Hybrid Cars Versus Gasoline Cars: Which Is Better For You?

Hybrid vehicles have become very popular. According to JD Power and Associates, diesel and hybrid car sales will triple in 2015.

Hybrid cars consume less fuel than normal gasoline-powered vehicles, which is better for the environment. These vehicles are more fuel efficient, in short, due to their engine build. Hybrid cars use a gasoline engine and an electric motor, allowing you to get better gas mileage.

Toyota has led the way in hybrid engine technology with its Prius line of cars. The Toyota Camry and Highlander are also available with hybrid engines. Other major automobile companies such as General Motors, Honda and Ford have added hybrid vehicles to their vehicle range.

However, despite all the touted benefits of a hybrid car, it is a difficult decision when choosing between a hybrid car and a regular car. Things like price, repair costs, and performance influence the decision-making process when deciding between a hybrid or gasoline car.

To help you decide which car is right for you, we have compiled a list of several factors to consider before purchasing your car.

Selection
Most of the major automakers do not have hybrid versions of all vehicle models. As noted above, Toyota has hybrids for the following: Prius, Camry, Highlander. Honda has hybrids for the Accord, Civic, and Insight.

By choosing a hybrid, you will limit the choice of cars and trucks you can buy. The good news is that most car companies have hybrids for their best-selling vehicles.

Performance
Hybrids have a reputation for taking slightly longer to accelerate from a stop. Thanks to advances in engineering, hybrid engine torque has been improved over the years. For people looking for a more performance-based vehicle, they may want a gasoline engine rather than a hybrid.

Atmosphere
This is where the hybrid outperforms traditional gasoline-powered cars. The hybrid gets better gas mileage than traditional vehicles. For example, the 2011 Toyota Prius gets an estimated 51/48 miles per gallon. By comparison, the 2011 Toyota Corolla gets an estimated 26/35 miles per gallon.

When deciding which type of vehicle is right for you, be sure to calculate your typical driving distances in a week to see how much you would save by buying a hybrid.

cost
Cost is obviously one of the most important factors in helping you decide which vehicle to buy. In terms of price tag, hybrid vehicles tend to be slightly more expensive than traditional vehicles.

For example, the 2011 Toyota Camry starts at $ 19,720 while the hybrid Toyota Camry starts at $ 26,575. Obviously, this is an important factor in deciding which vehicle is right for you.

In terms of repair costs, hybrid repair costs are similar to normal cars. Hybrid battery repairs can be a bit expensive and can cost several thousand dollars to replace.