> The disadvantage of taxing based on fuel is that it mostly benefits newer cars, generally owned by the richer groups in society At the point we currently are

> The disadvantage of taxing based on fuel is that it mostly benefits newer cars, generally owned by the richer groups in society At the point we currently are, even 10-15 year old cars can get a good mileage. Sports cars and aggressive driving, on the other hand, can't. So while it's not perfect, I think the system actually works quite well. Additionally, taxing fuel has the advantage that people 'feel the pain' every time they refuel, which is a lot more effective than paying once a year.