Interesting figures, Beetle. I first thought the US data must be a decade old, having forgotten to multiply by roughly 4 to obtain cost per gallon, rather that litre. I think I just read that oil futures are now pushing $60/bbl.
One thing to keep in mind perhaps, is that in the US, real estate development is extremely "spread out" compared to Euro countries, with regard to where people live and work. Historically cheap gas prices enabled large bedroom subdivsions to spring up miles away from any businesses. I think the average commute time in my area is 45 minutes, which means people on average are living 15-20 miles away from where they work. Most of the newer, nicer subdivisions are the furthest out.
Typically, these subdivisions require miles of auto travel to accomplish any errand or task - going to the market, church, school, etc. Usually the closest business establishment is a combination self serve gas station/convenience store located at the junction of the nearest main roadway, but since the subdivisions generally don't include sidewalks or walking paths, you must drive there as well. Americans spend most of their waking hours at work, but the second largest chunk of time is spent in their vehicles rushing to and fro.
So even though gas is cheaper in the US than in Europe, we are probably more dependent on our cars than you are. It will take years of high fuel prices to begin to change the"spread out" real estate development mentality.
