Shopping for a used car requires making several decisions. One of these decisions may involve your future vehicle’s engine type. More precisely, you may be asking yourself if you’re better off buying a diesel or gasoline vehicle.

Both options have several pros and cons. Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer and your choice depends on your unique needs and expectations.

Gasoline Engine Versus Diesel Engine: What’s the Difference?

Gasoline and diesel are two commonly used internal combustion engines. On the surface, gasoline and diesel engines may seem similar. However, there are a handful of distinct difference between the two.

Gasoline and diesel engines operate on the same four-stroke cycle:

1. Suction stroke: The engine’s piston descends sucking air into the cylinder through open air intake valves.

   2. Compression stroke: The valves close and the piston goes back up the cylinder to compress the mixture of air and fuel.

   3. Power stroke: The mixture is ignited to force the piston back down the cylinder.

   4. Exhaust stroke: the ignited air and fuel mixture is pushed back out of the cylinder by the piston through the exhaust valves.

As you’re driving your vehicle, the process repeats itself about a thousand times per minute.

The key difference between gasoline and diesel engines is how each one ignites the air and fuel. Diesel engines have significantly higher compression ratios to ensure the air and fuel mixture is compressed enough to the point of ignition.

On the other hand, gasoline engines use less compression and are ignited by spark plugs. The more cylinders a gasoline engine has, the more spark plugs it needs. For instance, a four-cylinder engine needs four spark plugs (one spark plug per cylinder).

Diesel Engine Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Engine power: Diesel-fueled vehicles accelerate faster than those with gasoline engines. They are also exceptionally durable and have unparalleled towing abilities. For instance, if you’re looking to tow a boat or camper, a diesel-fueled truck may be your best option.

• Fuel efficiency: Diesel vehicles are more efficient than their gas-thirsty counterparts. Diesel vehicles excel on highways, so if you spend a lot of time traveling, choosing a diesel vehicle may be the right option for you.

• Maintenance and repairs: Since diesel engines don’t need sparkplugs, you’ll never have to worry about replacing bad sparkplugs or having your vehicle undergo the same tune up steps that gasoline-fueled engines require.

Cons:

• Expensive fuel: While diesel engines are fuel efficient, the cost of diesel fuel tends to be higher than gasoline and harder to find, especially if you’re in the suburbs or a downtown area. Diesel is often only available on a limited number of pumps at gas stations.

• Emissions: Diesel-fueled cars and trucks emit toxic chemicals into the atmosphere.

• Noise: Diesels are generally a lot nosier and rugged than gasoline-fueled cars. If you don’t like to draw other people’s attention, you may want to avoid getting a diesel vehicle.

Gasoline Engine Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Noise: Gasoline-fueled cars are generally less noisy than their diesel counterparts.

• Cost: Gas engines are typically less expensive than diesels, meaning you’ll likely pay less upfront for a gasoline-powered vehicle and your monthly fuel costs will be lower as well.

• Fuel economy: Although gasoline engines aren’t as efficient as diesels, gasoline is typically cheaper and more accessible than diesel fuel.

Cons:

• Emissions: Like diesel fuel, the chemicals emitted when gasoline burns play a significant role in air pollution.

• Longevity: Gasoline engines aren’t as robust as diesel engines. They tend to wear down faster and have shorter lifespans than diesels.

• Resale value: All things being equal, diesel vehicles tend to retain their value slightly better than gasoline-powered vehicles. Gasoline engines frequently have lower resale value, mainly due to their shorter lifespan.

Shop for Used Vehicles in Washington D.C. or Baltimore

Whether you’re looking for a robust diesel-powered truck, a compact commuter car or a family-friendly SUV, we have what you need.

At Direct Car Buying, we offer customers a large and diverse inventory of pre-owed vehicles.

Looking to sell your car? Complete our short submission form for a non-binding but firm offer.

To learn more, call 877-927-6093 or send us a message.