In the know: Differences of gasoline and diesel engines

Before battery-electric vehicles became mainstream, automobiles ran on two types of fuel: gasoline and diesel.

While both gas- and diesel-fed engines combust fuel to power our vehicles, they have certain differences that make them particularly effective in various applications. That said, let’s look at what differentiates the two engine types.

Power

When it comes to producing more power, many consider diesel engine-equipped vehicles to be better than ones fitted with gasoline powerplants.

Experts say that diesel fuel is thicker and has more energy density compared to gasoline. Hence, the former offers more energy per liter than the former.

On that note, diesel engines are commonly equipped on vehicles that are used for work with high-power demand such as medium- and heavy-duty trucks.

Torque

Diesel engines also produce more torque than their gasoline-fueled counterparts.

Thanks to their ability to produce more pulling power, they are better at hauling heavy loads compared to gasoline engines.

Speed

Here’s where gasoline engines stand out.

Gasoline fuel is more volatile than diesel fuel. Thus, it can operate at high engine speeds with higher revs.

Additionally, gasoline engines tend to be smaller than diesel engines. Their lighter weight makes them better powerplants for vehicles that are designed and engineered to go fast.

NVH

Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) are yet another aspect where gasoline engines excel. They are usually less jittery than diesel engines which makes them ideal for family cars and vehicles that are intended for personal use.

That said, you will often see gasoline engines slapped on city cars such as hatchbacks, sedans, and the ever-popular crossovers.

Maintenance

Back in the day, we used to hear that the cost of ownership is higher when you drive a diesel engine-outfitted automobile than a gasoline-fed one — and more often than not, they’re not wrong.

Owning a diesel-fed pickup truck or a sport utility vehicle might have been pretty challenging because they run on a much viscous fuel. You will most likely change specific components — such as filters — and will have to have particular parts — like the exhaust gas recirculation unit — cleaned.

However, today’s advancement in technology has made maintaining diesel engine-equipped vehicles easier. Further, since they operate in lower revolutions per minute, their parts are better at handling wear and tear.

Verdict

Choosing between a vehicle that runs on gasoline or diesel depends on your motoring needs. The former is best suited for the outdoorsy, cargo-hauling car owner while the latter may work best for the fast-paced city dweller.

Photos from Juan Paulo Papa

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