Jan 05 2007

Buying a Car: Gas vs. Diesel

Posted by Jack as Automotive Features, Cars, Featured Articles

Cars are, after all, another great big expensive gadget that we love to splurge/spend on. So in follow up to our previous guide on buying a car we think it’s best to give a few tips about the specifics (i.e., options and choices you can look out for).

One basic question would be the engine type: gas (or petrol, as some cultures would prefer to call it) or diesel. These are worlds apart in terms of the various benefits and disadvantages. Diesel-powered cars, however, are not as popular as petrol-powered ones particularly in passenger cars in America. But in other parts of the world–particularly in Europe, since the EU has stringent emissions standards–diesels are fairly popular. If you’re considering buying a car soon, and thinking of your engine options, read on.

Here are some disadvantages of diesel engines.

Heavier than comparable gas engines- this results to a heavier vehicle.
More expensive, so this will add to the cost of your purchase.
Slow acceleration (they’re meant for torque rather than horsepower, meaning better pulling power).
Produce more smoke – Diesel engine fumes may be bad for your health, if you have lung problems.
Diesel engines work with heating up the fuel for combustion, and hence can be difficult to start in cold weather.
Noisier and have a tendency to vibrate more than gas engines.
Diesel fuel may not be readily available in some areas.

Here are benefits of diesel engines.

Better fuel efficiency – You get more miles per gallon of fuel on a diesel. Most likely, diesel will be cheaper than petrol, too.
Lower carbon emissions – Diesels are considered environment friendly, in this regard, since they put off significantly less Carbon Dioxide than petrol engines (though they release more particulates in smoke).
Use of biodiesels – Some diesel powered vehicles can run on “clean” diesel–fuel derived from vegetables, ethanol or other oils (rather than fossil fuel).
Longer lifetime – Diesel engines can last twice (in terms of mileage) than comparable gas powered engines. This means your vehicle can have a longer serviceable life.
Better pulling power – Diesels may not necessarily be able to overtake gas-powered cars in terms of acceleration, but diesels can haul heavier loads.
Better idling endurance – You can leave your vehicle idling for extended periods (hours, even) without overheating.

The list of pros and cons extends farther–we can only cite a few. In the end, it boils down to user preference. If you’re in need of a large pickup truck or SUV for hauling your trailer, boat, or some other load, a diesel is probably best for you. If you prefer a small commuter car built for a smooth, comfortable ride, then you’re probably best off with petrol. However, these days, the line is being blurred in terms of comfort and smoothness of ride. So we think it’s best to choose according to your needs and the intended use of your car.

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Comments (10)

10 Responses

Mr Butterscotch
06|Jan|2007

Is this really all true now? I know that over here in the UK at least the range of cars offering Diesel and Petrol models with very little discernible difference grows every month. One obvious choice is the Honda Civic Type R (hot version pictured herehttp://www.rsportscars.com/eng/cars/civic_type-r.asp)
which has 2.2 litre (that’s big in the UK) petrol and diesel options from what I remember. Personally I favour diesel due to the huge fuel economy you get, though they are hugely noisy and the equivalent engine has a lot less pull than a petrol. Then again, you never get a 1.2 litre diesel anyway …
Mr Butterscotch
14|Jan|2007

I’m running a petrol engine at the moment but I cannot wait to switch to Diesel, particularly if I get a modern car. I’m thinking of the Honda Civic Type R but we’ll see. A 2.2 litre petrol or diesel should go like a rocket!
J. Angelo Racoma
23|Jan|2007

I’m running a petrol engine, too. Whenever I drive my dad’s diesel-powered utility vehicle I can feel a big difference in terms of handling. I guess I’m more of a gas person than a diesel person since I prefer the zippy acceleration of gas to the more powerful pull of a diesel.
Mr Butterscotch
21|May|2007

Unfortunately the next car I’m looking at (Nissan 350Z, or Fairlady I believe to you Americans!) is a 3.5L V6 petrol only monster. I’m going to keep saving until I can afford it… But by then I’ll probably be married with two kids and thus never able to get one
J. Angelo Racoma
06|Jun|2007

3.5L V6? Hmm. What a gas guzzler! But it’s a Nissan Fairlady after all.
Ben
15|Nov|2007

Kinda funny…. I am in the states and came across this article. 3.5L and bigger is very common here! I drive a diesel pickup that is a 6.6L!
Odokonyero
16|Apr|2008

Hey all. I live in Southern Africa. The vast openness of space makes me drive up to 400km before the next big town. That, and our tendancy toward off-road safari adventures (and the haulage that goes with it) lives me no choice; Diesel or Diesel.
ENJOY WHAT WORKS FOR YOU!
Marcos
08|Jun|2008

Diesel engines produce more smoke? I agree! But they failed to inform that gas engines produce more carbon monoxide (the odorless, colorless killer), hydrocarbons, & evaporative emissions that cause health problems.
pinoy gadgets
06|Oct|2009

If you are going to use your vehicle for City Driving i would suggest GASOLINE based cars instead and take note Diesel is not good for our environment =)

The good thing with diesel is that it could run using Bio diesel however, very few asian countries use biodiesel for now esp for brand new models… owners don;t prefer that.

Go!
Ben
06|Oct|2009

Pinoy…
Diesel is cleaner in all measurable emissions because of the increased efficiencies associated with burning it, now that all diesel is ultra low sulfur – it’s just better all the way around (outside of the additional cost of the diesel engine.) As for bio diesel it has superior lubrication properties and most owners prefer it regardless of how old the engine is.

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