It’s been a while since I’ve driven a gas car, but recently, I had the opportunity to revisit the world of internal combustion engines thanks to Rivian and Enterprise. While my R1T was in the shop, they set me up with an Audi A5 Cabriolet, and I have to admit, it was a fun and somewhat nostalgic experience. In this post, I’ll share my thoughts on driving a gas car after years of being spoiled by EVs, compare the Audi A5 to my Tesla and Rivian, and discuss the pros and cons of each.
The Gas Station: A Blast from the Past
My first stop in the Audi A5 was the gas station, a place I haven’t frequented much since going all-electric. It was a strange feeling, filling up the tank and paying for fuel. I even had a moment of confusion trying to find the gas tank release button! (Old habits die hard, I guess.) It’s amazing how quickly you get used to the convenience of simply plugging in your EV at home or at a Supercharger.
Audi A5 Cabriolet: First Impressions
The Audi A5 Cabriolet is a sleek and stylish convertible with a comfortable interior and a decent amount of tech features. I especially enjoyed the paddle shifters and the sporty feel of the car. However, I did miss some of the creature comforts of my EVs, like ventilated seats and a more intuitive infotainment system.
Gas vs. Electric: A Comparison
Driving the Audi A5 made me appreciate the unique advantages of EVs even more. The instant torque, smooth acceleration, and quiet cabin of my Tesla and Rivian are hard to beat. I also missed the convenience of one-pedal driving and the advanced driver-assistance features like Autopilot and Driver+.
However, the Audi A5 did offer some advantages over my EVs. The convertible top provided an open-air driving experience that’s simply not possible in an EV (yet!). And the paddle shifters added a level of engagement and control that I sometimes miss in my EVs.
Cost Analysis: Gas vs. Electric
One of the biggest differences between gas cars and EVs is the cost of operation. Filling up the Audi A5 cost me around $30, which would probably last me a day and a half of commuting. In my Model Y, the same amount of money would power me for two to three days. That’s a significant cost saving, especially in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with the Audi A5 Cabriolet was a fun and interesting detour from my usual EV routine. It reminded me of the joys of driving a gas car, but it also reinforced my appreciation for the efficiency, convenience, and technology of EVs. I’m glad I had the chance to experience both worlds, and I’m excited to continue exploring the ever-evolving landscape of electric vehicles.
Leave a Reply