Creative5

We're renting a car in Italy and hope to save money where possible. Does it make a big difference whether we use diesel or regular gas? We'll be driving from town to town as well as some long (5-6 hour) stretches.

Also, do you have any recommendations for midsize rental cars with the best mileage? Thank you very much!

rex

The traditiional wisdom is that you'll save 20-40% on fuel in a diesel, and you'll scarcely know that it performs differently in any way from a gasoline car.

But I can hardly remember ever getting a choice. When I got a diesel, it seems that it was all they had... and when I didn't, they didn't have any.

Best wishes,

Rex

rkkwan

If you have a choice, definitely diesel. Diesel engines also have more torque, so if you're stuck in traffic (like on the Amalfi drive ) and you're driving a manual, you can get the car to start creeping with just the clutch and no gas. It's a lot harder to stall a diesel than a gasoline.

The lower horsepower do make a difference when you're trying to keep up with the Mercedes, BMWs and Audis on the autostrada, especially when going up hill. You need to move and let them pass.

Graziella5b

Ask for a diesel when making the reservation. Lately I found out that most cars for rent are diesel anyway.

easytraveler

Definitely diesel - unless you're entered in a car race.

Traveler2

I was in Italy and Austria a couple of months ago and rented a car twice, both times I rented a gas engine car and both times I was given a diesel. I am a woman and drove it with no problems. (even in Rome!)

Budman

I always try to rent a diesel. The fuel is cheaper and the mileage is better. Sometimes it's tough for them to guarantee a diesel if you don't rent from an airport or other location that has a large volume of cars. You can always request one, but it's not guaranteed.

If you do get a diesel, remember that the diesel pump nozzle is "black" whereas the regular gas pump nozzle is "green." Don't put gas into a diesel car. Ask maitaitom what happens if you do.

rkkwan

Diesel is called "gazole" in Italy.

ira

Hi C,

As noted, you can't rely on getting a diesel.

If they have one, fuel costs will be much lower than a gasoline engine and performance will be nearly the same.

Unless they give you an Opel Mariva. Then, both fuel cost and performance will be worse than a diesel.

baldrick

Suppose you do 1000 km:
- with a diesel consumption of 7l/100km - consumption of 70 litres, 1,18 euro/litre, total cost 82.60 euro
- with a regular gas consumption of 9l/100km - total consumption of 90 litres, 1,36 euro/litre, total cost of 122.40 euro.
Difference per 1000 km: 39.80 euros.

Don't expect to save the world... but I know, all little bits help...