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Which is better: diesel or unleaded?

Pottstown Mercury -- In the past, diesel fuel was always considered dirtier than gasoline. But newer standards regulating sulfur content and improved technology in diesel engines have made diesel somewhat kinder to the environment.

Many eco-advocates now tout diesel as a viable and preferable alternative to regular unleaded gasoline.

Where diesel fuel really shines over gasoline is improved fuel economy thanks to its higher “energy density”: Diesel contains more power per liter than gasoline.

Today’s diesel engines have 20-40 percent better fuel economy than their gasoline counterparts, which some say more than makes up for the fact that they also produce about 15 percent more greenhouse gases.

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Submitted Sep 04, 2010 By: BurntOrange

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vandamme Champion Author New York Posts:1,018 Points:117,800 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Sep 7, 2010 8:08:09 AM Ignore vandamme Report Abuse Diesel FTW! And let's make more biodiesel too.
torn8owx Champion Author Philadelphia Posts:2,313 Points:577,515 Joined:Feb 2010	Message Posted: Sep 7, 2010 7:51:37 AM Ignore torn8owx Report Abuse Other factors: More expensive upfront usually a min of $1500 you have to overcome. Fuel more expensive in my area than premium which is a problem. Heavier engine, so more weight hurts fuel economy. Plus is the same engine is very durable & can last a real long time. Reality is your driving habit. If you do a lot of highway, diesel should be a serious consideration, in city I think hybrid is the more practical solution
BCweatherman All-Star Author British Columbia Posts:738 Points:802,730 Joined:May 2009	Message Posted: Sep 6, 2010 5:03:14 PM Ignore BCweatherman Report Abuse My Dad always says diesel.
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:15,259 Points:1,141,225 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Sep 6, 2010 7:16:02 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse although, any extra alternatives (except ethanol) will be a good move. EtOH has no energy density and when it takes 8 gal of fossil fuel to make 10 gal of EtOH with a 20% lower energy density then fossil fuel, there is no net gain in the equation.
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:15,259 Points:1,141,225 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Sep 6, 2010 7:14:50 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse if we can move from fossil to bio-diesels, we will even have less pollution. The vehicles in Europe that run on bio-diesel blends (or straight) are producing hardly any soot or any smell.
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:15,259 Points:1,141,225 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Sep 6, 2010 7:12:55 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse PeteOhki: what you are smelling is high sulfur content diesel. The new 2007 standards at least for the continent are ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD). That does not produce the H2S that you're smelling when you talk about "sewer" smell.
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:15,259 Points:1,141,225 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Sep 6, 2010 7:10:39 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse I still prefer diesel for long distance driving and for towing. My 1994 1-ton 8 cylinder ol' Detroit diesel still beats any of the newer 8 cylinder gas burners in towing mpg. Still get about 13 - 14 mpg (which is less than newer truck, I admit). Friend's 3/4 ton 2007 8 cylinder gas burner gets about 5.5 - 6 mpg towing the same load.
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:15,259 Points:1,141,225 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Sep 6, 2010 7:08:41 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse remay: diesel is only higher priced b/c Pig Oil can... if the market forces were at work, diesel would be where it should be, about 25 - 30% lower than gasoline. After all, diesel is the first fracking product when cracking crude oil.
remay Champion Author Houston Posts:4,696 Points:1,654,720 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 6:03:37 PM Ignore remay Report Abuse Whats the bottom line to a consumer - the cost per mile? Is higher prices and higher mpg more cost-effective than lower cost and lower mpg?
PeteOhki Veteran Author Honolulu Posts:309 Points:307,150 Joined:Mar 2010	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 5:51:58 PM Ignore PeteOhki Report Abuse Well, if going diesel, a diesel with a supercharger or turbocharger? Of course, you would then have to be very strict in your driving style to maintain good gas mileage. But, I understand the engine sound of a supercharged diesel at idle can be quite seductive.
my2002m Champion Author Tulsa Posts:3,779 Points:1,204,520 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 4:09:34 PM Ignore my2002m Report Abuse I'll take a diesel, too bad so few companies sell them here as compared to Europe. They are way ahead of us.
