Petrol Cars Vs Diesel Cars: A Comparison of Pros and Cons

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Petrol Cars vs Diesel Cars

With the wide variety of car sizes, transmissions, and fuel types to choose from these days, it can take a bit of thought in deciding which kind is the best for which purpose. Size and transmission are fairly easy decisions to make. Simply based on number of seats and luggage space required the size of vehicle can quickly be determined, and the driver’s ability or preference over automatic or manual transmission should be an easy choice also.

Fuel type though, more specifically the choice between diesel and petrol cars, is one which many people don’t consider, or simply don’t understand enough about. The important things to consider are of course what factors which will affect the amount of money spent on fuel throughout the trip.

Generally speaking, cars running on diesel have more low-end torque, meaning more engine power at lower speeds. This is perfect for travelling in areas with steep terrain, slippery surfaces, or if you are transporting something heavy. Petrol cars on the other hand have greater acceleration, can be quieter and smoother to drive, and in a few countries such as Australia, you will have the benefit of fuel being available at all petrol stations, while there is still some that do not stock diesel.

One important factor many drivers are unaware of is the cost advantages of a diesel over a petrol car. Diesel engines in general travel further per tank than petrol cars, with some achieving up to 25 or 30% more driving distance. In many countries diesel is in fact cheaper than petrol too, so this is an added bonus for diesel drivers, giving them even more km per dollar. While in some countries like Australia and the United States, diesel is dearer than petrol at the bowser, even here the costs balance out as a result of the extra kms driving that a tank of diesel can do, usually still working out cheaper (depending on the price difference of course).

While car rental companies unfortunately do not usually guarantee what kind of fuel type your car will be, DriveAway Holidays can always make a request for you, with depot staff doing the best to provide a vehicle with the fuel type requested. With Peugeot Leasing, car categories do specify fuel type, so here, you can be guaranteed a petrol or diesel car, depending on which you choose.