I don't know about the Mopar because they haven't put the 6.1 or the 392 in anything light, but the Corvette mileage can put the Mustang to shame, so the efficiency of the pushrods aren't the issue.

 

Boy there's apples to oranges.

The only way to state that is to compare using the same displacement OHC v pushrod, and the exact same weight vehicle.
The corvette is not 5.0L, and it is a lighter 2 seater compared to Mustang.

 

You got me there, Cowboy. Still, antiquated as the technology seems, when we are talking mileage and CAFE, I would think the LS motors would be getting phased out, yet GM continues on in their flagship cars because frankly, they aren't hurting them in mileage, and it works.

 

Also have to compare drag coefficient. The aero advantage the 'Vette has over the Mustang is stark! Mustang equals brick in comparison.

One of the reasons GM sticks with the pushrod engine is to get a lower hoodline...see also better aerodynamics.

John

 

Great point.

As for the comment about their mileage they also use cylinder deactivation.