The most obvious difference between diesel and gasoline cars is the type of fuel they use. Diesel cars run on diesel fuel, while gasoline cars run on gasoline. Diesel fuel is a heavier, more oily fuel than gasoline, and it has a higher energy content. This means that diesel cars can get better fuel economy than gasoline cars.
Engine
Diesel engines are also different from gasoline engines in the way they operate. Diesel engines use compression ignition, while gasoline engines use spark ignition. In a diesel engine, the fuel is injected into the cylinder and then compressed until it reaches a high enough temperature to ignite. In a gasoline engine, the fuel is mixed with air and then ignited by a spark plug.
Power and Torque
Diesel engines typically produce more power and torque than gasoline engines of the same size. This is because diesel fuel has a higher energy content than gasoline, and diesel engines are more efficient at converting that energy into power. Diesel cars are often used for towing and hauling because of their increased power and torque.
Emissions
Diesel engines produce more emissions than gasoline engines, including particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons. However, diesel engines have been getting cleaner in recent years, and many new diesel cars meet the same emissions standards as gasoline cars.
Cost
Diesel cars are typically more expensive than gasoline cars. This is because diesel engines are more complex to build than gasoline engines, and diesel fuel is more expensive than gasoline. However, diesel cars can save you money in the long run because they get better fuel economy than gasoline cars.