While touring a bunch of hilly neighbourhoods, driving up and down tiny, steep hills with sharp corners, this question popped into my mind. Which is better for this kind of driving, a hybrid or a smallish (e.g. 1.5L) turbo 4 cylinder?
They both have low end torque, though the hybrid’s torque may come on sooner. The hybrid also has regen braking that can reduce heat buildup in the brakes. The hybrid may be a bit heavier due to the battery and additional hardware.
Would steep inclines put a strain on the turbo and reduce its life span? I know nothing about car mechanicals, so I really don’t know if that’s possible or not.
The hybrid seems to make more sense. 🤷
Any thoughts?
Something that’s about 20 years old and has a 1.9 turbo diesel VW engine will beat almost anything. I averaged 3.5l/100km driving through the Pyrenees with a car like this. You won’t be allowed in LEZ’s tho…
True. I used to love our old Golf TDi. I don’t think manufacturers sell diesel cars/SUVs in Canada anymore, except maybe Mercedes-Benz.
I’ve seen a newer BMW sedan that was diesel recently, but the reason I remember it is because it’s a rarity
These 1.9 TDI VW’s are so hard to find in either good condition (by that I mean not almost totalled) OR one that doesn’t have 350 000km