Petrol vs. Diesel Cars: Which Fuel Type Are You Better Off Owning On Our Roads?

Exploring the Pros and Cons of Diesel Cars and Petrol Cars

If you’re in the market for a used car, deciding on the right fuel type can be a crucial step in the buying process. Whilst there is a growing availability of hybrid and electric vehicles, petrol and diesel cars continue to dominate the used car market. So how do you choose between the two? In this comprehensive guide, we’ve included all the information that you’ll need to make an informed decision.

In this article…

What Are The Pros of Petrol Cars?

What are The Cons of Petrol Cars?

What are the Pros of Diesel Cars?

What are the cons of diesel?

Choosing the Perfect Fit: Deciding Between Petrol and Diesel

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What are the pros of petrol cars?

Lower running costs: Petrol is cheaper than diesel at the pumps. You’ll typically pay around 2p less at the pump for petrol versus diesel. Whilst this may sound like a minuscule saving, you’ll notice a huge difference over the course of a year.

Less local air pollution

Lower running costs: Petrol is cheaper than diesel at the pumps. You’ll typically pay around 2p less at the pump for petrol versus diesel. Whilst this may sound like a minuscule saving, you’ll notice a huge difference over the course of a year.

Check out this handy guide on how your engine type impacts global warming.

Petrol Cars are Typically Quieter:

Whilst there have been advances in diesel engines, petrol-powered cars are still usually smoother and quieter than diesel engines. As mentioned above, diesel and petrol-powered cars work slightly differently, so you’ll hear less noise and feel fewer vibrations with a petrol car, especially when you’ve started it from cold.

What are the cons of petrol cars?

Fuel Economy:

Whilst it’s likely that you’ll pay less for petrol per litre than you would a diesel engine, you could end up using more of it. This is particularly true on longer drives at average speeds, as this is where diesel engines are most efficient.

If you only undertake 200-mile round trips occasionally, the fuel economy may not be a major concern. However, if you frequently embark on long motorway journeys, it’s essential to consider the impact on your fuel expenses. In such cases, opting for a diesel car may be a better option, as they typically offer better fuel efficiency on extended drives.

Higher CO2 Emissions:

Petrol cars emit more carbon dioxide than an equivalent diesel engine. CO2 is one of the primary sources of ‘greenhouse gases’ that are linked to climate change and global warming.

Having higher CO2 emissions may also mean that you’ll have to pay more tax if the car was registered before April 2017. Before this date, the UK Government used CO2 emissions to calculate a car’s annual road tax – the lower your CO2 emissions, the lower your tax fee.

You may also notice that you’re charged more in clean air zones across the UK. It’s always best to check before driving into any major UK city what regulations they have which may affect your vehicle.

What are the pros of diesel cars?

Ideal for Long Journeys and Towing: The Power Advantage of Diesel Engines

When it comes to long journeys, diesel engines have a clear advantage over their petrol counterparts. Their ability to deliver more power at lower engine revs allows diesel cars to effortlessly handle extended motorway trips without straining the engine.

This means they can achieve comparable performance levels while operating at a more relaxed pace. This power advantage also makes diesel cars exceptionally well-suited for tasks such as towing, ensuring a smoother and more capable towing experience.

What are the cons of diesel cars?

They’re More Expensive:

Diesel vehicles typically cost more than their petrol equivalent, mainly because modern diesel vehicles are fitted with advanced technology that reduces their particulate emissions.

They can Cause Poor Air Quality:

The NOx (Nitrogen oxide) gasses that older diesel engines emit are linked to poor air quality, which can lead to breathing problems and other health issues.

Diesel Vehicles Don’t Like Short Journeys:

The majority of modern diesel cars have a feature in their exhaust called a diesel particulate filter that helps to reduce harmful particulate emissions. During shorter and lower-speed journeys, the filter doesn’t function efficiently, so if you do these trips on a regular basis, the DPF can get blocked and cause engine problems – which can be very expensive to fix.

Choosing the perfect fit: deciding between petrol and diesel

The decision on whether petrol or diesel is the right choice for you ultimately depends on your driving patterns and preferences. If you primarily undertake shorter journeys within a town, or urban area, a petrol car becomes the go-to option. Its agility and versatility make it an ideal choice for navigating urban areas efficiently.

Whereas, if you frequently embark on longer journeys, or find yourself clocking motorway miles, a diesel car may prove to be a better fit for you. Its robust power and better fuel efficiency make long-distance travel a breeze.

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