Taking a trip to Europe, Diesel or Gas? - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Ben_FR · 18th March 2003, 06:59

I'm taking a 3-week trip to Europe this summer, and will be renting a car. I'll probably drive 2000-3000 miles. What should I do?

Here's the deal. The gas Clio is $100 cheaper, but will use more costly fuel. But, obviously the diesel is more sluggish, and won't be as fun to drive.

Renault Clio 1.4 Gasoline
Renault Clio 1.5 Diesel

I want to balance cost and fun. Is it worth it to just get the gas engine Clio?

-Ben

Charlie · 18th March 2003, 09:07

Why are you thinking about renting a Clio??? But all the well, go for the diesel. The petrolversion won't be that much more fun and a lot more expensive. Consider the prices of gasoline in Europe to be a lot higher than in the US. And with the dieselversion you will be very frugel! It has good milage, so that will save you a lot of cash. Where will you be going? Take care,

qrac · 18th March 2003, 09:55

go with the diesel.. the tiny 1.4l enginge will only give you a headache with its buzzing.

cal25 · 18th March 2003, 13:38

Quote:

Originally posted by qrac
go with the diesel.. the tiny 1.4l enginge will only give you a headache with its buzzing.

Buzzing from a petrol model, surely the diesel will be worse, id go for the petrol, i have been in 1.2 16V are they are nice, so im sure the 1.4 will be good

qrac · 18th March 2003, 19:52

Quote:

Buzzing from a petrol model, surely the diesel will be worse, id go for the petrol, i have been in 1.2 16V are they are nice, so im sure the 1.4 will be good

not when crusing at speeds of 120+ ...

Ben_FR · 18th March 2003, 20:34

Well, I made the order, and kind of compromised.

I got a Renault Megane 1.9 turbodiesel. It cost a little more, but hopefully it'll offer good performance/value. A review I read sounded pretty good:

http://www.channel4.com/apps26/4car/...1&reviewid=552

"The keen driver's choice so far - until the 200 bhp+ Renaultsport version arrives next year - is the lovely 120 bhp 1.9 dCi. Yes, that's a diesel. This has loads of torque, and is as accomplished and responsive charging about country lanes as it is cruising down the autoroute."

"Great fun. The Megane II may be high, wide and heavy but it makes many other similarly-proportioned cars seem lumpen in comparison. It always feels stable and secure, inspiring confidence to really push on. The suspension is agile and well tuned, while the engines are powerful and the gearboxes slick; we can't wait to try the Renaultsport model. "

Ashok Arora · 19th March 2003, 00:13

After driving an M car, ANY Renault will feel weak and wooly!

qrac · 19th March 2003, 01:15

Quote:

After driving an M car, ANY Renault will feel weak and wooly!

then you haven't seen the renault espace f1! it eats little m's for breakfast

Charlie · 19th March 2003, 09:15

The Megane is even a better choice. Bigger car for better ride and bigger engine. The diesel is a nice engine. Won't use to much diesel, so fuel consumption is very low. Have fun on your trip. Where are you going to? Take care,