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The Idea That Diesel Engines Last Longer Than Gasoline Engines Is Quite Common, But Does This Comparison Make Sense? To Clarify This Issue, CPG Spoke With Alta RPM Experts, Including Engineer Décio Júnior, Who Detailed Why This Difference Exists and Whether It Is Truly Fair.
According to Décio Júnior, the durability of a diesel engine and a gasoline engine is heavily linked to the design and intended use of each engine. Diesel engines are generally designed for heavy use, such as trucks that travel long distances and carry heavy loads.
This robust construction requires stronger materials, such as cast iron blocks, in addition to higher lubrication and cooling capacity. This means that diesel engines have greater structural durability, while gasoline engines are designed for lighter use and higher revolutions.
Revolutions and Durability of Diesel and Gasoline Engines
Another point raised by the Alta RPM experts is the revolutions. While a truck’s diesel engine operates at lower revolutions, such as 1,500 RPM, a gasoline engine in a regular car can exceed 4,000 RPM.
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Hyundai sells an executive minivan that looks like a VIP room on wheels: Custin carries 7 people, uses a 1.5 turbo engine with 168 hp, 8-speed automatic transmission, and costs around R$ 157,000 in direct conversion in Vietnam.
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The 7-seater Toyota that seems too cheap to exist in Brazil: Rush has a 1.5 engine, manual or automatic option, and a converted price close to R$ 81,000, while here families need to aim for much more expensive SUVs.
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The 2012 Mitsubishi Pajero Dakar diesel shows 314,000 km and still draws attention for its reputation for durability; the seven-seater 4×4 SUV handles trails, but signs of severe use may conceal losses for used car buyers.
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Peugeot publicly acknowledged the errors of the PureTech engine, which caused serious failures in hundreds of thousands of cars, and introduced the new Turbo 100 as a definitive solution, a 1.2 turbo tested for over 3 million kilometers that replaces the faulty belt with a more durable chain.
The higher revolutions accelerate wear on the parts, especially if the engine is constantly turned on and off, as is the case in urban driving. In contrast, diesel engines operate more steadily, which helps preserve their durability.
Comparison With Smaller Vehicles
The experts highlight that comparing a diesel engine in a truck with a lightweight gasoline engine, such as that of a car, is unfair due to the distinct applications and concepts.
Even diesel engines in smaller vehicles, such as the Jeep Renegade, have lesser durability compared to truck engines, precisely because they are not designed to run millions of kilometers without overhaul.
Maintenance and Use Conditions
In addition to the design difference, the durability of the diesel engine is prolonged by the type of maintenance it requires. Trucks and cargo vehicles, for example, undergo rigorous maintenance, as they are tools for work.
Oil changes and inspections are performed regularly to ensure the engine operates efficiently and safely. Gasoline engines, used in passenger vehicles, often do not receive the same frequency of maintenance.
The longevity of a diesel engine compared to that of a gasoline engine depends on various factors, such as engine design, revolutions, and maintenance.
In general, diesel engines are made to last longer, but that does not mean that gasoline engines cannot have their durability increased with good care. Therefore, this comparison, according to experts, is not entirely fair and should be understood with its specificities.
Comparar motores diesel de caminhões com automóvel a gasolina me parece imbecilidade, porque não comparar SUV a gasolina e diesel?
Hoje o que desanima na aquisição de veículos com motor diesel é o roubo agregado aos impostos e também a má qualidade do combustível, infelizmente são muita corrupção para que os usuários tem que sustentar
Diesel dura mais, só que a retífica custa o dobro.