Petrol vs Diesel: Which One to Buy?

Weighing up the pros and cons of petrol vs diesel cars is an important step for any car buyer. The type of car you choose depends on several factors that you need to consider. Do you travel out of town frequently or just drive within the city? Do you like road trips and want a fuel-efficient car with a powerful engine that can tow your caravan? These are some questions that may help you choose whether a diesel or petrol car is best for you. 

What are the pros of petrol cars?

Petrol is Cheaper than Diesel

You can save a few pence per litre with petrol compared to diesel. For a full tank, that might mean saving just two to four quid, but that adds up easily in just a year. You can also check fuel prices in your area to get the best deals. 

Petrol cars are also generally cheaper to buy than their diesel counterparts. So, if you want an affordable car that costs less to run, a petrol car might be the best option. 

Great for Short-distance Driving

If you only need a car to drive within the city, a petrol car is your best bet because it’s fuel-efficient in short distances and its engine is quieter than diesel cars. Whether you’re driving to work, taking your kids to school, or making your way to the supermarket, it will be a smooth and quiet drive. 

Less Particulate Emissions 

Petrol and diesel cars seem similar since they both run on fossil fuels, but petrol engines are designed differently than diesel ones. Petrol engines compress both fuel and air, while diesel engines only compress air and then inject fuel into compressed air, producing less particulate emissions. These are emissions that contribute to air pollution in major cities and are linked to respiratory issues among residents of urban areas. 

What are the cons of petrol?

Not Practical for Long-distance Driving

As mentioned above, petrol is cheaper than diesel, but if you use a petrol car for long drives and higher speeds, its engine will need more fuel. That’s why it’s important to consider how often you need to make long drives. If you only take the occasional road trip to Scotland, for example, then it’s no problem. But if you do have regular long-distance trips by car, then a diesel car might be more fuel-efficient and practical for you.

Higher Tailpipe Emissions and Tax Rates

Petrol engines may produce less particulate emissions than diesel cars, but they actually produce higher carbon dioxide from tailpipe emissions. CO2 is among the major greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. Cars that produce more CO2 are also taxed more. If you’re looking to save money on car-related taxes, it’s best to choose a car that has a lower CO2 output, such as a hybrid or even a full-electric car. 

What are the pros of diesel?

Better Driving Experience for Long Trips

A lot of the best fuel-efficient cars have diesel engines. They’re great for long-distance drives because they can deliver more power without needing higher engine revs. With petrol cars, long drives might not be as smooth since they need more gear changes to reach your desired speed. Cars with diesel engines can perform better without working as hard as their petrol counterparts. So, if you drive long distances regularly and want a smooth driving experience, a diesel car might be best for you. 

More Miles with Every Full Tank

The price of diesel per litre is higher than petrol, and that might discourage you from buying a diesel car. Don’t worry, though; think about your driving needs to figure out which car is more practical for you. For frequent drives on motorways, you’d want to get as many miles as possible every time you fill up the tank. A diesel car can give you better mpg (miles per gallon) since diesel produces more energy than petrol. This difference becomes more obvious if you take long-distance trips often. 

What are the cons of diesel cars?

More Expensive to Buy

Cars with diesel engines are more expensive to buy than petrol cars. One of the main reasons for this is modern diesel cars are now equipped with complex technology that helps reduce particulate emissions. They still have tailpipe emissions but are not as polluting as petrol cars. Over the course of owning a diesel car, you can also offset its hefty price tag if you take into account the better fuel economy. 

Short Trips Can Harm the Engine Over Time

Diesel cars are great for long drives, but they don’t like short trips at low speeds. Today’s diesel cars have a filter in their exhaust that helps reduce particulate emissions. However, for the filter to function efficiently, the engine needs to reach a specific temperature range. Frequently driving a diesel car for short trips and slow speeds can cause blockage in the exhaust filter. In the long run, this issue can cause a major engine problem that can be quite expensive to fix.  

 So, which car is better: petrol or diesel?

Between a diesel and petrol car, the best choice is the one that fits your budget and can give you a safe and smooth driving experience. Evaluate your driving needs first to know if you need a city car or one that can endure frequent long drives. You may even check the cost by using a petrol vs diesel calculator. This will save you a lot of trouble when comparing the costs of buying and running a diesel or petrol car.

Auto Financing with Carmoola

Cars are expensive, but car finance can make the purchase more budget-friendly. You only need to cover the deposit to drive home your new car because the rest of the cost is spread over a series of monthly instalments. Calculate your car loan to work out your budget! 

Applying for car finance with Carmoola is simple and easy. Just download the app on your phone and start the process. You’ll be done in a few minutes, and once approved, you can buy the car you want. Got questions? Reach out to us! We’d love to chat.