Diesel & Petrol Turbo

[WIL70S]

what is the difference between the two?

[MikeyG]

It used to be a clear-cut decision; diesel for economy, petrol if you wanted to enjoy driving. Nowadays however, things are very different, and thanks to huge advances in diesel technology there is a viable alternative to the petrol machinery that has dominated for so long. It's all down to what strengths you are after in a car.
What's so great about diesels?

· They are far more economical than petrol engines.

· They are cleaner, with lower emissions, especially CO2, which determines how much road tax you pay.

· They have better 'pull' in the gears, reducing the need for gear changing.
Diesel technology has come on leaps and bounds over the past few years. Nowadays, turbo-diesels are common-place, with only small or cheaper old used cars doing without one. It's well worth spending the extra to get a turbo-diesel, as both performance and economy will be better than non-turbo models, and they will be nicer overall to drive, too.

Modern direct-injection and common-rail systems are also worth looking out for. They improve performance and economy even further, and are often quieter, smoother and less 'smoky' than older, less advanced systems.

We're not saying petrol has had its day. Certainly, superior 0-60mph times mean sporty drivers need not consider anything else, while those after a luxury car may well be disappointed by the extra vibrations and noise under acceleration offered by diesels.

What's so great about petrol?

· Petrol engines are quieter, more responsive and faster revving than diesel engines.

· They are generally cheaper to service.

· They are catching up with diesels in the economy stakes.

· Diesel technology may be making the headlines, but petrol engine technology advancement has been just as impressive. Outputs, both torque and bhp, have been improving dramatically with subsequent new models, and not to the detriment of fuel consumption.

· Emissions, too, have dropped significantly and petrol engines don't need the additional soot filters that are fitted to diesel-powered cars.


Here you go.. read this.. btw i did not write this pulled it out from a site which i was actually reading! http://lifeandhealth.guardian.co.uk/motoring/buyingadvice/story/0,,1663945,00.html