Compare Hybrid Cars

For the past five to four years, there have been much ado about Hybrid Cars and the many benefits they could offer. Their popularity has been compounded by the ever surging gas prices and the concern for the environment. It seems that Hybrid Cars are the solution to both. When you use a Hybrid car, you contribute less to the thickening air pollution, plus you save a lot of money since they require less fuel, plus there are numerous tax credits being given by many states.

For these reasons, hybrid cars have experienced a sharp increase in sales and more car manufacturers are joining the hybrid vehicle arena with their own versions. For those who are planning to buy a hybrid car, the choices are numerous, that’s why you have to compare hybrid cars with one another to see which one would go perfectly well with your needs.

Two of the top hybrid car manufacturers are the Japanese giant's Toyota and Honda. They are credited with producing many innovations in the hybrid technology and their hybrid cars are the most acclaimed, most sought after and most awarded hybrid vehicles today.

Here we will compare the hybrid cars they are offering for 2007, these will include the Honda Accord Hybrid, Honda Civic Hybrid, Lexus GS 450H, Toyota Camry Hybrid and the Toyota Prius.

Their fuel efficiency can be compared through their average consumption per mile in different situations, like; City Driving – where the traffic is constantly stopping, Highway Driving – where the engine can freely operate at maximum level and their combined average usage.

Miles Per Gallon – Average Miles Used Per gasoline of Fuel

· Honda Accord Hybrid – 28 MPG (city), 35 MPG (Highway) and 31 MPG (Combined Average)

· Honda Civic - 49 MPG (city), 51 MPG (Highway) and 50 MPG (Combined Average)

· Lexus GS 450H - 25 MPG (city), 28 MPG (Highway) and 26 MPG (Combined Average)

· Toyota Camry Hybrid - 40 MPG (city), 38 MPG (Highway) and 39 MPG (Combined Average)

· Toyota Prius - 60 MPG (city), 51 MPG (Highway) and 55 MPG (Combined Average)

But before you just pick out the one with the highest MPG average, you still have to consider and compare a couple of aspects as well. This includes the fuel type. All of these vehicles use regular gasoline except for the Lexus which uses Premium Gasoline that is pricier.

Then you also have to compare the size class of each hybrid car and their engine size and liters. The Accord Hybrid is a midsize car with a 3 liter - 6 cylinder engine. The Civic Hybrid is a compact car with a 1.3 liter – 4 cylinder engine. The Lexus is another compact car with a 3.5 liter – 6 cylinder engine. The Camry Hybrid is a midsize sedan equipped with a 2.4 liter – 4 cylinder engine and the Toyota Prius is a compact car with a 1.5 liter – 4 cylinder engine. The more powerful the engine is, the more fuel will be consumed.

Considering this aspects and others is needed when comparing hybrid cars. You have to put considerations to see why there are differences. So before purchasing a hybrid car, compare first and do your research. Find one that would suit your needs and your personality best to get the perfect hybrid car for you.