You're going to get a second or third car, and you want something responsible and economical. "People ask all the time, should I go with a hybrid gasoline power or a diesel?" The answer Tony gives is surprisingly straightforward. If you're going to use it as a daily commuter in heavy bumper-to-bumper traffic, the hybrid is going to serve you best. The stop and go nature of heavy traffic is a perfect match for the regenerative braking systems that charge the batteries and run the electric booster motors of a hybrid. If long distance open road driving makes up the majority of the miles on your "regular" car a diesel may offer a better combination of mileage, efficiency, and long range. Topography plays a part too - diesels tend to be better hill climbers too. |
How can a diesel compete with a hybrid on long range when the mileage figures are so high for hybrids? Independent testing has repeatedly shown that on average, drivers of hybrids get around 75% of the EPA sticker mileage claims. That discrepancy has to do with the testing methods, which still record highway mileage at 55mph, instead of more current "legal" speeds. Regardless of which way you go, your driving habits and cruising speeds play an equally important role in the actual mileage you record and always keep your tires properly inflated and wheels aligned to maximize efficiency. |
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