PeteOhki Veteran Author Honolulu Posts:309 Points:307,150 Joined:Mar 2010	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 4:03:33 PM Ignore PeteOhki Report Abuse I'm with "dopster" and "WonderfulMI" too; alternatives FTW. Now it maybe I don't know enough, but is there not a mistake in this article? It says diesel produces 15% "more" greenhouse gases. Yet it says it says in the same breath that it "emit less carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide and fewer hydrocarbons." But aren't carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide greenhouse gases? Then the article goes on to say that diesel "emits larger amounts of nitrogen compounds and particulate matter (soot)." Perhaps it meant to say earlier that diesel produces 15% more 'pollution,' which is more in line to vog, soot, and respiratory detriment. You know, I had considered diesel a few times before, but there is always two problems that makes me reconsider. One, diesel fuel always cost more than even premium gasoline where I live. Second, better engine technology and filters means you 'must' keep your diesel engine maintained and tuned. Have you ever been around a poorly maintained diesel engine? For a block around that car, it smells like a sewer. And that smell can get through a car's AC system and interior, even if the AC is set to circulate interior air and shut-off outside air. "Ugh!"
derKraut Champion Author Ontario Posts:1,667 Points:847,780 Joined:Dec 2008	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 9:16:57 AM Ignore derKraut Report Abuse I like Diesel cars and await one TD from Hyundai.
cheapertvs Champion Author Richmond Posts:7,840 Points:2,273,745 Joined:Jan 2004	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 9:03:35 AM Ignore cheapertvs Report Abuse Is high energy density the name of the game? I think not!
Cuzilla Champion Author Indianapolis Posts:10,638 Points:1,967,610 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 8:18:19 AM Ignore Cuzilla Report Abuse This argument proves alcohol, therefore, is an inferior fuel because it has a lower energy density than gasoline!
my3sons Champion Author New York Posts:4,455 Points:1,506,535 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 8:10:44 AM Ignore my3sons Report Abuse diesel is better
pnd1 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:4,258 Points:856,070 Joined:Jul 2009	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 8:02:46 AM Ignore pnd1 Report Abuse Right now we need use everything available.
dopster Champion Author Toledo Posts:4,779 Points:1,824,575 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 7:58:31 AM Ignore dopster Report Abuse I agree with 'WonderfulMI", alternatives are better! [Edited by: dopster at 9/5/2010 8:58:47 AM EST]
Blue48 Champion Author Illinois Posts:4,960 Points:1,172,120 Joined:Feb 2007	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 7:56:53 AM Ignore Blue48 Report Abuse GOOD DEBATE!
WonderfulMI Champion Author Michigan Posts:9,019 Points:1,319,805 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 7:56:17 AM Ignore WonderfulMI Report Abuse Diesel & gasoline are just different weights of oil. Alternatives are cleaner.
snell snail Champion Author Atlanta Posts:3,350 Points:2,159,130 Joined:Feb 2004	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 7:50:11 AM Ignore snell snail Report Abuse ...NEITHER!!! ...Biofuels ONLY! Eliminate petroleum based energy......
RoadManJimC Champion Author Chico Posts:1,231 Points:181,340 Joined:Aug 2010	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 7:47:01 AM Ignore RoadManJimC Report Abuse I will always prefer that people driving ahead of me, don't drive Diesels! That is, until the manufacturers 'Get A Clue' and 'Turn the exaust pipes UPWARD'!! I'm tired of the cab of my pick-up being FILLED with their stinking exaust! (Done Venting! Pardon the PUN?) :)
935684 Sophomore Author Ontario Posts:155 Points:555,715 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 7:46:04 AM Ignore 935684 Report Abuse I'd like to switch to diesel for my next car (2 years from now) if the cost of the vehicle isn't prohibitive. However, I've heard that the new, "clean" diesel fuel provides about 15% less mileage, than does the older, "dirty" diesel. If that turns out to be the case, maybe a switch to diesel might not really be worth the effort in the long run.
BartBuzz Champion Author Atlanta Posts:6,523 Points:1,312,535 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 7:44:40 AM Ignore BartBuzz Report Abuse No diesel and no ethanol-laced gas for me.
redtruck01 Champion Author North Carolina Posts:1,079 Points:932,620 Joined:Mar 2009	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 7:44:30 AM Ignore redtruck01 Report Abuse I don't really know a lot about dieses , but they sure are better than say 20 years ago.
techque Champion Author St. Louis Posts:6,368 Points:1,990,735 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 7:43:44 AM Ignore techque Report Abuse Today’s diesel engines have 20-40 percent better fuel economy than their gasoline counterparts, which means that diesel engines emit less carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide and fewer hydrocarbons than gasoline engines.
rollma2 Champion Author Montreal Posts:1,181 Points:261,125 Joined:Jul 2009	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 7:43:32 AM Ignore rollma2 Report Abuse depends on the car...
hwmillerster Champion Author Missouri Posts:4,429 Points:1,004,345 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 7:42:19 AM Ignore hwmillerster Report Abuse In cold weather, unleaded is the way to go; however in the warmer southern states, diesel.
