Most people drive engines fueled by gasoline, but diesel engines are also an option. Here in the United States, most diesel engine owners are truck drivers. However, diesel engines are a popular option in the compact and mid-size vehicle fleet, so diesel is offered as an option for cars sold by makers like VW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, etc.
These engines function differently, and each has its set of pros and cons. Just as the answer to questions about 4WD vs 2WD or AWD depends on your environment and lifestyle, there are several factors to consider when determining whether a diesel or gas engine is right for you.
Both engines are considered internal combustion engines and use chemical energy (fuel) converted into energy. This conversion occurs based on a series of small explosions (hence “internal combustion”) that create mechanical energy. This energy moves pistons up and down, catalyzing a rotation that propels the vehicle forward on its wheels.
The How Stuff Works website has a concise explanation of the four-stroke cycle:
Although their four-stroke combustion cycle is identical, how the explosions take place varies between the two engines.
Some of the ways diesel and gasoline differ include processing and how they combust.
Both diesel and gasoline share the same source, fossil fuels mined as crude oil and then processed. This crude oil-to-fuel process is part of what separates the two from one another. During the refinement process, diesel oil is separated out, while gasoline goes through a longer refinement process. This makes gasoline thinner in density - and more volatile.
Diesel, on the other hand, has a higher density level. This makes it slower to evaporate, giving it a higher energetic density. Diesel is 20% more efficient than gasoline, meaning one gallon of diesel has 20% more energy than the same amount of refined gasoline.
Diesel engines use a process called direct injection. That means that fuel is sent directly into the cylinder, rather than gasoline engines that inject the fuel just before the first intake stroke.
Like 4WD, diesel fuel is the best choice for companies and vehicle owners that want to optimize power and efficiency. That’s why it’s the most predominant fuel type for everything from semi-trucks and heavy-duty trucks to steamships and backup power generators.
Of course, there are also downfalls to diesel engines, the biggest one being their emissions. Diesel engines used to be gross polluters compared with gasoline, partially due to the fact that the fuel is less refined. This is why diesel engines are often equated with big, smelly clouds of black exhaust smoke.
However, over time, diesel engine manufacturers continue to tweak engine mechanics and chemical components so diesel engines burn cleaner than ever before - although they still pollute far more than gasoline-powered vehicles.
Most everyday drivers and commuters opt for gasoline-powered engines for several reasons.
At the outset, gas-powered cars and trucks tend to have more affordable ticket prices than the same vehicle with a diesel engine. However, when it comes to the car's lifetime, it’s hard to predict which is more affordable. Over their lifetime, the diesel engine's fuel efficiency, durability, and longevity are more cost-efficient. If you’re on a budget and in the market for a used car, one with a well-maintained diesel engine may be the best option.
Initially, diesel fuel was cheaper than gasoline since it wasn’t as refined. However, emissions and clean energy laws have changed production. Now, extra production requirements to produce lower-sulfur diesel (which burns cleaner) increase production and distribution costs. As a result, gasoline is now cheaper than diesel at most gas pumps.
The same low torque and fewer RPMs mean diesel cars are slower on the acceleration from a dead stop. Turbo engines are available and appreciated by diesel truck owners. However, most city drivers prefer a car with more “pick me up” than you’ll get with a diesel engine.
The tow trucks here at J&T Towing are all diesel-powered machines. It’s the best way to guarantee a reliable, powerful, and efficient fleet - ready to pick up our clients any time of the day or not. Is your diesel or gas-powered vehicle currently broken down on a roadside? Contact J&T Towing, and we’ll be there to help you out.
