The EPA is just an est. of normal driving conditions at sea level. If your below sea a little better, above sea level a little worse. Besides if you go up a hill the engine has to rev more (due to a small engine size) than a larger engine. Samething for going down a hill. Granted your foot is off the gas and probley on the brake (auto.) But still requires horsepower to slow down. If it takes 80hp to accerate it will also take 80hp to stop. The law of physics