diesel or regular?
 

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!

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

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. :)

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

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

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!)

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. :-) ((b))

Diesel is called "gazole" in Italy.

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. :)

((I))

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...