Diesel or regular car rental for Italy?
 

Is there any reason we should pick one over the other? We are renting in Rome & spending 2 weeks driving through Tuscany/Chianti to Venice. And type of car, I suppose smaller is better of course but are there any opinions on favorites. Thank you!

If you can get a diesel, do it. The fuel is cheaper, and the MPG is greater. ((b))

thanks, is diesel as easily available at the AutoGrills along the highways?

I just returned from Spain; the price of diesel and regular fuel there is virtually equal. I imagine the same is true in Italy.

Yes, diesel is available at virtually all gas stations in Italy. The pump handle is black for diesel, and green for unleaded fuel. So, if you get a diesel, don't pump unleaded fuel into your tank. maitaitom would tell you that would be a disaster. :-)

Here's a chart that shows prices throughout Europe. About the same in Spain, but diesel is .10 Euro per gallon cheaper, plus you will get better mpg with the diesel. You cannot go wrong renting a diesel.

http://www.iru.org/Services/Fuel/Welcome.E.html

"So, if you get a diesel, don't pump unleaded fuel into your tank. maitaitom would tell you that would be a disaster."

Is this some type of cruel joke? I just got out of Diesel Therapy.

((H))

Hello, my name is Tom.... :-)

That was quick -- you never know who's lurking on Fodors. ((a))((b))

Thanks Budman...but that chart? Is Diesel .77 Euro a gallon?? I must be reading it wrong...go ahead & laugh..

Hi P,

That's Euro per Liter.

Multiply by 5.

In Italy, diesel fuel is about 50 cts/gallon cheaper than regular gas.

((I))

It's 61 ct/liter, if you get it from a farmer or some private person, don't mind the red colour and avoid being cought by the police. ;-) It was about 45ct last year, prices have gone mad!

Diesel costs about 1.25€ /liter in Italy, btw, about 20 ct more than in Austria. 1.25 x 3.8 = 4.75€/gallon = $6/gallon

logos999's figures are right on!!! ((b))

Thanks you guys! Just bring money I guess is the answer!

Hi
We've driven a diesel in Hungary and there is no difference in performance or availabity.