Pelican test: Opus 5.5 uses 2x tokens of Fable 5.2 for only 4% more cost — and more bugs
PilgrimofHaqq2 · reddit · 2026-11-11
A Reddit user ran the same "go all out" prompt on two models, each producing a single-file HTML pelican animation page.
| Metric | Fable 5.2 Low | Opus 5.5 Med |
|---|---|---|
| Lines | 594 | 1,085 |
| Time | 14m 12s | 29m 30s |
| Output tokens | 51,958 | 116,722 |
| Thinking share | 45% | 60% |
| API-equivalent cost | $3.71 | $3.87 |
- Fable 5.2: clean, no obvious mistakes — but one sunset scene, one interaction, no sound.
- Opus 5.5: far more ambitious — self-synthesized sounds (bell, splashes, waves), full day/night cycle with lamps and fireflies, click-to-jump fish, keyboard shortcuts; but visible bugs: two sets of wings, beak above the eyes, scarf clipping through the pelican.
Key observation: Opus spent 2x the time and 2x the tokens for only 4% more cost — Fable did half the work for the same money, but the half it did is correct.
Related event: Pelican Test: Opus 5.5 Burns 2x Tokens for 4% Higher Cost(2 posts)→
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