In response to Liz Stoever’s article on slowing down, I would like to offer an engineer’s advice for better fuel economy.

First and foremost, don’t believe a hybrid drivetrain will offer better fuel economy. While Dr. Kostic has offered his opinion that hybrid vehicles are “worth it,” he apparently hasn’t studied the subject matter with the intensity that he demands of his students.

In this month’s issue of Motor Trend magazine, three hybrid cars are reviewed and compared.

What is most disheartening is the relatively unimpressive fuel economy that these three models are capable of.

The winner of the comparison, the Nissan Altima Hybrid, gets an EPA estimated 33 highway, 35 city mpg.

While this may seem outstanding, my 1997 Saturn NON-HYBRID got an honest 45 highway, 35 city mpg. Several new non-hybrid models on the market (Volkswagon Jetta/Golf TDI’s, etc.), as well as many econoboxes from the mid-’90s also get similar mileage.

Motor Trend estimates that it will take the average driver 8.0 years just to break even on the cost difference of the hybrid “upgrade” option over the base model Altima, including tax breaks.

The Toyota Camry is closer to 6.1 years. Will the batteries in the hybrids even last that long?

More technology isn’t necessarily an improvement! Study all the options before making a decision as a buyer.

Look at www.fueleconomy.gov to help you with your studies.

Nick Earnest
2006 NIU alumnus

All comments are moderated before being published. We will not edit your comments, but we also will not approve those that are abusive, off-topic, attack another poster or contain information we know to be libelous or false.

During peak weekday viewing times, most comments will be reviewed within six hours. For more detailed information, click here.

After submitting your comment, check below for a confirmation message.

• Your name:
• Enter text from image:
  

• Your comment:

* 300-character count. HTML formatting will not display.