BMW diesel beats Prius

[HOBrian]

Tuesday March 18, 2008

BMW Beats Prius in MPGs

Categories: Automotive, News and Events

Tags: BMW, diesel cars, Efficient Dynamics, hybrids, Prius







Wait. There must be some mistake. How can an autobahn-inspired performance machine beat one of the most fuel-efficient cars ever made?



It looks like that is exactly what happened on a 545-mile London-Geneva run, when a diesel-powered BMW 5-series posted better MPG stats than a petrol-based Toyota Prius hybrid. The BMW 520d with a 2. 0-liter diesel engine and regenerative braking posted an impressive 41. 9 mpg - about 0. 9 mpg better than a full hybrid Prius. The difference may not seem huge. But given that the Prius weighs about 500 lb less, BMW's fuel economy lead was significant enough to raise new questions about which drivetrain technologies are more environmentally viable and should become the future mainstream of sustainable transport.



According to our partner site Technoride, the 5-series' triumph over Prius can be attributed to "a series of energy-saving features BMW calls EfficientDynamics: battery recharge when braking, good aerodynamics, low rolling resistance, a continuous fuel consumption gauge on the dashboard, and a six-speed manual transmission that is rated as improving fuel economy by about 10%. "



BMW Beats Prius in MPGs - GoodCleanTech

 

[mberry]

Dang-it! You beat me to it HOBrian!

BMW Diesel Beats Prius in Economy Run - TechnoRide

 

[radcam]

Cool... I would much rather drive a diesel Beemer than a cockroach lookin Prius.



Only problem is that Commiefornia most likely wouldn't allow the diesel to be sold.

 

[JasonCzerak]

heh, aerodynamics. . notice how the prius is actually LOWER to the ground then the beemer. heh.

 

[Dieselnut59]

The Volkswagon Jetta TDI gets 50 mpg and is a less expensive car than the Prius. I would much rather have a fuel efficient regular, simple diesel car than a overly computerized dual fuel nightmare that will need a battery replacement in 5 years!

 

[Dieselnut59]

AND.....

The BMW diesels will be available (50 state legal) in the US at the end of this year in the 3 series car and the X5 SUV.

 

[Moose Truck]

The Volkswagon Jetta TDI gets 50 mpg and is a less expensive car than the Prius. I would much rather have a fuel efficient regular, simple diesel car than a overly computerized dual fuel nightmare that will need a battery replacement in 5 years!

Volkswagon TDI... So simple a Caveman can Fix It!! :-laf





I know that a large stupid land animal like a Moose can! MooseOo.

 

[JHerr]

How will this article dismissed as hogwash by the pro-Prius crowd?



I would guess that the BMW emits far less Smug, as well. (South Park hybrid vehicle reference)

 

[JHerr]

From the London Times article comparing the BMW to the Prius: "... you don't get the same self-righteous glow when you are driving it"



Now that there's funny, I don't care who you are!

 

[16919]

Wanna know the sound a prius makes when it goes by?

"... . hhhiiimmmgaaaaayyy... ..... "

 

[MOates]

Wanna know the sound a prius makes when it goes by?



"... . hhhiiimmmgaaaaayyy... ..... "

:-laf:-laf:-laf:-laf:-laf:-laf:-laf:-laf

 

[HOBrian]

Wanna know the sound a prius makes when it goes by?



"... . hhhiiimmmgaaaaayyy... ..... "

Nice Walter. You forgot how it idles homohomohomohomo:-laf



Gotta love Jeff Dunham

 

[Dieselnut59]

Nice Walter. You forgot how it idles homohomohomohomo:-laf



Gotta love Jeff Dunham

Those are some queerass cars!



:-laf:-laf

 

[rbattelle]

I just read the original article today! (Link)

I like how the Prius driver didn't use air conditioning or the stereo in an effort to save fuel.

Ryan

 

[glhs]

I don't see the deal with a Prius.

1. Early 80's Chevette diesel's would get 33 minimum (winter) and up to 52 mpg.

I drove the living heck out of ours and I could not get it below 35.

2. Didn't those 80's CRX's get 40-50 mpg?

3. 96-97 VW TDI's would get 45-50mpg.

 

[JasonCzerak]

And if you look to extreams. a F1 motor makes 20% more efficient use of the fuel then a prius could ever dream of.



Just sucks we can't drive around town at 19,000rpm and 200mph

 

[Yo Hoot]

Only problem is that Commiefornia most likely wouldn't allow the diesel to be sold.

That's because they are so close to the mother country