One of the main questions people face when purchasing a new car is: "Which car should I buy, one with a diesel engine, a gasoline engine, or a hybrid engine ?"
If you also have this doubt, the best thing you can do is learn about each type of car and see if the advantages they offer suit your driving needs.
How gasoline-powered cars work
A gasoline-engined car runs on an internal combustion engine. Gasoline mixes with air when it enters the engine and is compressed in its cylinders.
You may have also heard the term " combustion engine ." It's used because gasoline explodes internally. This explosion acts on the piston, which rotates the crankshaft, which is also connected to the transmission of the wheels, responsible for their movement. The piston also expels the gases through the exhaust pipe.
The gasoline engine operates on the basis of a wide variety of components, but everything described above is done very quickly, in just a few seconds.
How diesel cars work
A car with a diesel engine is also based on an internal combustion system, except that instead of gasoline, diesel (also called diesel or gasoil) is used .
In these cars, combustion occurs due to the high temperature of the air when it comes into contact with the fuel during the compression phase.
Furthermore, diesel has different characteristics than gasoline, as it burns longer and offers greater energy output.
How hybrid cars work
A hybrid car is so-called because it combines the capabilities of gasoline and diesel internal combustion vehicles with electric cars.
The hybrid car has two batteries, an engine that is generally gasoline (it can be diesel) and an electric motor.
One of the hybrid's batteries is used to start the combustion engine , while the other powers the wheels.
There's also the option for the hybrid system to activate both the combustion engine and the electric motor. After all, this system is designed to optimize vehicle efficiency whenever possible.
Advantages of gasoline-powered cars
Below we look at the advantages of gasoline-powered cars , which will help you assess whether they fit what you're looking for:
The price of new cars with gasoline engines is usually the cheapest of all, if we only compare the engine type.
Their maintenance is also an advantage , since the probability of breakdowns is lower and their repair is less expensive than, for example, diesel cars.
It allows you to carry an environmental label, specifically the C, which allows you to travel in large cities.
The experience it offers for many drivers is the key advantage, given that in many models, such as sports cars and SUVs, the unique sensation that gasoline provides when propelling the vehicle is unique.
Advantages of diesel-powered cars
Diesel-powered cars also have their advantages and have been able to adapt to the new requirements of the sector:
New diesel-powered cars are more economical than electric cars, and in practice, their price difference compared to gasoline vehicles is not very high.
Fuel consumption remains the great advantage of these engines, even compared to hybrid models.
In case you've been wondering, diesel cars aren't going away anytime soon. Certainly not before 2035, and it remains to be seen whether alternatives like synthetic diesel fuel will become the lifeline the segment needs to keep it around for much longer.
In terms of driving, a diesel offers greater power and towing capacity , which is why they are very useful models for towing caravans or for tackling more difficult terrain.
They share the same environmental label as current gasoline, the C, with all its characteristics.
Advantages of cars with hybrid engines
Finally, we have to look at the advantages offered by hybrid cars, which are also important for the purchasing decision:
The range of new hybrid cars is growing, so you're sure to find a model that suits your needs.
Combining fuel and electricity means lower consumption and greater efficiency, resulting in significant economic savings.
Hybrid cars have an automatic charging system that recharges while you're driving. You won't have to worry about constantly recharging.
The environmental label associated with a hybrid car is ECO, which offers greater driving and parking benefits, especially in Low Emission Zones.
A hybrid vehicle does not depend on electric charging stations.
Finally, we must not forget that hybrid cars represent a more sustainable alternative to internal combustion engines.
Which car is best for me: diesel, gasoline, or hybrid?
With all this information, you can now answer the question, " Which car should I buy: a diesel, a gasoline, or a hybrid? " We'll help you with the answer for each one!
Gasoline-powered cars are recommended for driving less than 20,000 km per year, in compact or small cars, and when you want to reduce your investment as much as possible. If you use your car regularly in the city with occasional long trips, these models are more suitable for you.
Diesel-powered cars are advisable if you plan to drive a lot of miles year-round, preferably for long journeys. If you also have a trailer or a large model, there's even more reason to choose them.
Hybrid cars are ideal for almost exclusive use in the city and for short trips, as this is where their low fuel consumption and automatic battery recharging are most optimized.