When choosing a car, attention should be paid to many factors. One of the most important factors is undoubtedly the type of power unit. Drivers often ask themselves: what’s better – diesel or gasoline? When seeking an answer, it’s worth comparing both versions and carefully considering one’s own driving style. This determines, among other things, which model to buy. Read our article to learn everything about economical gasoline engines and their alternatives.
What differentiates diesel from gasoline?
The difference is most visible in the ignition of the fuel-air mixture. In diesel models, this occurs spontaneously. The air compresses to a level where the temperature reaches the value required for ignition, which happens after the fuel is injected. Economical gasoline engines, on the other hand, rely on spark plugs to generate the spark for ignition.
Additionally, they differ in terms of combustion, which is a crucial aspect when debating diesel versus gasoline. The former has higher thermal efficiency (around 50%), while the latter is lower (around 38%). Therefore, diesel models have an advantage here.
What about reliability? In this aspect, economical gasoline engines have the edge because they are much simpler in construction. That’s why it’s worthwhile to opt for them, especially if frequent city driving is planned. On the other hand, diesel engines are available for larger vehicles.
Diesel vs. gasoline – how do they drive?
Let’s focus on driving comfort now. The differences are quite noticeable, although there isn’t a clear winner in the diesel vs. gasoline showdown. This stems from the different applications of the power units. Diesel engines perform excellently under heavy loads (such as towing) and on long distances (especially intercity drives), making them a worthwhile choice in such situations. On the other hand, economical gasoline engines fare better in cities due to higher RPMs and their resilience to RPM changes during braking or accelerating.
What’s better – diesel or gasoline?
In truth, there isn’t a straightforward answer to this question. A lot depends on how you intend to use the car, as we mentioned in the previous paragraph. It’s worth noting that while a diesel might have a higher initial cost, it quickly pays off due to lower fuel consumption. On the other hand, economical gasoline engines excel in terms of lower likelihood of breakdowns, quieter operation, lower emissions, and better cold starting.
Is it worth buying a diesel in the coming years?
There are indications that the popularity of cars with diesel engines will consistently decline in the near future. Just mentioning that both Toyota and Porsche have already discontinued the production of such vehicles, and other brands are planning to follow suit. Therefore, the answer to the question of whether it’s worth buying a diesel may be negative. This technology is gradually becoming a thing of the past and is now predominantly found in SUVs, vans, and luxury cars. They are being replaced by much better and more fuel-efficient gasoline engines. Hence, it’s worth considering purchasing a car with a gasoline engine or even a hybrid.
