Due to the nation’s quest for better gas mileage, diesel vehicles may be enjoying a resurgence. In the past, diesel engines were noisy and caused a lot of unsafe emissions, but today’s diesel engines are quieter and burn cleaner (they must meet the same emissions standards as gasoline engines), not to mention they’re more powerful and fuel efficient than similarly-sized gasoline engines. In fact, diesel engines are 20-30% more efficient than gasoline engines. Nearly all semi-trucks, delivery vehicles, buses, trains, ships, boats and barges, farm, construction and military vehicles and equipment have diesel engines.
So what exactly is diesel fuel? Diesel fuel is about 18% heavier than gasoline and consists mostly of hydrocarbons and is a distillate refined from crude oil. Diesel fuel is less volatile that gasoline, and is ignited by compression, rather than a spark, as is the case with gasoline.
Let’s take a look at both the pros and cons of driving a vehicle with a diesel engine:
Pros
- Increased power
- Increased fuel efficiency
- Long life – a diesel engine with 250,000 miles or more is not uncommon!
- Better resell value
- Improved acceleration
Cons
- Louder engine
- Dirtier emissions
- Fuel may be more expensive
- Places to purchase fuel may be more limited
When trying to decide between a diesel or gasoline vehicle, weigh all the pros and cons, along with your particular needs, before making your final decision.
