Car Rentals: A Gas Mileage Comparison
While gas mileage for any vehicle will differ depending
on the driving conditions and style of the each driver,
you can get a relatively general idea of which cars
get the best gas mileage by comparing the size and style
of vehicles.
Before making a comparison of the different types of
vehicles you may encounter while searching for a car
rental, let's take a quick look at the different things
which can affect a vehicle's gas mileage.
New Models versus Older Models
Before a vehicle reaches three to five thousand miles,
the gas mileage will not be at its maximum economic
status. Therefore, you may want to search for
a rental that's not quite "brand" new.
Driving Methods
Gas mileage can be affected by certain driving methods
such as sudden braking, driving at high speeds, accelerating
too fast, and even weighing down the vehicle with heavy
objects.
Energy Content of Fuel
The type of fuel you place in your vehicle does make
a difference. The energy content varies from one
fuel to another. For example, oxygenated and reformulated
gas has lower energy per volume. Gas composition
will vary by the season.
Maintenance on the Vehicle
A vehicle that is well maintained will tend to provide
a better gas mileage. There is less strain on
the vehicle when it's running at top condition.
Manufacturing of the Vehicle
Vehicles are all different in the way they are put together
and manufactured. This can affect the gas mileage.
Outside Variables
Even conditions not pertaining to the actual vehicle
can affect gas mileage, such as the weather, length
of travel, driving on city streets versus driving on
the interstate, temperatures, and traffic conditions.
As you can see, there are many things to consider before
determining which car rental will work best for you.
Remember that while comparing the types of vehicles
below and their gas mileage averages, you will also
need to factor in the things listed above to get an
accurate gas mileage.
Types of Cars and Their Average Gas Mileage
1. Premium Vehicles
Example Given: Buick LeSabre
*Can carry five adults and one child
*Four Door
*Average Gas Mileage: 21 miles per gallon
2. Economy Vehicles
Example Given: Hyundai Accent
*Can carry two adults and two children
*Two Door
*Average Gas Mileage: 33 to 36 miles per gallon
3. Midsized Vehicles
Example Given: Mazda 626
*Can carry four adults and one child
*Four Door
*Average Gas Mileage: 26 miles per gallon
4. Compact Vehicles
Example Given: Chevrolet Cavalier
*Can carry two adults and two children
*Two or Four Door
*Average Gas Mileage: 30 miles per gallon
5. Full Sized Vehicles
Example Given: Buick Century
*Can carry up to five adults
*Four Door
*Average Gas Mileage: 23 miles per gallon
6. Standard Sized Vehicles
Example Given: Pontiac Grand Am
*Can carry up to five adults
*Four Door
*Average Gas Mileage: 25 miles per gallon
7. Convertible Vehicles
Example Given: Ford Mustang
*Can carry two adults and two children
*Two Door
*Average Gas Mileage: 21 miles per gallon
8. Luxury Vehicles
Example Given: Buick Park Avenue
*Can carry up to six adults
*Four Door
*Average Gas Mileage: 21 miles per gallon
9. SUV Vehicles
Example Given: Chevrolet Blazer
*Can carry four adults and one child
*Four Door
*Average Gas Mileage: 19 miles per gallon
10. SUV Premium Vehicles
Example Given: Ford Explorer
*Can carry up to five adults
*Four Door
*Average Gas Mileage: 15 miles per gallon
11. Minivan Vehicles
Example Given: Ford Windstar
*Can carry up to eight adults
*Five Door
*Average Gas Mileage: 15 miles per gallon
12. Full Sized Vans
Example Given: 15 Passenger Vans
*Can carry up to fifteen adults
*Five Door
*Average Gas Mileage: 13 miles per gallon
Knowing these averages will help you to make an informed
decision before choosing a rental car. Although
the gas mileage will not solely be the determining factor
for selecting a rental, it will allow you to prepare
for your trip with the facts about gas mileage in advance.
Written by Candice Pardue
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