38 replies to this topic

[pes2013]

I'm pretty torn in the debate so ill see if Neowin can help me....

I'm going to do at least 90km daily
Europe
4 door (or 5 whatever)
Big ass (I think everyone know that)
Used car
I'm not going to be much in the city; mostly highway

So which to get: gasoline or diesel?

[Hum]

I think diesel gets 'better' mileage, but it is also more polluting.

[+djdanster]

I've always been told, diesel is better for longer distances on highways/motorways at a constant speed. So from that, I'd say diesel is your option

[siah1214]

Hum, on 16 January 2013 - 01:44, said:

but it is also more polluting.

[citation needed]

To the OP, given the choice, I'd always opt for diesel

[Astra.Xtreme]

siah1214, on 22 January 2013 - 04:34, said:

[citation needed]

http://www.bizjourna...=article_search

[siah1214]

Astra.Xtreme, on 22 January 2013 - 04:41, said:

http://www.bizjourna...=article_search

http://webpages.char...marz/Diesel.pdf


It's not as cut and dry as one would think And there's arguments both ways.

Also, since diesels generally get better mileage, there's less pollution from the production of it than gasoline since less is being used. This would be true even if gasoline use equaled diesel use.

[Dushmany]

Astra.Xtreme, on 22 January 2013 - 04:41, said:

http://www.bizjourna...=article_search

Not being disrespectful, but modern diesel engines, like the new Volvo and BMW engines, have been proven to be less polluting than equivalent petrol combustion engines, now I''m afraid I don't have the news story available to back that claim up.
I just remembered something I heard in 5th Gear, and Top Gear (UK Motor tv shows, in actuality, Top Gear has been described as Children's TV for dads) when they were doing reviews on these cars.
In the UK tho, the diesel engine is rapidly becoming the king of the hill, because of how much fuel prices are, it also lets low income families, (and me) have larger cars than we could normally afford, due to some degree on savings per mile. My own car A Vauxhall Omega, is a gas or petrol engine vehicle which I'm looking to replace with either a Chrysler Grand Voyager minivan or possibly a Toyota Previa, 1, for family reasons, a 5 seater car is no longer practical because my mom has moved back in with us and in our family hierarchy, the youngest son looks after the parents when they become old, and 2, I sat down and worked out even with more than usualy mileage, beyond the ususal commute to work, get the shopping, pick up the kids etc... I stand to gain an additional 15 or if I'm careful 30 miles, per gallon.
But like I said, this is being dictated to us due to finances. I do not have a problem with Petrol engine cars.
So for the OP if you're in a similar financial situation, I'd unfortunately have to recommend a diesel engine car. (But acknowledge, that any small enigne car would do you well if you're only doing town and city driving)

[qdave]

Get diesel! Who cares about pollution if you are saving money.

besides new cars are not as polluting as the cars 10yrs ago.

I drive 99 golf tdi and sometimes I get black smoke, which newer Mercedes bluetec cars don't have for example.

[Detection]

Do you think you will run out of fuel on your journey?

If yes, diesel will be a PITA

Do you think your battery will die at any point ?

If yes, diesel will be a PITA, although not impossible to bump it doesn't do the engine any favours

[Torolol]

if you're not going for speed, diesel is the way to go.
just in case, don't forget to carry backup fuels.

[+sc302]

Detection, on 22 January 2013 - 05:13, said:

Do you think you will run out of fuel on your journey?

If yes, diesel will be a PITA

Do you think your battery will die at any point ?

If yes, diesel will be a PITA, although not impossible to bump it doesn't do the engine any favours

He is in an area where diesel can be had almost anywhere unlike in the US rual areas. I would say diesel as well.

[+littleneutrino]

If i had the choice I would use Diesel, as even though the cost per unit is more with the savings in efficiency you would save money. However, i would also take into account what environmental features a vehicle offered to counter the fact that it is more of a pollutant than gasoline.

[Growled]

I am not not a fan of diesel myself but in your case in seems the best option.

[Hum]

siah1214, on 22 January 2013 - 04:48, said:

Also, since diesels generally get better mileage, there's less pollution from the production of it than gasoline since less is being used.

Apparently you've never noticed those big tractor-trailer trucks going down the highway.

The stink and smoke takes my breath away !

And please don't tell me this is 'rare' -- I see and smell trucks like this every week.

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[Dushmany]

Hum, on 23 January 2013 - 15:19, said:

Apparently you've never noticed those big tractor-trailer trucks going down the highway.

The stink and smoke takes my breath away !

And please don't tell me this is 'rare' -- I see and smell trucks like this every week.

That was a little unfair Hum, you're talking about a huge engine workhorse, diesel cars have miniscule engines compared to semis, artics, tractor trailers, and if well maintained, they can be clean, no engine is perfectly clean, and I do agree with you that diesel is a dirty fuel.
Many decades ago, there used to be petrol, or gas engined artics, used to go through gallons of fuel per mile.
I'm not trying to change your mind, and to be honest, My post wasn't supposed to defend diesels as much as it has, but any engine, as long as it's well maintained pollutes less.