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****