For years, the only vehicles with diesel engines were of the heavy-duty variety: trucks, tractor-trailers, and vehicles made for construction. Today, ordinary passenger cars can have diesel engines as well.
At Bob King Buick GMC, diesel is one of our specialties. There are pros and cons to everything revolving around automobiles, and diesel is no exception. Here are some factors to consider when shopping for a diesel-powered vehicle.
Gas Mileage vs. Fuel Cost
While diesel cars account for around 3% of U.S. car sales in recent years, almost half of European passenger cars have diesel engines.
One big reason for this is the higher fuel efficiency a diesel engine can achieve. That means lower fuel costs, and less wear and tear on the engine since diesel motors require less maintenance parts and tune-ups.
Still, this advantage is offset by the higher cost of diesel fuel, and the fact that only about half of U.S. gas stations carry diesel fuel at all.
Diesel Power: Less Horsepower, More Torque
If you are in the market for a truck or SUV and have some major long hauls on the horizon, diesel may be the way to go. The increased torque means a greater towing capacity and that your vehicle can accelerate faster.
The drawback is the possibility of lower overall horsepower and top speed. If you’re looking for a sporty coupe, diesel is likely not for you.
Longer Lasting, Lower Emissions
Diesel technology has come a long way in just the past few years. Today’s diesel engines run much cleaner than in the past.
They produce far fewer emissions than a gas-powered car, which means less of an environmental impact in the long run.
Diesel engines can last longer, run cleaner, haul more, and cost you less in the long run. For more information about diesel cars, contact us here at Bob King Buick GMC today!
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