As we peeled off the freeway and merged onto PCH, the pace dropped slightly and there were irregular traffic lights. This allowed the Prius to catch up, so by the end of the highway section, the TDI returned 45.6mpg at an average of 37mph, while the Prius returned 46.5mpg.
The final numbers were recorded in the canyons. The initial uphill sections saw both cars return 17mpg as their engines fought against the incline. Once in the twisty sections of road, both cars returned about 21mpg. However, we're sure that the TDI could have squeezed out a lead over the hybrid if we'd traveled farther.
TDI vs GTI
As we mentioned earlier, our test also involved a gasoline-powered VW GTI and Honda Civic to give you an idea how cars possibly resembling your current transport compare against new, low-emissions vehicles.
The GTI was Sam's Project Silverstone. It boasts aftermarket software, exhaust manifold and system, front-mount, pulleys and intake on the 1.8T motor. The car has been lowered and wears 19x8" Hartmann wheels that inevitably create turbulence. There's also a 4Motion front spoiler to increase drag in favor of more stability. Furthermore, Sam's notoriously heavy-footed. Yet we asked him to accompany us to gauge how a typical tuner car would do. For the same reason, Sean Klingelhoefer from SS brought his '96 Civic 1.6L DOHC. While not as modified, it has been lowered and had a bike rack on the roof to disturb airflow.
After our 96-mile jaunt, our Jetta TDI returned an average of 41.74mpg. However, Sam's GTI only gave 15.95mpg. To be honest, it shocked us all. We never imagined our TDI would be almost three times better than a 1.8T. This was a real wake-up call to anybody driving a modified car. You really need to think about how you're driving and consider ways to improve your MPG before fuel prices inevitably rise again.
The Civic returned an average of 28.43mpg, but the driver somehow managed to miss the last 10 miles of city streets, so it's not directly comparable. However, the stock 1.6L is certainly better than our modified 1.8T. Yet it's at least 25% worse than our heavier Jetta.
Think MPG
What did our comparison teach us? Firstly, you don't have to be a rocket scientist to work on SS (OK, we'll stop busting their balls!).
This is where the problems...
This is where the problems began - they couldn't even get one of the Civics started. Need we say more?
Actually, our test showed how the latest hybrid technology offers some genuine advantages for crowded city driving. But a modern turbo-diesel is just as good on freeways and highways. It's also just as good when pushed a little harder, making it a great alternative to the pious Prius if you don't regularly travel downtown.
The Prius costs a similar $22k and its EPA estimated figures are 48mpg city, 45mpg highway. It's clearly technically advanced and offers a short-term solution to long-term questions about global warming. However, our test has shown that the VW Jetta TDI is extremely frugal, packing a rush of mid-range torque. And any TDI driver can feel equally as self-righteous as Prius-owning tree-huggers.
One thing we should emphasize, is that you can maximize the fuel economy of any car. There are several websites offering tips, and common sense is a useful asset. Remember that the wider and longer the throttle is open, the more fuel you'll use. Simply putting it in a high gear isn't always the answer. If the gear is too high, you may have to press down farther on the throttle to accelerate the car, where changing down will actually allow the same acceleration from a smaller throttle opening. It's about using the gears wisely (assuming you have a manual transmission).
Any one of these cars can...
Any one of these cars can be driven economically or with a lead foot. It's often how you use it, not what you have...
You should also endeavor to maintain a constant speed at a small throttle opening. Some people accelerate and lift endlessly, closing up to the car in front, then backing off. Try to keep a good distance and set a constant speed at low revs.
Other things you can do: check your tire pressures, don't carry unnecessary weight, remove roof racks, etc when not in use, check your oil and service the car regularly to ensure its running efficiently. At the end of the day, it's up to us to preserve both the earth's resources and the money in our wallets. Lecture over, class dismissed.
You should also endeavor to maintain a constant speed at a small throttle opening. Some people accelerate and lift endlessly, closing up to the car in front, then backing off. Try to keep a good distance and set a constant speed at low revs.
Other things you can do: check your tire pressures, don't carry unnecessary weight, remove roof racks, etc when not in use, check your oil and service the car regularly to ensure its running efficiently. At the end of the day, it's up to us to preserve both the earth's resources and the money in our wallets. Lecture over, class dismissed.