What about a Volkswagen Jetta TDI?

Not long ago, I asked Eco Geek readers: “What do you think is the better alternative to burning regular fuel? Who would win in a fight — a biodiesel Volkswagen Golf or a hybrid Prius?” all as part of a “Biodiesel: No War Required!” post about the growing popularity of biodiesel.

Well, it turns out that was a dumbly framed question.

The Prius isn’t an alternative to “regular fuel” at all. It just uses less of it.

Spencer Thomas of Snohomish was the man who set me straight, adding that the Volkswagen Jetta TDI running on biodiesel would actually be a far better choice than a Prius.

Here’s Thomas’ response:

“The answer to this question is very clear: Only one of the two is an alternative to burning regular fuel. Most diesels can run on 100 percent biodiesel, and specifically with the TDI that gets up to 55 mpg, they run much more efficiently as well. They run on a 100 percent renewable and non-fossil fuel derived source. The Toyota Prius, and most hybrids, run on gasoline, and only gasoline. They are not alternatives to “regular fuel,” they merely use less regular fuel. This is because they are not electric cars, and they cannot be electric cars without a conversion kit that can cost five figures. In the Prius, you cannot run without gas. There is talk about “plug-in hybrids,” which can charge at home and then go, say, 60 miles on the batteries. After this, the engine kicks in, and you can go however many miles on a tank of gas. You do not have to use gas. These are an alternative to regular fuel, and they’re practical. Between a VW TDI and a Prius, the answer is very clearly the TDI. Priuses are not able to run on alternative fuel.

Also, look at the bottom of the Web site you linked under the “About Biodiesel” section. It compares the Prius to the TDI, a fuel cell car, and a gas car.”

Thanks for reading Eco Geek, Mr. Thomas. Please keep those responses and your keen insights coming! Our brilliant Web diva, Elaine Helm, author of the Webbed Feet blog, said blog comments sections are coming soon to Heraldnet, which will allow readers to post directly to blogs for better and more free-flowing conversations.