Which is more fuel-efficient, 1.5T or 1.5L?
2 Answers
1.5L is more fuel-efficient. 1.5L refers to a naturally aspirated engine, while 1.5T refers to a turbocharged engine. Displacement refers to the volume of space that the piston moves from top dead center to bottom dead center, known as the cylinder displacement. Fuel-saving capability is not only determined by displacement but also factors such as engine efficiency, transmission losses, vehicle weight, tires, etc. If an engine has multiple cylinders, the sum of all cylinder volumes is called the engine displacement. Due to the smaller displacement of turbocharged engines, they generally have higher fuel efficiency during operation. Naturally aspirated engines tend to have a longer lifespan, while turbocharged engines offer relatively higher power output and torque.
I've been driving for ten years and have experienced both types of engines. Here's my honest take. The 1.5T is indeed fuel-efficient on highways—once the turbo kicks in and the RPM goes up, fuel consumption can drop to just over 5 liters. On my last long trip, I saved nearly half a tank. But in the city, it's the complete opposite. During rush hour traffic, the turbo seems to be asleep, power lags, and a few extra presses on the gas pedal can push fuel consumption beyond 8 liters. The 1.5L, on the other hand, is much steadier, consistently around 7 liters in the city. However, at 120 km/h on the highway, its weakness shows—the engine roars loudly and fuel consumption rises. Overall, if you commute daily in the city like I do, the 1.5L is more cost-effective in the long run. But if you frequently travel between cities for work, the 1.5T is the real winner. With fuel prices so high, choosing the wrong engine could mean spending hundreds more on gas each month—what a pain.
