Interesting test. If I got the columns lined up correctly, they actually did 4 mpg better in the TCH than the HCH on the Pacific Coast Highway! In the city, though, the HCH got over 11 mpg better. Since the TCH is too new to know what type of mileage the GH drivers will get, it is impossible to tell where it will fall, but it sounds interesting.

You have to realize that the way you drive, and your driving conditions, make all the difference. One GH participant is trading his HCH on a TCH because he likes to drive fast on the highway, but still wants good mileage and good performance. I think he's probably making the right choice. But if you want to drive reasonably, and get the best gas mileage possible, you need to pick the car that best fits your particular situation.

My guess is that the road and track drivers did a lot of hard acceleration and a lot of high speeds (on the highway, at least) - after all, it is road and TRACK. If this is how you drive, and don't want to change, then DON'T get an HCH - you'll probably be disappointed. The larger power train in the TCH will likely serve you better.

And, as others have said, you really can't compare the cars - too many things different, size being a biggie....

If you care to, I'll bet if you lay out how many miles you drive on a typical day, what type of terrain it is, city or highway, what the weather's like where you live (year round), and what your driving habits are (fast, slow, moderate, don't mind taking it slower to save gas or don't have time for that stuff), etc., there are people on GH that will probably help to recommend the right hybrid for you!

Best of luck.