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Hybrid or small turbo 4 cylinder for hilly neighbourhoods? (lemmy.ca)

submitted 2 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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While touring a bunch of hilly neighbourhoods, driving up and down tiny, steep hills with sharp corners, this question popped into my mind. Which is better for this kind of driving, a hybrid or a smallish (e.g. 1.5L) turbo 4 cylinder?

They both have low end torque, though the hybrid's torque may come on sooner. The hybrid also has regen braking that can reduce heat buildup in the brakes. The hybrid may be a bit heavier due to the battery and additional hardware.

Would steep inclines put a strain on the turbo and reduce its life span? I know nothing about car mechanicals, so I really don't know if that's possible or not.

The hybrid seems to make more sense. 🤷

Any thoughts?

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[–] independantiste 3 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

From experience, Toyota hybrids basically only use the electric motor at low speeds (under 30 or 40kmh) and are balls slow with the CVT transmission. I don't think they actually use the batteries for more performance like some sportier cars. Anyways you should try both, but the corolla hybrid I tested last year was extremely slow and just basic to drive. I drove it in a mountainous area, and the poor engine was STRUGGLING

Also, smaller 4 cyl engines are very fun because they scream under high load and it feels like you are going 180 when in reality you are catching with traffic. Kia Rios are fun for that