Choosing a Petrol or Diesel Car in 2022

Choosing a petrol or diesel car in 2022 is a huge decision. Making sure you pick the right vehicle to suit your lifestyle is key. Your decision will be based around several factors, the most significant being mileage.Commuting long journeys on a daily basis or taking a short trip to the shops twice a week will affect a petrol and diesel car differently.

Petrol and Diesel cars are more sustainable and 'cleaner' than they were 10 years ago, making them still a brilliant choice in 2022. Don't be overwhelmed by the new electric market coming in strong and think you are obliged to go and buy one to be more eco-friendly.

Petrol vs Diesel

Here is a list of pros and cons for each type. You can match your lifestyle against these points, making your decision easier.

Pros of Buying a Petrol Car:

• Low Price: At fuel stations, petrol is always cheaper than Diesel, even when the prices skyrocketed this year.

• Better for Short Trips: Petrol cars have fewer components to filter emissions when burning fuel. However, Diesel vehicles have a Particulate Filter which breaks the emissions down, making them more neutral. The filter unfortunately doesn't like short journeys.

• Less Air Pollution; due to Petrol emissions not being broken down when burnt. They produce 'cleaner' emissions, making them suitable for city driving.

• Cheaper Maintenance: As Petrol cars have fewer components than Diesel cars do, as previously mentioned, they require less maintenance and cost less when something needs replacing. This is unless you put many miles on your vehicle, usually over 100,000, then if that’s the case bits might need fixing here and there due to wear and tear.

• Good Low-Temperature Tolerance: The freezing point of petrol is -60 degrees, so there is no worry that your car won't run smoothly in the coldest of temperatures.

Cons of Buying a Petrol Car:

• Less Fuel-Efficient: Petrol cars aren't known for their high fuel efficiency. The highest mpg in the past was around 40mpg; nowadays, with the development of technology, it's around 57mpg. Lower than what a Diesel car can offer you.

• Higher Co2 Emissions: Petrol cars generate around 20% more CO2 emissions than Diesel cars. Due to this, the road tax is generally a little higher for Petrol cars than Diesel.

Pros of Buying a Diesel Car:

• Great for Long Journeys: Diesel cars work better when making longer journeys. If your regular commute is a long drive, then Diesel is the better option. The Diesel Particulate Filter will last longer if you frequently drive long distances. 

• Better Fuel Economy: A Diesel’s highest actual mpg is around 65mpg, making a considerable difference when travelling long distances.

• Lower CO2 Emissions :Petrol and Diesel cars produce harmful emissions, but Diesel produces less CO2, consequently reducing road tax costs.

• High Torque: High torque allows for efficient and energy-saving driving. It also provides rapid response when accelerating and can reach high speeds faster. High torque allows for more power at a lower rev range making it better for towing heavy caravans and trailers.

Cons of Buying a Diesel Car:

• Higher Purchase Costs: Due to Diesel being cheaper to run, they tend to have a higher resale value.

• Poor Air Quality: One of the emissions that Diesel produces is Nitrogen Oxide. If you are driving around a built-up area, then this can cause poor air quality because of the build-up of these emissions. 

• Low Frost Resistance: Diesel vehicles are prone to getting cold in the winter. So, on those ice-cold mornings, it's best to start your vehicle and let it run for a few minutes so that it can warm up.  

 

 

Diesel vehicles will become problematic if misused and driven at slow speeds on a daily basis. It’s recommended that if you don't go far every day and own a Diesel car, you should take it for a 40-mile trip at least once a month to help keep everything in working order.

The government wants to stop the production of Petrol and Diesel cars in 2030 in line with the ten-point plan. However, it’s important to note that Petrol and Diesel cars manufactured over the past few years are much more sustainable than they were 10 years ago. Some manufacturers, such as Porsche, have already stopped the production of Diesel cars, whereas others are yet to follow.

The future of Petrol or Diesel vehicles is still uncertain, but, in the meantime, they are both great options to buy in 2022. Technology is progressing and becoming more and more sustainable but in reality, buying a car depends on how it fits within your lifestyle.Take the pros and cons into account, and you will be able to make the best decision, landing you a perfect car to suit your needs.