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Which is Better – Hybrid or Diesel?
Thinking of car shopping?
You might be torn between a hybrid and a diesel. But when you start weighing the factors behind these vehicles, you would definitely end up with a high-quality choice.
Performance, safety, pricing, mileage, comfort and style are the factors that customers should consider when purchasing vehicles. Lately, demands for hybrids soar. This event is attributed to the increase of gasoline prices and the concern for a cleaner environment.
When fuel economy is put into perspective, studies show that the average driver gets about 75 per cent of the mileage figures on the sticker. And one significant thing about the study is that it did not use gasoline in the testing. On the other side of the scenario, hybrid owners expressed their disappointment regarding the disparity between their mileage and those displayed on window stickers. However, it also looks like tax credits are also reduced. This is the main reason why automakers are requesting the government to at least retain the tax benefits of hybrid owners.
Hybrids are remarkably new. The technology combines electric motor to a gasoline engine. This technology reduces greenhouse gases that are harmful to the environment. Aside from that, hybrid technology also optimizes the use of gasoline. The advanced combination of power is hard to achieve but customers could opt to hire the services of a car expert who has received specialized training on the matter.
Hybrids store electric energy on board in large battery packs. These packs are warranted for 8 to 10 years depending on the manufacturer. According to analysts, when hybrids prompt greater production, prices will eventually drop. Some customers have complained that the battery packs of hybrid are toxic thus hard to dispose. But automakers say that current nickel-metal hydride batteries are recyclable. In regard to pricing, gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles are costly compared to their non-hybrid counterparts. The difference ranges from a couple thousand dollars to several thousand dollars.
Diesel vehicle is also a fuel-efficient choice. They are famed for having extra mileage out of every gallon of fuel. They offer better torque than gasoline engines. However, its availability is limited because of emission restrictions in some states.
Another concern about diesel-powered vehicles is the limited urban filling station. There are instances when the driver ventures farther just to locate a filling station. Aside from that, diesel vehicles are noisier than their gasoline counterparts.
Diesel vehicles existence could be traced back in 1936 when Mercedes introduced them to the industry. The automaker stopped selling diesels in America in 1999 but it resumed sales in 2004 to pave way for the E320 CDI. According to statistics, there are about 200,000 diesel-powered Mercedes cars on American roads these days.
Hybrids are trendy. From the stylish Toyota upholstery, classy interior of Mercury, stunning curves of Ford to the upgraded Volvo thermostat and other auto parts of various manufacturers, hybrids could be exceptional. More hybrids are expected to be unveiled in the future and most of them will be entertaining alternative fuels as well.
About the Author: Glady Reign is a 32 year old is a consultant for an automotive firm based in Detroit, Mi. she is a native of the Motor City and grew up around cars hence her expertise in the automotive field.
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