Should I buy a diesel or petrol car in South Africa?

Many South African motorists will have to decide whether to buy a diesel or petrol car. Read on further and learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of petrol and diesel-powered cars.1,2

How is the environment affected?1

Diesel engines consume less fuel than petrol cars, thus releasing less global-warming carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The downside is that diesel engines produce more toxic nitrogen, which in turn causes smog and acid rain. In addition, catalysts only work when they are hot and are thus not effective when they stay cold on short trips. Diesel also produces soot, which consists of extremely carcinogenic small particles that can cause breathing problems and lung cancer.

What about running costs and resale value? 1

Diesel engines are more mechanically complicated, making the car that much more expensive to buy than petrol cars. The upside is that vehicles with correctly maintained diesel engines can obtain a higher resale value than petrol cars. What will confound this picture in the future is the increasing use of electric and hybrid vehicles.

Maintenance of diesel and petrol cars1

Although diesel engines need to be serviced more frequently than petrol ones and at a higher cost, their engines seem to last forever.

Don’t forget the carbon tax1

Carbon tax in South Africa for new petrol cars is more than diesel ones because the former emit more significant amounts of carbon dioxide.

What’s it like to drive? 1

Although petrol engines are not so noisy and more sophisticated, diesel engines generate powerful torque at low speeds. This provides substantial power for towing a heavy trailer or overtaking. The diesel engine is like a ‘tractor’ or workhorse and is ideal for long trips.

So, what is it to be? 1

Besides the advantage of the extra torque, diesel engines use less fuel. In addition, turbocharged engines also impact fuel efficiency.

How does a turbocharger affect fuel consumption? 2

There is currently a manufacturing trend to use smaller engines or downsize capacity to comply with the demands of lower carbon emissions, lower fuel consumption and yet greater power. By using a turbocharger that forces air into the engine, smaller engines can use less fuel and produce fewer carbon emissions. However, they will still have a similar power output than the larger engines.

Does downsizing have a disadvantage? 2

Smaller engines need less fuel, but more fuel is required while the turbocharger is working hard when they require extra power. Therefore, when a smaller engine requires more power more frequently, it will use more fuel compared to a larger non-turbocharged engine undergoing the same effort.

Disclaimer

Car insurance is complex, and for this reason, this article can only supply information. If you wish to buy a car insurance product, it is best to first consult a certified financial advisor for professional advice.

Sources:

1. 1. Diesel or Petrol – Which is better?