While touring a bunch of hilly neighbourhoods, driving up and down tiny, steep hills with sharp corners, this question popped into my mind. Which is better for this kind of driving, a hybrid or a smallish (e.g. 1.5L) turbo 4 cylinder?
They both have low end torque, though the hybrid’s torque may come on sooner. The hybrid also has regen braking that can reduce heat buildup in the brakes. The hybrid may be a bit heavier due to the battery and additional hardware.
Would steep inclines put a strain on the turbo and reduce its life span? I know nothing about car mechanicals, so I really don’t know if that’s possible or not.
The hybrid seems to make more sense. 🤷
Any thoughts?
It’s really not that much of an issue anymore. Some electric can beat out turbo 4’s in horsepower, but that battery is like dragging 1/3 of an extra car in the turns. It can do it, but you can feel the weight. That said, you ain’t doing laptimes on a hill climb so it may not matter whatsoever.
Personally, I enjoy those rare things called a manual transmissions, so that limits my selection range, but I feel my next car won’t have one.
I will point out that 3rd party customizing options has been a factor in my decisions in the past. To date, I haven’t seen much EV-wise. I’d like to see more of that in the future though.
Oh yeah, the question … If you got the cash to throw at it, I may go for fun EV, otherwise turbo 4. There are great cars in both columns.
I enjoy those rare things called a manual transmissions
Eh, pedal shifters are common now, way easier, and just does the auto thing if you don’t care
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Haha yeah. Don’t get me wrong, driven a car with that. What a great experience. And shifting faster then I can is definitely A-OK in my books.
I just… like the nostalgia of manual. It’s tactile; you’re meshing with the machine. I do like paddle shifting though.
Yeah I used to love driving a manual, but they’re very rare these days in Canada and my knee ain’t what it used to be!
