Miles/gallon: Newer vs Older Cars

My cousin had a 71 Pinto, 1.6, 5 speed that ran bad. Maybe got 25 mpg. Bought a new carb from Ford, export only. The thing ran like a top and got 40 mpg. ...
show me that carb. I got a 1970cc Mazda motor in a 2600 lb truck, 5 sp w/.73 OD, 3.37 rear, new rings and NOS carb. It ran like a top, passed smog with flying colors and the best I ever saw was 27@70 mph, 24 miles one way, 98% freeway. although the sales brochures claimed up to 37 highway. that claim was back in the 55 mph days and I think they had a 1bbl carb as an option.