Gasoline or diesel: Which car engine should you choose?

 

When it comes to your next vehicle, you've probably considered all sorts of options. Make, model, body style, two- or four-door, front- or rear-wheel-drive... the options can seem endless. But there's one more option you should be considering before you sign the dotted line - whether you want a diesel engine or a traditional gasoline engine. Toyota of Clermont is here to compare the two to help you better decide. 

The differences between diesel engines and traditional engines

Engine 

Diesel and traditional engines have some pretty big differences. For starters, a diesel engine doesn't have spark plugs. Gasoline engines use spark plugs to ignite a fuel-air mixture and get your engine up and running. Diesel engines, on the other hand, use extremely high compression rates to create heat that then ignites the fuel. 

Diesel engines also have fewer parts than normal engines, which can be more cost-effective when it comes to repair costs and maintenance costs (less to break and less to take care of). 

Performance 

Diesel engines have an edge on traditional engines when it comes to performance - specifically when it comes to fuel efficiency. While diesel fuel may be a bit more expensive to buy at the gas station (and you'll only have one grade to choose from as opposed to three or more), the engine uses fuel more efficiently than a traditional engine. 

If you're worried about being green during your drive time, don't be. Diesel engines are a lot quieter, lighter, more eco-friendly than they used to be so you don't need to be concerned about noise or emissions. They're also great when it comes to highway driving. 

And when it comes to power, diesel engines take the top spot. Since their compression rate is so high, they can generate a lot of horsepower and torque quickly (and without having a huge engine in the mix). This means better towing and hauling capabilities if you've got heavy loads to get around town. 

Cost

Traditional engines are cheaper than diesel engines when you buy the vehicle - the sticker price is usually lower. 

Toyota of Clermont can help you take care of your vehicle's engine 

Have more questions or feel like you need to shop for a new Toyota OR service your current vehicle? Call Toyota of Clermont now at (352) 404-7001. We're open seven days a week at 16851 State Road 50, just west of the Florida Turnpike!