Amen to this.
Fuel efficiency worth sacrificing
By Dave Long
August 29. 2007
Redneck power or hippie environmental love? Ecological responsibility or personal excitability?
These questions surround the debate some people have regarding buying (or ridiculing those who buy) gas-guzzling, horsepower monsters such as the Dodge Ram with a HEMI – or the mega-popular, environment’s best-available friend, the Toyota Prius.
A quick definition: For those who don’t know, HEMI isn’t an acronym. It’s actually short for hemispherical, referring to the unique shape of the heads in the engine, according to
www.hemi.com, the official Chrysler Web site for the HEMI.
The unique shape creates better air flow and more power. The improved power-to-engine size ratio keeps gas mileage competitive with the F-150 and GMC Sierra, according to the Edmunds Car Buying Guide at Edmunds.com.
I chose to drive a “gas-guzzler.” I do have a problem with driving a vehicle that gets poor gas mileage. However, for me, it’s a small price to pay to have enough power in reserve to outrun any police cruiser (in theory) or pull down a building.
After all, who do you ask for help when you move? Your friend with the Prius, or your friend with the truck?
Some people may look at my truck and say, “You’re killing the environment.” Maybe so, but the Prius isn’t the ideal alternative, either. The Prius is still a hybrid, and therefore consumes some fossil fuel.
Being able to own a 2008 Dodge Challenger with a 425 Horsepower HEMI V8 is my right and one of the freedoms I enjoy as an American.
It’s not to say that buying a Prius isn’t admirable, but even the Prius affects the environment – and the fragile eyes of car-lovers everywhere.
Until the day comes when gas-burning engines are outlawed, you’ll find me and my buddies enjoying our powerful vehicles – and crying about our terrible gas mileage.