NJColt Champion Author New Jersey Posts:10,350 Points:2,179,360 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 7:42:13 AM Ignore NJColt Report Abuse whatever is cheaper and more efficient. Screw green - its all a lie.
Cachase1 Champion Author Oklahoma City Posts:9,072 Points:1,912,130 Joined:Aug 2003	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 7:41:23 AM Ignore Cachase1 Report Abuse Now, if they could put prices within 20-40 they would be even. Diesel used to be less than or equal to gasoline in price, but has risen significantly in recent years.
MUSTANGSRUS Champion Author Ontario Posts:7,373 Points:1,506,795 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 7:38:47 AM Ignore MUSTANGSRUS Report Abuse Diesel and engines have both improved immensely over the last 30 years. I would not hesitate to buy a car powered by a diesel engine.
SUNOIL Champion Author Toledo Posts:2,876 Points:1,466,505 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 7:37:56 AM Ignore SUNOIL Report Abuse Unleaded
blitzntj Champion Author Jacksonville Posts:2,673 Points:544,110 Joined:Dec 2007	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 7:37:24 AM Ignore blitzntj Report Abuse diesel
MightyDude Champion Author Minnesota Posts:7,954 Points:2,180,770 Joined:Mar 2003	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 7:36:26 AM Ignore MightyDude Report Abuse Both have pros & cons, depends on application.
goldilox88 Champion Author Montreal Posts:4,059 Points:1,000,000 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 7:36:18 AM Ignore goldilox88 Report Abuse The cleaner and the cheaper.
CRAZYEDDIE2010 Veteran Author Ontario Posts:294 Points:204,185 Joined:Jul 2010	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 7:34:51 AM Ignore CRAZYEDDIE2010 Report Abuse AS LONG AS IT GET'S HER TO THE GROCERY STORE AND MYSELF TO WORK.
mazdaboy Champion Author Portland Posts:5,548 Points:1,635,155 Joined:Aug 2003	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 7:34:04 AM Ignore mazdaboy Report Abuse There currently isn't enough of a difference to make me go Diesel.
turbodog Champion Author Mississippi Posts:4,387 Points:895,440 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 7:33:49 AM Ignore turbodog Report Abuse Diesel for me
tbgasmizer Champion Author Ontario Posts:3,775 Points:788,295 Joined:Oct 2009	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 7:30:40 AM Ignore tbgasmizer Report Abuse Diesel has it's disadvantages to.
dan30thz28 Champion Author New Jersey Posts:3,680 Points:1,535,970 Joined:Feb 2006	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 7:30:06 AM Ignore dan30thz28 Report Abuse Diesel is more expensive than gas, because our refiners here are making more gas than diesel because of the way it it processed here. In Europe which is diesel dominant they use a different process to create more diesel. I only know this because my sister in law worked in the industry. [Edited by: dan30thz28 at 9/5/2010 8:30:40 AM EST]
packards42 Champion Author Washington Posts:4,234 Points:716,195 Joined:Feb 2005	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 7:26:52 AM Ignore packards42 Report Abuse Diesel more expensive by you get 20-40% better mileage, I can 18-20 miles to the gallon on 3/4 ton Dodge Cummings 4x4, a compare gasoline engine
Stevedog Champion Author Michigan Posts:1,611 Points:1,483,695 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 7:25:53 AM Ignore Stevedog Report Abuse diesel has more energy in a gallon of fuel compared to unleaded. It also uses more of the crude. Seems that it would be reasonable to be slightly more expensive. I'll just ride my bike whenever possible.
nb52 Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:5,414 Points:1,079,590 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 7:24:11 AM Ignore nb52 Report Abuse I agree, diesel is more expensive at the pump.
danny999 Champion Author Florida Posts:6,345 Points:1,171,085 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 7:24:10 AM Ignore danny999 Report Abuse NOISE AND SMELL LOSES.YEAAAAAAA GAS.
CSharpGuy Champion Author Colorado Springs Posts:7,116 Points:1,433,260 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 7:22:21 AM Ignore CSharpGuy Report Abuse It's a wash since diesel is so more expensive than gas.
MertieMan Champion Author Lexington Posts:12,404 Points:2,427,635 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 7:21:47 AM Ignore MertieMan Report Abuse Who really wants diesel since it is much higher than regular gasoline?
gasandgoAL Champion Author Alabama Posts:4,653 Points:1,121,795 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 7:20:07 AM Ignore gasandgoAL Report Abuse i will continue to stick with unleaded
Dipstick1 Champion Author Amarillo Posts:6,621 Points:1,759,910 Joined:Jan 2006	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 7:19:23 AM Ignore Dipstick1 Report Abuse Better for what?
Tundralimited2009 Champion Author Dallas Posts:32,649 Points:1,026,850 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 7:16:51 AM Ignore Tundralimited2009 Report Abuse It is great around the world
turbosaab Champion Author Cleveland Posts:14,937 Points:1,945,015 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: Sep 5, 2010 7:16:04 AM Ignore turbosaab Report Abuse It looks like Diesel is the way to go. The price will go down if more diesel fuel is refined. [Edited by: turbosaab at 9/5/2010 8:16:27 AM EST]