I would think 98+ would get a lot better cause of VVTi and a 5spd auto

 

Honestly, the biggest thing causing "bad mileage" with the SC is the stock ECU. Its not uncommon to hit 26+mpg with a properly tuned aftermarket ECU.

 

I don't think VVTi really made much difference between non and VVTi motors (talking about 1J motors here btw). The real difference was in the low down torque (feels like a V8, and even more so once an exhaust is fitted ) but mileage-wise not much chop.