Diesel fuel is priced moderately higher than gasoline but diesel has a higher energy density, i.e. more energy can be extracted from diesel as compared with the same volume of gasoline. Therefore, diesel engines in automobiles provide higher mileage, making it an obvious choice for heavy-duty transportation and equipment. Diesel is heavier and oilier compared with gasoline, and has a boiling point higher than that of water. And diesel engines are attracting greater attention due to higher efficiency and cost effectiveness.
But gasoline is more expensive than ever, the results of the accounts are not as clear as before in favor of the Turbo diesel engine, although the priority of these remains unclear.
Diesel cars seem to enjoy a new wave of popularity in the USA. There are a number of reasons for that, the most important of which are the rising prices of gas.
If you hesitate to buy a car between gasoline and diesel engine it is necessary to make clear the purpose for which you are going to spend, since it is customary to pay more than necessary thinking to save money when refueling. Calculate the depreciation on a version of diesel more expensive than the equivalent gasoline-equal to finish and performance, although it will never be the same, it is simple: the first is to determine the cost per kilometer of each model consumption by multiplying the price Fuel and dividing by 100. The resulting number is divided by the price difference between the two variant, which results in a certain mileage. The time to complete the required repayment.
Gas engines are more improved by a tune up than a diesel engine is. A large draw to the diesel is the turbo power it can deliver. In a diesel engine, the compression problem is solved, which greatly increases the mileage and efficiency of a diesel car.
A good match is made when you compare a turbo charged diesel and a gasoline engine for their power. That’s why most diesel cars today come turbo charged, its a way to keep up with the gasoline engines made today.
Maintenance, Maintenance on a diesel vehicle is more expensive; thanks to many things including the larger volume of engine oil in the engine and the fact that fuel filters and water separators must be serviced more often than gas vehicles. Gasoline engines have a bigger advantage due to extended service periods on spark plugs, engine oil, and even antifreeze. The significant differences in torque and initial outlay are at opposing ends of the cost/benefit debate.
With the only regular maintenance on the diesel being religious adherence to the every 3000 mile oil change, since oil gets dirtier than in a gas motor. Diesel exhaust is less corrosive on exhaust systems than that coming from gasoline burners, and without an ignition system, tune-ups on diesels don’t break the bank.
Gasoline engines burn mostly gasoline, and diesel engines burn mostly air. Cylinders in a gasoline engine fill with a mixture of gasoline and air, which ignites with a spark from a spark plug. In a diesel engine, cylinders compress air until it becomes very hot; fuel injectors then add a little bit of fuel, which ignites and drives the engine. Thus, diesel engines use considerably less fuel than gasoline engines, anywhere from 15 to 40 percent less.
Not everyone will complete the same distance at the end of the year, but on average, and we can estimate numbers for 15,000 km every twelve months. Then there are other factors to weigh, as some prefer a gasoline because of their greater capacity to raise of returns, a little better acceleration and a lower tone, or a Turbo for by its better autonomy and Reprise, residual value and longevity mechanics.
A diesel engine is bulkier and heavier because it has to deal with a great compression pressure, and, as we know, heavier engines can reduce mileage. Also, it tends to produce more soot and turns slower, which is responsible for lesser accelerating capacity of a diesel car in comparison with a gasoline car.
Then consider that gas engines are lighter, which is one of the significant reasons why Workhorse’s 25,500-lb. GVWR gas chassis has more payload than a comparable 26,000-lb. GVWR diesel chassis. And, of course, gas is a cleaner burning engine, already emissions compliant, and less noisy and less smelly than diesel engines.
2019 edits:
Diesel engines are in general more fuel efficient, true, but not because of the combustion method, but simply a liter of diesel contains more joules of energy then a gasoline engine.
Second, the burning off of diesel with a particle filter is considerably cleaner then a gasoline car (not even taken in account that the refinement process of gasoline has a bigger impact on the environment as well).
Third, “heavier engines can reduce mileage”, true, but not in this context, a heavier diesel has a better mileage.
Fourth: in the whole cost calculation this article “forgets” to calculate the actual lifespan of the engine. I never saw a gasoline engine with 600.000 miles on it.. i know several diesel cars with that amount. Because of that the second hand value is generally higher.
Fifth: TORQUE! its not only about hps, but torque as well. Diesel engines generate more torque (pulling force) then horse power (explosive “speed” force). So if you pull a big trailer then a 150hp diesel will generate more torque then its 150hp equivalent.