHV motor 2 valves per cylinder and one camshaft that controls intake and exhaust valves. The other motor is an E85 flex fuel vulcan motor.