 Engines: Gasoline Versus Diesel
Posted by carsandtrucks on Saturday, February 21 @ 14:11:46 PST
Gasoline and diesel engines work on the same principle of converting a chemical energy into the mechanical energy that drives your car or truck. How these internal combustion engines accomplish the converting of the energy is where gas engines and diesels engines differ. A gasoline engine will produce more horsepower while a diesel will generate more torque. This makes the diesel more attractive in work trucks or when you have a big boat or camper to haul. Diesels tend to get
better miles per gallon then their counterpart gasoline engine. This is in part because diesel fuel generates more BTU's of energy than gasoline. Diesel engines also tend to last longer then gasoline engines before needing any major overhaul work. So with all these advantages why would you ever consider a vehicle powered by a gas engine? Gasoline engines are quieter, cleaner, have a less expensive initial cost, and are less expensive in terms of routine maintenance. Diesel fuel used to cost less then gasoline because as a raw fuel it requires less refining. Today diesel fuel cost around .65 more per gallon then gasoline. Diesel technology as applied to passenger vehicles has improved from the early days. They are quieter and have less of an offensive odor then that of early diesel cars and trucks. They still have a way to go when comparing them to a gasoline engine in terms of environmentally acceptable. The choice between gas and diesel comes down to what your use for your vehicle is. If you are hauling heavy loads then diesels deserve consideration. If you are looking for quiet and clean operation, stick with the gas engine.
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