Diesel vs Gasoline Engine: Which do you prefer? [Poll of the Week]

Cars in the Philippines are usually equipped with a diesel or a gasoline engine. Each of the said engines come with their own pros and cons, which plays a significant role when an individual is considering to buy a new car. So, what’s the better engine? Is it diesel or gasoline? The answer to that question involves a lot of factors to be considered.

As an overview, diesel engines operate through compression heating of the air/fuel mixture. Gasoline engines, on the other hand, uses a spark plug to ignite the air/fuel mixture. 

When you look into the fuel price in the Philippines, the cost of filling up a diesel engine is cheaper than a gasoline engine. The average price per liter of diesel is significantly lower than gasoline.

If you look into the materials used, diesel engines are mostly made with steel alloy blocks and heads. This translates to more durability but it makes diesel engines heavier as compared to gasoline power units. On the other hand, most modern vehicles that come with a gasoline engine are made with aluminum alloy blocks and heads, which lessens the overall weight of the power unit.

2021 Isuzu D-Max's 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine

Maintaining a gasoline engine is relatively cheaper in the long run as maintenance parts come with a lower price tag. To put things in perspective, a diesel injector costs around Php 15,000 to Php 30,000 per piece, while a gasoline injector costs about Php 4,000 to Php 10,000 per piece.     

Diesel engines have higher low-end torque outputs, which is ideal if you’re looking for a vehicle that can carry heavy loads. In terms of fuel efficiency, diesel engines are often more efficient than gasoline. A study conducted by Carnegie Mellon University stated that diesel engines deliver 30 percent better fuel economy than gasoline power units. But, gasoline-powered cars emit lower CO2 emissions, which is more environmentally friendly.  

So, what’s the better power unit? Is it diesel or gasoline? Let your voice be heard, and cast your vote in Philkotse’s Poll of the Week.

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