Once upon a time the place to buy diesel was a truck stop. Occasionally, you’d find a diesel pump stuck at the far end of the forecourt. It was there for passing truckies or farmers to fill up.
Today it’s a very different world. The diesel bowser is next to the ULP or high octane petrol in almost every service station because diesel’s gone mainstream.
Workhorse or race horse
Because petrol and diesel engines operate differently, traditionally they’ve been allocated different roles. In the past if you wanted speed and performance you chose a petrol engine. Petrol was the fuel of choice for family cars or something a little sportier, because petrol engines were much more responsive and comparatively economical to run.
Similarly, if you wanted torque and power at low rev’s and the extra grunt when you need it, you chose a diesel. Diesel was perfectly suited to commercial vehicles that were already heavy by design, and capable of towing a significant load. They’re happy sitting at 2000 revs on long haul trips and have the power on-hand to cope with steep hills or rough off road conditions.
Diesel has come of age
The technology has improved performance, and Aussies love their diesel cars. They’re buying them in numbers which has never seen before. At first glance the diesel option may look more expensive; however, they offer great overall value for money because they’re hugely efficient.
Petrol still has a lot to offer
If it’s high performance you’re after, you probably can’t go past a well-tuned petrol engine. For the enthusiast, it’s all about the revs, and reaching the maximum power smoothly and of course fast.
How do they compare?
Diesel engines have a reputation for being louder, lumpier and less responsive. On the up side:
– A diesel may cost a bit more upfront, but they hold their resale value often, meaning better trade in when the time comes.
– Fuel economy – up to a third more fuel efficient than the equivalent model with a petrol engine, averaging out at 20% according to a NRMA survey.
– Diesel costs more per litre but drives you further.
– Older diesels required more frequent servicing, newer vehicles are on a par with petrol.
Horses for courses
If you regularly do long trips with a trailer or a boat on the back, you are going to love the reliability, power and durability of a diesel engine vehicle.
The sheer weight of numbers for petrol driven cars means there are some economies of scale to be had. Servicing can be slightly cheaper and fuel is often significantly cheaper. Generally, petrol driven cars are quieter, more responsive and better suited to city driving and shorter trips. If you like your sporty little car that’s quick off the mark and easy to park, you love the responsiveness, reliability and affordability of a petrol drive-line.
Whether your Audi, VW or Skoda is petrol or diesel, you know you can count on the crew at Elite Euro to get your car in, serviced and back on the road again with the minimum of fuss.
