donaldan
Joined: 01 Jul 2001 Posts: 1881 Location: Ft. Myers, FL
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Posted: Fri May 14, 2004 2:51 pm Post subject: European travel |
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Just thought I share with you my recent short visit in Europe to attend a business event.
Firday - Picked up rental at Sixt in Heidelberg, Germany - 2003 BMW318i, 5-sp, 4-dr. Drove with my German friend to Antwerp, Belgium. Took nearly 5-1/2 hours to travel 300 miles on the expressways. Traffic was very heavy and constant rain didn't help.
Sunday - The return trip was much better. Most trucks were not allowed on the road on weekends so the traffic eased up greatly and the road was dry. Return trip took only 4-1/2 hours. Still many sections of the German Autobahn have posted speed limits. On the open sections, hit 110mph regularly. Topped out at 125mph but couldn't maintain it because of many faster cars overtaking, so I had to move over to slower lane. Numerous Alfa's, Audi's, Porsche's, M-B's and BMW's. On the Autobahn, the speed lane is a virtual showroom of speedy cars.
Total miles travelled - 600
Total gas used - 20 gallons, 87 octane
Total cost of gas - $100
Total 3-day rental - $105 (special weekend rate)
I did the same trip last year in a BMW 530td, automatic. The larger car was extremely stable at high speed. The diesel was powerful and quiet, averaged 31MPG. Yes, gas was $5.00 per gallon for the lowest octane. Diesel was about 10-15% cheaper. |
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