The Whole Truth About Diesel Engine Cars
If diesel is cheaper and gives you more miles for your fuel buck, why aren’t more drivers using it? The reason is that not all that glitters is gold. Although diesel engine cars have improved over the past few years, there are still some disadvantages, especially when we talk about emissions.
When choosing between a gasoline or diesel engine car, consider these facts:
1- Fuel economy
According to data gathered by The Auto Alliance, diesel vehicles give you an average of 20% to 30% more miles per gallon than gasoline engines.
For example, the Vokswagen Passat diesel model gets 28 miles per gallon, a 32% increase form the gasoline version. A diesel-powered Jeep Liberty has up to 30% better fuel efficiency. A diesel Ford Focus gives you 13 more miles per gallon when compared to its gasoline counterpart.
2- Options available
Only 3.6% of passenger vehicles in the market are available in diesel models. According to The Wall Street Journal, diesel engine cars account for 3 to 4% of sales, yet this number is expected to rise to 10% by 2010. Increased demand should also bring a better offer of diesel models.
3- Initial price difference
The initial cost of a diesel vehicle can be between $2,000 and $6,000 more than the gasoline version of the same car, says the Wall Street Journal.
4- Fewer places to fill up
According to the Diesel Technology Forum, about 42% of fuel stations offer diesel.
5- Engine noise
In the last few years, diesel engines have reduced their noise level to almost the same as a gasoline car.
6- Emission levels
Diesel vehicles release more polluting Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx). Although clean diesel improves emissions, they still pollute more than gasoline-powered vehicles. The Environmental Protection Agency also believes that the tiny particles of dust produced by diesel may be a carcinogen.
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