4x4 Vs Car

Shanley

I was looking at buying a Suzuki Vitara 1.6litre, just wondering would it be more expensive then your average 1.6litre car?

Thanks!

ambro25

I'd hazard a 'yes', although your best bet is probably doing some Google homework yourself.

Reasons for the 'yes', miscellaneously, are:
(i) it probably weighs more (so increased consumption) than your average 3 or 4/5 door car
(ii) 4WD generally consumes more than 2WD
(iii) a 1.6 for that size/weight of car (+ 4WD instead of 2WD) will labour more to get it underway, so increased wear and maintenance
(iv) "blockiness" of car design = increased wind resistance (reduced Cx, if you will) = increased consumption again
etc, etc.

The first question you should ask yourself is: do I need a 4WD?

I've voiced my contempt at "off-curb-roaders" in the Forum before (e.g. Yummy Mummies in X5s and MLs, to coin a cliché), but in fairness I did consider 4WD as a must-have feature (along with ABS and such other safety features) when I was looking for a second, 'family' car, when our baby was due (however, that was for the added traction/better roadholding characteristic, not the size thing). In then end I bought a Subaru - saloon size, comfort and ride + full-time 4WD. Can't say economy (but then it's a 2.0L), though it's nowhere near as bad as a full-size 'adult' 4WD .

If you want 'reasonably economical' 4WD on a 1.6, get an entry-level Impreza

bazz26

ambro25 wrote:

If you want 'reasonably economical' 4WD on a 1.6, get an entry-level Impreza

As far as I know only the Impreza 2.0 WRX and STi models have 4WD. The 1.6 sold here doesn't anyway but not sure about the Jap imports.