petrol and diesel

Would you go for Petrol or Diesel in 2017?

Are you considering buying a new car for 2017? If so, one of the most important decisions that you need to make is whether you want to invest in a petrol car or a diesel one. Diesel and petrol automobiles differ in several crucial ways, so there are a number of factors you need to take into account when making this decision. We’ve identified the three most important factors for you.

1. Cost

Diesel vehicles aren’t manufactured quite as widely as petrol vehicles and are a little more expensive as a result. Petrol-powered cars represent a more affordable initial investment. However, diesel is a more efficient fuel than petrol, meaning that it provides more miles-to-the-gallon and therefore allows you to save on refueling costs. The at-the-pump prices of diesel and petrol are very close at the moment. Diesel is currently more expensive than standard unleaded petrol, but less expensive than super unleaded petrol.

According to PetrolPrices.com, the average price of unleaded petrol (as of yesterday) was 115.60p per liter. The price of diesel was 118.20p and the price of super unleaded was 129.50p. However, these prices fluctuate regularly, so they should be taken with a pinch of salt. The bottom line is that petrol cars are cheaper, which means that, if you choose to invest in one of these vehicles, you will have a greater range of options in your price range. However, the money you can save on refueling by opting for a diesel-powered vehicle makes them more cost-efficient in the long-run, regardless of the prices at the pump.

2. Performance

Diesel engines generally have superior torque compared to petrol engines. They require fewer revs to generate significant levels of torque, which allows them to pick up speed more easily and enables you to change gears more rapidly. In contrast, petrol engines are more responsive and provide you with a generally smoother driving experience. The difference isn’t particularly pronounced, but if either torque or smoothness are vitally important to you, you should factor it into your decision.

3. Environmental impact

As we mentioned in our ‘cost’ section, diesel is a more efficient fuel than petrol. Ergo, it releases less CO2 for each mile driven than petrol, which means that its overall impact on the environment is smaller. However, it also emits more particulates than petrol and its fumes are more noxious. As a result, petrol cars have less of an impact on the local environment than diesel cars. There’s no right or wrong choice, but it’s worth thinking about your environmental impact before selecting a type of car.

Regardless of whether you decide to invest in a petrol or diesel car, we can help. In order to buy any car, you’ll need to free up funds by selling your old one. As trusted car buyers, here at Simply Car Buyers, we are happy to purchase your old vehicle and provide you with the cash to spend on a new one.