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Step 3. Diesel or
Petrol? |
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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?
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They're far more economical than petrol engines.
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They're cleaner, with lower emissions, especially CO2
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They have better 'pull' in the gears,
reducing the need for gear changing.
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Diesel technology has come on in 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'll 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?
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Petrol engines are quieter, more
responsive and faster revving than diesel engines.
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They're generally cheaper to service.
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They're catching up with diesels in the economy stakes.
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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.
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