If you are thinking about purchasing a diesel fueled car, you’ll want to think about a few of the pros as well as the cons ahead of time.
—
In hopes of steering you to the decision that is just right for you and your needs, we have compiled the pros and the cons of owning a diesel automobile. For the purposes of pointing out the contrasting differences between diesel and gasoline powered engines, we are going to focus on just one car in particular: the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze.
This impressive compact vehicle has all the top requirements for a great commuter car; user-friendly infotainment systems, comfortable interior with seating for up to five, ample storage space, multiple safety features, a smooth ride, and your choice of a diesel or a gasoline powered engine.
– Pro: Diesel Engines are more fuel efficient than gasoline engines.
A significant difference between the gasoline powered Cruze and the diesel powered Cruze is mileage.
The gasoline powered Chevrolet Cruze gets 30 miles per gallon in the city and 40 miles per gallon on the highway.
The diesel option gets the same in the city, but wait for it – here’s the big difference; it pulls away with a stunning 52 miles per gallon on the highway. So clearly when it’s on the open road, the diesel model is much more fuel efficient – a serious pro if you drive longer cruising distances.
– Con: Diesel fuel costs more per gallon than gasoline
The national average price for one gallon of gasoline is around $2.24, whereas it’s around $2.44 for diesel. Now, that’s only twenty cents more, per gallon, for diesel than for gasoline. However, the Chevrolet Cruze’s fuel tank, on both the diesel and the gasoline models, has a capacity for just under 14 gallons of fuel. Let’s do the math – that’s $34.16 to fill up on diesel and $31.36 for gas.
It’s only a few dollars difference, but on a long trip or over many years, those dollars start to add up. In addition, fuel prices fluctuate year-around and some days you may win at the pumps, and others? Not so much.
– Pro: Diesel engines will last longer and wear better than gasoline engines
While both engine types require care and maintenance, a gasoline engine traditionally requires more maintenance and upkeep than a diesel engine does. Most properly cared for gasoline engines will reach the limit of their lifespan before or near 100,000 -200,000 miles, whereas diesel engines are just getting broken in at those numbers. Many diesel vehicle owners, laughingly, complain that their car’s diesel engine often outlasted their vehicle’s other major parts and chassis. So that’s a pro for the diesel’s side.
– Con: Diesel fueled vehicles cost more than gasoline fueled vehicles
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the diesel fueled Chevrolet Cruze is $23,795.00 and their suggested retail price for the gasoline fueled Chevrolet Cruze is $18,525.00. That’s a difference of $5,270.00. So due to its longer life-span, it is a pro for the diesel’s side, but something you will pay more upfront to enjoy.
– Pro: Gasoline parts cost less than a diesel parts
A pro for the gasoline fueled car’s side and a con for the diesel’s side.
– Con: Diesel engines smell awful
Traditionally, burning diesel does have a foul odor; just try being behind a school bus or large diesel engine truck in slow traffic and you will quickly agree. However, diesel car manufacturers have gone to great lengths to change that and have come a long way over the past few years.
– Pro: Diesel burns cleaner with less emission than gasoline
Certainly a nice pro for the diesel engine’s side as well as the environment.
– Pro and Con: Gasoline is a more volatile fuel than diesel
Gasoline fumes will quickly ignite and explode with just the slightest spark. Whereas diesel is more stable and will not burn without prolonged exposure to an open flame. So, a pro for the diesel engine’s side and a con for the gasoline engine’s side.
– Con: Not all gas stations sell diesel fuel
This can be a real problem if your fuel tank’s arrow is sitting near the empty side. Another con for the diesel engine’s side.
– Pro and Con: Mechanic services are often higher for diesel engine work
We will let you decide if this is a pro or a con, as the extended life-time of the diesel engine may make this one pan out over the long run.
– Pro: Diesel engines have increased torque power
Increased torque gives the vehicle better towing capabilities, as well as better initial acceleration abilities. A pro for the diesel, unless you like being the first to jump off the line when the traffic light turns green.
– Cons: A diesel engine has decreased horsepower
A pro for the gasoline powered engine and those who like a bit more quick speed from their vehicle’s engine.
– Con: Diesel engines are noisy and ride rough
This is something that car manufacturers have come a long way in correcting over the years, but it is true; gasoline engines are usually much quieter with a smoother ride.
– Pros: Diesel powered vehicles offer a higher resale value
Due to their longer life-span they do hold a much higher resale value than their gasoline powered counterparts. Definitely, a pro for the diesel engine’s side.
So there you have it. We have listed the many differences between diesel and gasoline powered vehicles. Once you decide, which is best for your budget and your family, be certain to put the Chevrolet Cruze on the top of your ‘test drive’ list as their diesel model and their gasoline model are top-notch in comfort, reliability, and quality.
Add Comment