What a difference a year makes

Consider fuel costs alone, and it's clear how recent fuel price hikes have changed the equation. Many diesel drivers will have to cover serious mileage before they start saving.

If fuel prices continue to soar at the current rate, and diesel resale values start to fall, many motorists will be better off with a petrol car.

May 2007
Price of petrol   Price of diesel
96.5p                    97.1p

Make/model                  List price    Av. mpg    Diesel break-even mileage

Citroen C1 1.0 Rhythm 5dr  7835   61.4
Citroen C1 HDi Rhythm 5dr  8825  68.9  134,150

VW Golf TSI 170 GT Sport 5dr  19,022  38.2
VW Golf TDI 170 GT Sport 5dr  20,012   46.3  50,776

BMW 320i ES  22,385  38.2
BMW 320d ES  24,255  49.6  72,371

Mercedes E200K Classic  27,790  34.4
Mercedes E220 CDI Classic  29,180  44.8  47,949

May 2008
Price of petrolPrice of diesel
115.0p                    127.9p

Make/model                  List price  Av. mpg>  Diesel break-even mileage

Citroen C1 1.0 Rhythm 5dr  8135  61.4
Citroen C1 HDi Rhythm 5dr  9125  68.9  1,308,186

VW Golf TSI 170 GT Sport 5dr  19,220  38.7
VW Golf TDI 170 GT Sport 5dr  20,210  47.9  72,263

BMW 320i ES  22,795  46.3
BMW 320d ES  25,020  58.9  156,744

Mercedes E200K Classic  28,150  34.4
Mercedes E220 CDI Classic  29,510  44.8  61,303****