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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 to experts from Alta RPM, including engineer Décio Júnior, who explained why this difference exists and whether it is actually fair.
According to Décio Júnior, the durability of a diesel engine and a gasoline engine is strongly linked to the design and intended use of each engine. Diesel engines are generally designed for heavy-duty use, such as in trucks that travel long distances and transport heavy loads.
This robust construction requires materials more resistant, such as cast iron blocks, as well as greater lubrication and cooling capacity. This means that diesel engines have greater structural durability, while gasoline engines are designed for lighter use and higher revs.
Diesel and gasoline engine speed and durability
Another point addressed by Alta RPM experts is rotation. While a truck diesel engine works at lower rotations, such as 1.500 RPM, a gasoline engine in a regular car can exceed 4.000 RPM.
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Higher RPMs accelerate wear on parts, especially if the engine is constantly turned on and off, as is the case in city cars. In contrast, diesel engines run more steadily, which helps to preserve their durability.
Comparison with smaller vehicles
Experts point out that the comparison between a truck's diesel engine and a light gasoline engine, such as that of a car, is unfair due to the different applications and designs.
Even diesel engines in smaller vehicles, such as the Jeep Renegade, have a shorter lifespan than truck engines, precisely because they do not are designed to run millions of kilometers without grinding.
Maintenance and conditions of use
In addition to the design difference, the durability of a diesel engine is extended by the type of maintenance it requires. Trucks and cargo vehicles, for example, undergo rigorous maintenance, as they are work tools.
Oil changes and maintenance are performed regularly to ensure that the engine runs efficiently and safely. Gasoline engines, used in passenger cars, often do not receive the same frequency of maintenance.
The longevity of a diesel engine compared to a gasoline engine depends on several factors, such as engine design, speed and maintenance.
In general, diesel engines are made to last longer, but that doesn't mean that gasoline engines do not have their durability increased with good care. Therefore, this comparison, according to experts, is not entirely fair and must be understood with its specificities.
This statement is very unfair.
Today's diesel engines last less than the gasoline engines of the past.
Ex. The AP Gasoline engine is indestructible.
Pickup truck engines, such as Hilux, Triton, and others, last less, as they operate at rotation speeds similar to gasoline engines.
If maintenance is followed to the letter, a gasoline engine can last up to 400.000 km intact.
Diesel lasts longer, but the reconditioning costs twice as much.
Today, what discourages people from purchasing diesel-powered vehicles is the theft associated with taxes and also the poor quality of the fuel. Unfortunately, there is a lot of corruption that users have to support.
Comparing diesel truck engines with gasoline cars seems stupid to me, why not compare gasoline and diesel SUVs?