Interesting slideshow. However, why are the diesel models thought to be worse than their gas counterparts? Consider the Mercedes-Benz models. I thought they had much improved their emissions and particulates. In principle they could even run on veggie oil. Is it possible they use the diesel numbers because the gas numbers would be too scandalous? http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/07/06/greenest.meanest/index.html
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Alric @ Jul 13 2007, 10:05 AM) [snapback]478191[/snapback]</div> They're still very dirty. If you look up an 07 Mercedes E320 Bluetec, it puts out 8.1 tons of greenhouse gases/year vs the estimated 4.0 tons for an 07 Prius. From what I can tell at http://www.greencarcongress.com/2006/09/mercedesbenz_wi.html, it's only Tier 2 Bin 5 compliant vs. Tier 2 Bin 3 of the Prius made available in most states and the SULEV II/PZEV rating for Cali and CARB spec Priuses. See http://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/detailedchart.pdf for the emissions limits for the above scores. As for running on veggie oil, they still have emissions. Some diesel fanboys are under the mistaken assumption that veggie oil == zero emissions. All the vehicles http://www.driveclean.ca.gov/en/gv/vsearch...vehicletypeid=7 and http://www.driveclean.ca.gov/en/gv/vsearch...ehicletypeid=16 have emissions ratings far better than the aforementioned E320. edit: Oh, I didn't even look at the meanest ones until now. The VW diesel Touareg emits 12.4 tons of GHG/year and gets an EPA air pollution score of 1 (Tier 2 Bin 10). That's BAD. That's basically about the worst you can be for a light duty vehicle.
Thanks! How do you find emissions for a specific car? I'd like to know how the mercedes gas vs. Diesel versions. Compare. By the way, isn't it awful how there is a separate scale for trucks. Like the environment cares.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Alric @ Jul 15 2007, 12:32 PM) [snapback]479149[/snapback]</div> Try comparing cars here. I believe they list emissions. As for why is there a separate scale for trucks? Why are some trucks exempt? Lobbying from car manufacturers.
