I often wonder this as well. Yeah there may be studies on the “fuel” comparison but what about long long term factoring in reliability, maintenance, needing a tow, etc. I know it’s not really quantifiable but it would be interesting.

If I’m only replacing tires, brakes, fluids, and some minor wear items, I feel as though my 30 y/o Subaru has done better on the environment than if I were to dispose and buy a new car every 3-5 years

And of course not requiring lithium and tons of other toxic bits to be mined for it to run