Propane, Diesel and Gasolin Engines Compared

Comparison of Diesel, Propane, and Gasoline on Its Engine, Price, and Efficiency
By Alrey Cruz

Platinum Quality Author Fuel economy is a must for most motorists nowadays. Every car owner who values less fuel expenditures constantly try to search for the perfect fuel or the perfect engine that will give them the maximum mileage at minimum fuel consumption.

There are currently three major engine types that are in wide use in the auto industry: gasoline, diesel, and propane. Of the three, the most commonly used is the gasoline engine. It is endeared by many car owners for its quick acceleration via spark ignition and high voltage current, fast start-up, and noiseless and smooth road performance. But in the wake of the incessant oil price increase, the gasoline's pricey tag drives motorists away. Gasoline engines are the least fuel-efficient of the three. Furthermore, it has been pinpointed to be a major contributor to global warming and air pollution because of its exhaust fumes. However, supporters of the petrol or gasoline engines have found ways that reduce fuel consumption as well as toxic emissions.

The diesel is the brawny one of the bunch. It is built to sustain heavy loads. It is a mean muscle of a machine. Its supporters point out the diesel engine's mighty torque power, fuel-efficient performance, and its low maintenance characteristic. Diesel is much more economic compared to petrol because it can self-combust. Petrol, on the other hand, needs to be ignited before it can generate power. But there is a downside to the diesel-powered motor. They have slow ignition and acceleration (especially during cold seasons), are noisy on the road, and they emit the most carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. For this reason, diesel is set aside for heavy equipment rather than everyday urban vehicles.

Then there's the "youngest" (in terms of market existence) engine type: the propane engine. Propane-run vehicles are considered to be the "purest" among the other engine types. This is because the propane engines give off lesser toxic emissions to the air. In fact, the only toxic substances that the propane engine gives off are ones with the lowest lifespan. Compared to a diesel engine, the propane engine increases burning efficiency by 15% to 20%. Propane engines also generate 10% to 20% of torque at the reduction of fuel costs. And the biggest highlight in a propane engine is its fuel cost. Propane fuel is way cheaper than that of petrol or diesel fuel.

These three engine types have something to offer to all motorists. Where one lacks in power, another is abounding with it. Where one fails in environmental contribution, another excels. The comparison among the petrol, diesel, and propane engines yield varying results, which cater to varying driving styles. All the car-seeker has to do is to lay out his priorities and match it up with the vehicle that best fulfills his criteria.

We found this article extremely enlightening considering that all of Glades Gas' vehicles are bi-fuel ie. they run on both gasoline and propane with the flip of a switch. Without widespread filling stations, propane isn't feasible in our driving area. In California and Texas there are widespread CNG (compressed natural gas) filling stations. Maybe soon our government will take the proper action to ensure that all drivers are driving the clean burning engines such as the propane engines that we drive.