What are the differences between Diesel and Gasoline Engines?

We are going to approach this discussion from the standpoint of the basic differences as they relate to the owner’s pocket. The benefits of a Diesel engine as opposed to a Gasoline power point can also be looked at from an environmental view point.

A consumer can make an informed choice between the two engines if the benefits are clear; it’s not essential to know exactly how each engine is constructed and if one is more interested in the cost factors then there are some compelling reasons for choosing a Diesel

 Purchase Cost

A  Diesel engined car will cost substantially more than its Gasoline opposite number due to its more complex construction but there are numerous long term benefits for the driver who is prepared to wait and who travels a high mileage each year.

Keeping the car a little longer than perhaps one would with a gasoline powered machine will definitely pay handsome dividends. However, if you like to be seen in a new car fairly frequently and are unconcerned with environmental issues then by all means go Gasoline. Just be aware of what the future holds for all of us on the road.

Running Costs

With regular oil changes an absolute necessity in maintaining a high level of performance in the diesel engine and at more frequent intervals than a petrol engine in the past, it could be argued that this is more trouble than it is worth. Diesel and Gasoline engines both respond well to TLC and the learner Driver should not neglect the regular weekly checks that now form part of the Driving Test throughout Europe

However this frequent oil changing requirement has also changed dramatically with the march of technological innovation. Service cycles of 15 or even 20,000 miles now is not unusual, with the use of high performing synthetic oils so that the extra cost of the servicing has been levelled out when compared with the petrol engine.

The one key factor to be born in mind when contemplating a diesel powered car is that it will take about three years or so to recoup the cost of the higher priced diesel engine so the owner must be prepared to keep his machine for considerably longer than would be the case with a gasoline powered unit in order to show a profit.

Resale Value

Since the diesel far outlives the petrol engine if properly looked after, it retains a higher residual value as it gets older due not only to its reliability but to the reduced incidence of engine repairs. A gas engine deteriorates over time and as it gets older the chances of major wear and tear increase and the necessity of expensive repairs becomes inevitable. In contrast a diesel continues to perform well as the mileage increases thus making a high mileage vehicle much more attractive to the buyer than its opposite gasoline cousin.

 Summary

If you want a reliable engine that gives good economy and retains a higher resale value then go for Diesel. If you drive a high mileage in the course of a year go for Diesel.

If however you prefer to change your car more frequently and drive a relatively average mileage in a year then go for Gasoline.

A high mileage Diesel motor could be quite a good purchase compared with a similar mileage Gasoline vehicle since they are usually better looked after.

With the advent of alternative bio fuels now not just something that may happen in the future but that is with us right now, it’s certainly well worth the time to examine in detail what your requirements are.