Difference Between Petrol Cars and Diesel Cars

Petrol Cars vs Diesel Cars

Petrol car and diesel car, what’s the difference? Many of us are confused when buying a new car as to which one to go for, a petrol car or a diesel car. Those who have used both at one point of time or another have their own preferences depending upon driving experience. There was a time when diesel cars were scoffed at, because of their poor performance but times have changed and with advancement in technology, and the introduction of the new CRDI engines, Diesel cars are an attractive option for those going to buy a new car. There are still differences between the two types of cars, and here is a comparison that will keep you in good stead while choosing one for you.

Fuel is fired with the help of a spark plug in petrol cars while diesel cars do not need a spark to ignite the fuel. Compressed air does the trick to diesel as it burns when injected due to compression and temperature. Spark plugs are meant only for petrol cars.

Fuel efficiency of petrol cars is much less as compared to diesel cars. Diesel produces more energy per unit of fuel and this is why vehicles with a higher power rating such as trucks and buses run on diesel only. Thermal efficiency of diesel makes it better suited for heavy vehicles.

Modern cars are designed to obey your commands. The more pressure you put on accelerator, the more fuel is injected in the engine to burn for more power. With petrol, this is naturally done, while in case of diesel, there is a slight time lag and you feel that you are not getting as much power as you need. But with recent innovation called Common Rail Diesel Engine (CRDI), diesel cars are also turbo now and thus running neck to neck with petrol cars.

Diesel cars have a higher torque than petrol cars. This makes maneuvering a diesel car easier than petrol car when driving uphill and it takes lesser effort because of higher torque generated.