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Fuel efficiency worth sacrificing
Redneck power or hippie environmental love? Ecological responsibility or personal excitability?
These questions surround the debate some people have regarding buying (or ridiculing those who buy) gas-guzzling, horsepower monsters such as the Dodge Ram with a HEMI – or the mega-popular, environment’s best-available friend, the Toyota Prius.
A quick definition: For those who don’t know, HEMI isn’t an acronym. It’s actually short for hemispherical, referring to the unique shape of the heads in the engine, according to www.hemi.com, the official Chrysler Web site for the HEMI.
The unique shape creates better air flow and more power. The improved power-to-engine size ratio keeps gas mileage competitive with the F-150 and GMC Sierra, according to the Edmunds Car Buying Guide at Edmunds.com.
I chose to drive a “gas-guzzler.” I do have a problem with driving a vehicle that gets poor gas mileage. However, for me, it’s a small price to pay to have enough power in reserve to outrun any police cruiser (in theory) or pull down a building.
After all, who do you ask for help when you move? Your friend with the Prius, or your friend with the truck?
Some people may look at my truck and say, “You’re killing the environment.” Maybe so, but the Prius isn’t the ideal alternative, either. The Prius is still a hybrid, and therefore consumes some fossil fuel.
Being able to own a 2008 Dodge Challenger with a 425 Horsepower HEMI V8 is my right and one of the freedoms I enjoy as an American.
It’s not to say that buying a Prius isn’t admirable, but even the Prius affects the environment – and the fragile eyes of car-lovers everywhere.
Until the day comes when gas-burning engines are outlawed, you’ll find me and my buddies enjoying our powerful vehicles – and crying about our terrible gas mileage.
» Next Opinion Article: Blog: The future of news now
remember what people say about men with a large carbon footprint..... they're usually trying to make up for a lack of something else.
You know what they say about men with large carbon footprints...
First - let me say that I am I big fan of the Prius (which is how I came across this article). It will be my next car. But then I don't need a big car anymore - the kids are grown up and I am ready to downsize from the minivan. The Prius gets great gas mileage, is fun to drive, easy to park, and it appeals to my sense of "geekiness" (I must have watched the Jetsons too much in my youth). I've rented them several times for extended test drives and road trips.
Next - I think it is safe to say that we Americans probably driver bigger cars than we need. I live in Houston Texas. I commute to work all alone in my minivan, surrounded by other single drivers in big pickups (many of them have Hemis), SUVs, and vans of various sizes. Although Houston Metro has a number of "Park & Ride" bus locations and conventional buses - they don't go to my work location. So I drive.
As I said - we Americans probably driver bigger cars than we need - most of the time. But the soccer mom frequently needs a van to take the kids and their friends here and there. Dads need a pickup or SUV to haul gardening supplies and plants, bikes to the park, and other stuff that just won't fit in a smaller car. Plus Texas is big and long road trips are better in large comfy vehicles. These arguments apply equally well across this big country.
The simple solution is that we should each own several cars - an ecomobile for our daily commute; a van for trips with family and friends; a pickup for hauling stuff that needs hauling, an RV for vacations. The problem is that very few of us can afford to own and insure multiple vehicles. So we try to buy a vehicle that meets both our normal needs and our "stretch" needs. As Dave said "After all, who do you ask for help when you move? Your friend with the Prius, or your friend with the truck?" So if you think you will need to haul stuff, you buy a truck.
Global climate change is real. The evidence is pretty damning that man-made CO2 is a major cause. I have replaced every light bulb in my house with CFLs. I have switched to a 100% wind plan for my electricity. But I still drive the aging minivan. Why? Because I can't afford a Prius yet.
I support Dave and other large vehicle owners whose right it is to drive whatever they choose. But there is nothing wrong with demanding that auto companies improve the mileage and carbon footprint across the board. This could mean hybridization of vehicles, flex fuel vehicles, biodiesel, lighter vehicles, or other technologies not yet available. The question is - will we be willing to pay the higher cost at the dealership to offset the inevitable higher price at the pump and/or reduce our own carbon footprints.
Next - I think it is safe to say that we Americans probably driver bigger cars than we need. I live in Houston Texas. I commute to work all alone in my minivan, surrounded by other single drivers in big pickups (many of them have Hemis), SUVs, and vans of various sizes. Although Houston Metro has a number of "Park & Ride" bus locations and conventional buses - they don't go to my work location. So I drive.
As I said - we Americans probably driver bigger cars than we need - most of the time. But the soccer mom frequently needs a van to take the kids and their friends here and there. Dads need a pickup or SUV to haul gardening supplies and plants, bikes to the park, and other stuff that just won't fit in a smaller car. Plus Texas is big and long road trips are better in large comfy vehicles. These arguments apply equally well across this big country.
The simple solution is that we should each own several cars - an ecomobile for our daily commute; a van for trips with family and friends; a pickup for hauling stuff that needs hauling, an RV for vacations. The problem is that very few of us can afford to own and insure multiple vehicles. So we try to buy a vehicle that meets both our normal needs and our "stretch" needs. As Dave said "After all, who do you ask for help when you move? Your friend with the Prius, or your friend with the truck?" So if you think you will need to haul stuff, you buy a truck.
Global climate change is real. The evidence is pretty damning that man-made CO2 is a major cause. I have replaced every light bulb in my house with CFLs. I have switched to a 100% wind plan for my electricity. But I still drive the aging minivan. Why? Because I can't afford a Prius yet.
I support Dave and other large vehicle owners whose right it is to drive whatever they choose. But there is nothing wrong with demanding that auto companies improve the mileage and carbon footprint across the board. This could mean hybridization of vehicles, flex fuel vehicles, biodiesel, lighter vehicles, or other technologies not yet available. The question is - will we be willing to pay the higher cost at the dealership to offset the inevitable higher price at the pump and/or reduce our own carbon footprints.