If you are looking for a car, one of the most important factors that you need to consider is which engine should you choose, diesel or gasoline. Some would argue that gasoline engines are better versus diesel engines, while some would say otherwise.
Both powertrain options have their strengths and weaknesses. We guess that it will boil down to what type of mobility you need for your daily commute. You could also consider the condition of the area you live in as one may be suited to the other.
To help you decide on which of two should you choose, we have listed down the pros and cons of each powertrain option. By the end of the article, we hope that you can choose if whether a diesel or a gasoline engine better suits your lifestyle.
It might be a challenging task to tell the diesel vs gasoline differences
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Diesel vs gasoline cars: Pros & Cons
Diesel Cars
Pro #1: Now more eco friendly
One of the many reasons why people try to refrain from getting a diesel Sedan Philippines is because of its harmful carbon emissions. It is true to some extent. However, with the new advancement in engine technologies and the mandatory transition to ultra-low sulfur diesel, this type of powertrain is as eco-friendly as gasoline engines.
Pro #2: High torque values
If you try to look at the specification sheets, you will notice that most diesel engines have higher torque numbers than gasoline engines of the same displacement. Well, the reason for this is that diesel engines come with a high compression ratio and larger and heavier parts which ultimately result in higher torque values.
With high torque even at low RPM, you can go uphill smoother as compared to gasoline engine cars. It can also help you accelerate faster at full stop even when the cabin is fully occupied. This is the reason why most workhorse vehicles and trucks are powered by a diesel engine.
Pro #3: More fuel-efficient
Diesel engines are generally more fuel-efficient than gasoline engines. As such, many Filipino car buyers opt for a diesel variant of a model. In addition, diesel fuel is cheaper by almost 25 percent in the Philippines. Overall, this type of powertrain takes 15 to 20 percent less fuel, making it a more budget-friendly option.
Con #1: Noisy operation
Even if you don’t have a sharp ear for engine sounds, you will still notice whether a car is using a diesel due to its noisy operation. The reason why diesel engines are noisy is due to their high-pressure operation. With this, the ride comfort is also affected, resulting in a shaky or wobbly cabin even at idle.
Con #2: Repair costs
The maintenance cost of diesel vs gasoline engines is relatively cheaper considering the former comes with lesser parts such as spark plugs. However, a diesel powertrain is more expensive to repair if you run into an accident or huge damages. Diesel engine parts are heavier and larger so manufacturing costs are high. Plus, parts are not as available as those for gasoline.
Con #3: Soon-to-be phased out
Many car brands such as Toyota and Mitsubishi have announced that they will no longer manufacture diesel engines. Although this is the case for gasoline engines as well, but diesel will be phased out sooner than its competitor. If you are planning to buy a new car, we recommend that you get an electric vehicle (EV) or gasoline engine car as these should stick around longer in the market.
Diesel engines are cheaper to maintain than gasoline
Gasoline Cars
Pro #1: Gasoline is more eco-friendly vs diesel
Gasoline engine cars produce less toxic emissions like nitrogen. Its eco-friendly feature is also brought by not only the chemicals present in gasoline, but also the advancement of exhaust systems that cleans the exhaust gases from the engine before being released into the atmosphere.
Pro #2: Better ride comfort
If diesel engine cars are made mostly to be a workhorse or off-road vehicle, then gasoline engine cars are made for general mobility use. The reason why most premium and luxury cars come with a gasoline powertrain is that it offers better ride comfort and a quieter cabin as compared to those cars powered by a diesel powertrain.
Con #1: Shorter lifespan
The lifespan of a gasoline car is generally slightly shorter than a diesel car. On average, gasoline engines last for 322,000 km only, while diesel engines last for up to 1,609,000 km. A diesel engine comes with heavy-duty components in which its overall design is more durable than gasoline.
Con #2: Fuel costs
In the Philippines, the price of gasoline fuel has always been higher than diesel fuel. However, this is not the case in some countries. The price will depend on the tax imposed by the government. Unfortunately for Filipino gasoline car owners, they need to save more to keep their cars running.
Video: 4 Major Diesel vs Gasoline Differences
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Diesel vs gasoline cars: Filling fee comparison
One point to bear in mind when considering diesel vs gasoline cars is the filling cost. From a financial perspective, there are no big differences between a gasoline and a diesel car at the moment. Another significant characteristic you should be aware that gasoline cars cost less in repairing while fixing a broken diesel car will be more expensive. New diesel cars also cost more for tax than gasoline but it does not get as high depreciation rates as a gasoline car does.
To keep it simple, the more miles you cover, the more likely you are to save money by choosing a diesel engine. Just make sure that you won’t make the mistake of filling gasoline for a diesel engine, or vice versa, as it can cause serious damage.
One point to bear in mind when choosing a car that matches your demand is the filling cost
Diesel vs gasoline cars in the Philippines: Conclusion
Overall, both powertrain options have their advantages and disadvantages. Technically, no engine will cater to all mobility needs so a choice has to be made. It is safe to say that the answer will depend on your daily mobility needs that should suit your lifestyle, as well as your budget for the long run. The winner for diesel vs gasoline will always be subjective.
If you want to save more, then you should opt for a diesel engine car. From the low maintenance costs to its longevity that can last over a million kilometers, it is without a doubt that diesel is the more budget-friendly option. On the other hand, if you want to prioritize ride comfort, then a gasoline engine car should be your choice. Just be ready for all the costs the convenience will give you.
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