Diesel vs Petrol Cars - Which One Should You Buy?
In this article, we compare petrol and diesel cars covering everything from pros and cons to deciding which is right for you.
The electric vehicle (EV) movement is now fully underway, and the future of electric mobility seems closer than ever. But not everyone is on board.
For some people, EVs just aren’t a practical choice for their lifestyles. Some don’t have off-street parking for home charging, while others simply prefer a more traditional driving experience.
Taking all EVs off the table, you’re left with a choice of either petrol or diesel cars. But which is right for you? Read our comparison article to help you decide.
Which car is better – petrol or diesel?
Depending on the factor, the answer to whether petrol or diesel cars are better may vary.
For efficiency, diesel engines are known to be more efficient than petrol engines, offering more miles per gallon. This makes them the ideal choice for drivers who typically drive more miles each year.
On the flip side, petrol cars are at their most economical when used for shorter trips and commutes. Meaning if you don’t go as far, a petrol car might be better suited to you.
Diesel and petrol cars each have their pros and cons, which will determine which one is right for you. Let’s take a closer look at each!
What are the pros and cons of buying a diesel car?
Originally introduced as a more efficient alternative to petrol cars, diesel cars offer a range of benefits. These include:
- Lower emissions – diesel cars use less fuel than petrol cars, making them produce fewer CO2 emissions.
- Better fuel economy – offering more miles per gallon, diesel cars can be more cost-effective to run. Especially when clocking up more miles over the year.
- Better towing abilities – diesel cars are known to produce more torque giving them better pulling power for towing. Figures will vary depending on make and model.
They do however have their drawbacks too, such as:
- A higher initial cost – you’ll generally find diesel cars are slightly more expensive than petrol cars meaning you’ll have to compromise.
- Higher fuel costs – according to What Car? diesel fuel now costs around 22p more per litre than petrol.
- More expensive maintenance – diesel cars typically see higher maintenance prices than petrol cars.
For all they produce fewer emissions, diesel cars still produce higher levels of particulates. These are very small bits of soot that can be bad for the lungs.
What are the pros and cons of buying a petrol car?
Staying traditional with a petrol car can also have its benefits. Petrol cars offer:
- A lower initial cost – petrol cars are cheaper to buy initially than diesel cars, great if you’re on a budget.
- Reduced noise – many petrol cars have been reported to offer a smoother ride with fewer vibrations than a diesel car. Again, this may vary from model to model.
- Lower NO2 levels – petrol cars produce less NO2 than diesel cars, though they still produce a lot more CO2 emissions.
They may make a great run around, but petrol cars aren’t without their faults. These include:
- Higher CO2 emissions – there’s a lot more carbon in petrol fuel, meaning it produces more emissions when burned.
- Less fuel efficient – petrol cars don’t offer the fuel economy that diesel cars do.
- Less practical for towing – petrol cars are less adept at carrying heavier loads, meaning they’re not as good for towing as diesel cars
Do diesel cars last longer than petrol cars?
It’s often said that diesel cars last longer than petrol cars, and there may be some truth in this.
For a start, diesel fuel is a light oil and is used to lubricate parts of the engine, therefore prolonging its lifespan. Diesel cars are also able to remain efficient at higher mileages thanks to their fuel economy, making them last longer.
The lifespan of any car, however, will change depending on the make and model. Other factors like your individual driving style and how well you maintain your car can also determine its lifespan.
Petrol vs diesel car tax and insurance
Wondering whether having a petrol or diesel car gives you a positive advantage when it comes to tax and insurance? Again, this will depend more on the individual car and you – the owner.
Road tax is calculated based on whether the car meets the Real Driving Emissions 2 (RDE2) standards set by the government. These indicate the maximum level of nitrogen oxide (NO2) emissions a car can have.
The amount of road tax you pay will depend on the level of CO2 emissions your car produces. Older vehicles that produce more emissions will typically pay higher road tax. While newer cars with improved engine performance will pay less. EVs currently pay zero road tax, though this is set to change on 1st April 2025.
As for insurance, this depends on several factors. A rough indication of these might include:
- Your age
- Address
- Driving history
- Mileage
- Previous driving convictions
- Any no-claims bonuses
Petrol or diesel – which should you buy?
We’ve seen that petrol and diesel cars both have their strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, it all boils down to your preferences and the driving experience you want.
Given the upcoming ban on petrol and diesel vehicles in 2035, however, it may be worth keeping an open mind. Diesel and petrol vehicles may be the short-term solution for now, but the time will come when you’ll need to broaden your horizons.
Electrified vehicles are far more efficient, producing reduced to zero emissions, and are much cheaper to run and maintain. Still feeling dubious about EVs? Visit our Electric Vehicle Hub where you can learn more about electric and hybrid vehicles.
Find your next car at Macklin Motors
Ready to start searching for your next car? At Macklin Motors, you’ll find a wide range of fantastic new and used cars to meet your needs.
Whether you’re looking for a compact hatchback for nipping around town or a stylish family SUV, you’ll find lots on offer. From petrol and diesel cars, to electric and hybrids.
With finance options like Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), Hire Purchase (HP), and Personal Contract Hire (PCH), you don’t need to worry about the cost!
Browse our latest deals available below, or book an appointment at your local Macklin Motors dealership. For any questions, feel free to get in touch with our expert team.
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