Gasoline or diesel: How to choose?

Published on : 07 November 20194 min reading time

While diesel engines were initially seen as very polluting and uncomfortable, this type of engine seduced the French and these cars dominated the car fleet. While a diesel-powered car is more expensive to buy, these types of cars seduce consumers with their long-term fuel savings. Compared to gasoline cars, these cars are often more affordable and less polluting.

However, these gasoline-powered cars are complicated to maintain and more fuel-intensive in the long term. For more information on these types of cars, here is a comparison guide to help consumers choose between gasoline and diesel.

What are the differences between diesel and gasoline?

The principle of the diesel engine is that it works through self-combustion. This system avoids the use of spark plug ignition. The compressions in these engines are larger and can cause heat to rise until the fuel is burned. Under these conditions, the oil can ignite alone in the cylinders when it is sucked in by the breather and turbo.

For the petrol engine, the fuel/air mixture is more homogeneous and evenly distributed in the chamber. While in 2012, diesel-powered cars accounted for more than 70% of the market, it is now only 40%. More and more motorists are deciding to invest in gasoline cars because of the many disadvantages of diesel (restriction, pollution, prohibition…). To test vehicle efficiency, researchers measured fuel consumption on brands of diesel and gasoline cars in different situations: highway, road, city, normal traffic, a steady pace on highway for a compact SUV or an urban traffic jam for a city car.

Thus, during a cycle on the severity of bottling, the Clio TCe 90 consumes 8.4 l of petrol per 100 km travelled while the dCI 90 consumes 5.9 l of diesel fuel per 100 km. Make it easier to drive a gasoline or diesel car by adding accessories such as a lumbar cushion that allows you to enjoy a massage while driving. Drivers who have difficulty executing a slot will be able to equip the car with reversing radar. By buying lifting candles, you can empty your vehicle yourself.

Costs and budgets

The price of petrol cars costs from 5000 €/year to 9900 €/year when it comes to common models. This amount is obtained by considering the price of gasoline as well as the purchase and redemption difference. Other criteria can also influence the calculation of the price: fuel, insurance, mileage maintenance… according to this study, the cheapest car all year round is the Dacia Logan. These diesel-powered vehicles cost only €4912 including VAT for 8638 km/year. To save more money, the driver will be able to find used models by buying this car using the conversion premium.

The Renault Clio is a gasoline powered vehicle, it is appreciated by motorists for its very low cost. According to a study, for 8638 km covered in one year the amount of the car is 6063 €. This represents €0.702 per kilometre. The proud owner of Renault Clio will have to plan a budget of 6316 €/year. The cheapest car per kilometre is the Peugeot 308. The average price per kilometre of this diesel is 0.532 €/km.

Where to find these cars?

The purchase of a new or used car can be made from private individuals to private individuals. To facilitate this process, you can choose to buy your vehicle on the Internet. Several portals have specialized in supporting the purchase of goods between individuals. Their objective is to secure the transaction and reassure buyers and sellers. It is also possible to find the car of your dreams through brokerage. It can be interesting to buy a vehicle abroad.

Germany, for example, is known for its attractive prices on Audi and Volkswagen vehicles. Italy is a country known for its affordable prices compared to the rest of France. The concern is that the necessary papers for the formalities concerning the purchase of these cars are binding. When using a brokerage service, care must be taken to ensure that these specialists do not overcharge additional fees that may increase the cost of commissions. By looking for the car broker who will make the purchase, you can discover the agencies involved and passionate about cars abroad.

The advantage with the intervention of a local broker is that it is possible to negotiate the cost of the project. This allows clients to regularly waive the cost of brokerage. Buying a gasoline or diesel car from a dealership includes additional fees at the price of the car. The driver will have to include other costs such as: registration of the car if it is new, starting up, taking out insurance, refuelling, cost of accessories…

Do we still have to buy a diesel car?
Buying guide: choosing the right petrol engine

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