Gasoline vs. diesel, in case you are interested
Mar 9th, 2004, 09:14 AM
#23
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,391
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hello Michael. Just saw your question: we were driving a compact Alfa Romeo (the 147, if memory serves).
The Alfa is a slightly bigger car than the Clio, but that isn't enough to account for the difference between our mileage and yours. Maybe our car wasn't as well tuned, or maybe the Alfa engine even accounting for its larger size was less efficient, or maybe - I don't like to consider this, but it's a possibility - we don't drive as efficiently as you do! We were 2 people like you, with little luggage.
The Alfa is a slightly bigger car than the Clio, but that isn't enough to account for the difference between our mileage and yours. Maybe our car wasn't as well tuned, or maybe the Alfa engine even accounting for its larger size was less efficient, or maybe - I don't like to consider this, but it's a possibility - we don't drive as efficiently as you do! We were 2 people like you, with little luggage.
Mar 9th, 2004, 03:59 PM
#24
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 22,987
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sue--there are several factors involved in mileage. Obviously the driver plays a role, but my wife claims that I have a lead foot. But the engines are the most important factor. Two years ago, Peugeot came out with a new engine that ws supposed to be more efficient, and then Renault followed their lead. This year I am renting a Peugeot 206 which is rated at 47 mpg as against the Clio which is rated at 55mpg. The difference is that the Clio has a 1.4 liter engine while the Peugoet has a 2.0 liter engine. So your Alpha might have had a 1.9 engine of an older model, which would give it a lower rating than even the Peugeot 206. Add the weight, and voilà, substantially lower mileage. I believe that the VW Golf has an official rating of 43 or 45 mpg as a diesel.
Mar 9th, 2004, 08:08 PM
#25
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Michael, You'll love the Peugeot 206. That's the car we lease in Europe. It handles well, seems larger inside than out, rides like a dream, gets good gas mileage and is great for maneuvering narrow European streets and is easy to park.
Regarding the $3.25 per gallon cost of gas, in our area right now it's $2.25 a gallon and going up every day. It may be cheaper in Europe by the time we get there.
Regarding the $3.25 per gallon cost of gas, in our area right now it's $2.25 a gallon and going up every day. It may be cheaper in Europe by the time we get there.
Mar 9th, 2004, 11:16 PM
#26
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 341
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It's the diesel that someone mentioned costs $3.25 in france. Gas is between 1.05 and 1.25 Euro per liter, so that works out to more than 6 US Dollars per gallon for the equivalent of Supreme grade gasoline!
