With the cost of gasoline rising over the years, a vehicle’s fuel economy has become an important factor for consumers shopping for a new vehicle. Consumers are looking for vehicles that give them the best fuel economy. One of the considerations for many consumers is the debate between diesel and gasoline engines. There are many differences between diesel engines and gasoline engines that affect fuel economy. These differences are internal and external, as well as cost related.
The internal difference between diesel and gasoline engines
Both gasoline and diesel fuel are derived from crude oil. The most apparent physical difference between the two fuels is that diesel is heavier and more oily. There are other differences between the two fuels that affect the fuel economy they provide.
While both diesel and gasoline engines use internal combustion, they burn fuel differently. Gasoline engines use a spark plug to ignite the gas, which in turn drives the pistons and ultimately the vehicle. Diesel engines use compressed air, heated to over 1000 degrees fahrenheit, to ignite the fuel. This difference in the engine design plays a big part in the fuel economy of both kinds of fuel.
The external difference between diesel and gasoline engines
Gasoline engines are the ride of choice for most consumers in the United States. The cost of gas at the pump has been lower than its counterpart fuel for the past few years. Vehicles that use gasoline are lighter than vehicles that use diesel fuel. Older diesel engines are noisy, expend a lot of exhaust, and vehicles that use these engines cost significantly more than those that use gas. This difference is partly due to these engines being used in heavy equipment, industrial trucks, and larger pick-up trucks.
Gasoline engines allow for better acceleration than their diesel counterparts. However, the compression design of the diesel engine makes it the choice for anyone who wants the power to tow heavy loads. Diesel engines are heavier than their gasoline counterparts, but they are more efficient. The difference in weight decreases the diesel engine’s effective efficiency and fuel economy.
Newer diesel engines are much lighter than their older engines. These machines have a lower compression level, which reduces the need for heavy engine blocks and rugged accessories necessary on older models. The lighter vehicle components translate to less weight overall, which only enhances the fuel economy of the engine. New engine designs have also cut back on the emissions of their fuel. In fact, many newer diesels have a better emissions profile similar to, or even better than, a newer gasoline burning vehicle.
The cost difference between diesel and gasoline engines
Pump prices are in gasoline’s favor. However, if you measure miles per gallon for a similar weight load, diesel fuel will take your farther than the same amount of gasoline. For consumers who enjoy the lighter diesel engine design, the improved miles per gallon levels make them competitive at the pump.
Since fuel economy will remain a hot topic for consumers, the debate between diesel and gasoline engines will continue for many years. Fuel retailers should be prepared for a range of new vehicles that use both of these fuels.
If you need wholesale fuel or if you have any questions about any of our products or services, contact Kendrick Oil today. Give us a call at 1(800) 299-3991. You can also connect with us via email through our contact us page. We provide high-quality fuel products throughout Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico.
