Diesel or Petrol?

It used to be an easy decision to make! Diesel for better economy or petrol for a better ride. Nowadays however things have changed a great deal thanks to large advances in diesel technology. It is all down to what strengths you are after from your new vehicle.

Advantages of diesels:

• They are far more economical than petrol engines.
• They have lower emissions, especially CO2, and are cleaner which determines how much road tax you will pay.
• They are renowned to have better "pull" in their gears, reducing the need for gear change.

As diesel technology has advanced quickly over the past few years Turbo Diesels have become a common force in the car market. It is well worth spending the extra few pounds on a turbo-diesel as they provide better economy and a smoother ride.

Petrol engines are still a very popular choice though! They have superior 0-60 mph times and they offer a higher performance. Also those punters after a luxury vehicle may be put off by extra vibrations and noise under acceleration offered by diesels.

Advantages of petrols:

• Petrol engines are quieter, more responsive and faster revving than diesel engines
• Petrol engines are generally cheaper to service
• Due to technological advances they are catching up to diesels in the economy stakes.

Even though diesel engines have been grabbing all the headlines petrol engines have been equally impressive in advances also. Outputs, both torque and bhp, have been improving dramatically and not to the detriment of fuel consumption. Emissions have also significantly dropped in recent years and petrol engines do not need soot filters fitted like diesel powered engines do.