answersLogoWhite

0

In simple terms, the petrol ("gasoline") contains fewer calories/btus per unit, so it can't do as much work as an equivilent amount of diesel. Diesel, being heavier, is more energy-dense, therefore capable of doing more work. More energy per unit means more work, and that translates into more a more valuable product, which is why diesel costs more than petrol.

User Avatar

Wiki User

16y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Why do you use Diesel Engines to pull heavier loads petrol engines for higher speeds?

Becouse a diesel engine has no spark plugs to foul under a heavy load, and a heavy load can work in the diesel engines' favor because it uses compression not combustion Becouse a diesel engine has no spark plugs to foul under a heavy load, and a heavy load can work in the diesel engines' favor because it uses compression not combustion


Which is rated better diesel or petrol engine?

Each engine is rated better for different things. A petrol engine generally has a higher horsepower than a diesel engine, so acceleration and speed is often better on a petrol engine. Diesel engines tend to rate better with torque, so they are better at pulling heavy loads, which is why diesel engines are used in trucks and locomotives.


Why petrol engines are faster than diesel engines?

Petrol engines are widely considered to be the most efficient of engines, because they are more refined than diesel. Since diesel is not completely refined, it cannot completely combust and so does not (in theory) produce as much energy per litre of fuel as a petrol engine. However, some diesel engines can be made to be much more efficient than petrol engines because they have a different type of fuel, and burn it in a different way. Petrol engines are widely considered to be the most efficient of engines, because they are more refined than diesel. Since diesel is not completely refined, it cannot completely combust and so does not (in theory) produce as much energy per litre of fuel as a petrol engine. However, some diesel engines can be made to be much more efficient than petrol engines because they have a different type of fuel, and burn it in a different way.


Why is petrol better than diesel?

Your question assumes this is true but it is not. Both fuels have their uses. Diesel engines are far superior to petrol engines when they are needed to haul or pull a heavy load. They also last longer and are more durable. Petrol engines are cheaper to build and the fuel cost less per gallon. They also have other advantages and disadvantages to a diesel engine. Neither is better they are just different and each has a use.


What is diesel oil?

"Diesel oil" or "Heavy oil" is another term for diesel fuel. Not to be confused with "engine oil for a diesel engine" which means lubricating oil specially formulated for use in diesel rather than petrol engines.


Why CI engines are used in trucks and other heavy vehicles but not why SI engine?

Compression ignition (CI) engines use diesel is as the fuel, while spark ignition (SI) engines use petrol. SI engines are lightweight and achieve high speeds while diesel CI engines although heavier and slower engines, are more robust and have a higher thermal efficiency. Their robust build (and fewer parts) makes diesel CI engines ideal for heavy machinery.


Why is petrol rate costlier than diesel?

Diesel and petrol engines work differently. Diesel engines use compression to ignite the air/fuel mixture, and have a much higher compression ratio than petrol engines, which use spark ignition. The conditions for ignition are not met when petrol is put into a diesel engine, and will stall.


Where 2 stroke diesel and petrol engine used?

Two-stroke engines, whether diesel or petrol, are commonly chosen for applications requiring compact design and high power output relative to size. Diesel variants are often found in marine engines, heavy machinery, and some power generators. Petrol types are widely used in motorcycles, scooters, small boats, and handheld equipment like chainsaws. For those researching imports, used Japanese petrol engines Japan are particularly known for durability in compact vehicles and motorcycles. Diesel two-strokes: marine propulsion, industrial equipment Petrol two-strokes: motorcycles, scooters, portable tools In automotive context, used Japanese petrol engines Japan remain a practical option for smaller vehicles.


Why Petrol Engine is not used for heavy machines?

If petrol means petroleum, they certainly are- Diesel engines run on Diesel Fuel which powers countless Locomotives, Cranes, Trucks, etc, this is Oil from rocks- hence Petroleum. Gasoline engines pose excessive fire hazards for big machinery, so the argument goes, but Diesels are certainly oil-burners. The argument against Diesels on Cranes was they could not reliably start Under Load- as can Steamers and electrics. This has been partially met with improved torque converters and clutches, but is still, technically, true.ANS 2 - Petrol is the more correct name for what Americans call 'gasoline'. The questioner is correct, 'petrol' engines are generally not used in heavy machines as 'diesel' engines have a better torque and horsepower rating at low RPM. Also diesel engines tend to have longer operating life due to the lower revs.


Why don't trains use petrol engines?

Trains primarily use diesel or electric engines instead of petrol engines due to their efficiency and power requirements. Diesel engines provide greater torque and are more suitable for the heavy loads and long distances typical of train operations. Additionally, electric engines are more efficient for high-speed travel and can utilize overhead power lines or third rails, making them a more sustainable option. Petrol engines, on the other hand, are less efficient for such applications and are not designed for the scale of energy needed to operate trains effectively.


What are the parts of a diesel engine that are not found in a petrol engine?

Diesel engines have several components that are not found in petrol engines, primarily due to their different combustion processes. These include a turbocharger, which is often used to increase air intake efficiency, and a higher compression ratio, necessitating stronger engine components like heavy-duty pistons and connecting rods. Additionally, diesel engines feature a fuel injector system designed for direct injection, as well as glow plugs to assist with cold starting. The absence of spark plugs in diesel engines, which rely on compression ignition, is another key distinction.


Why are diesel engines found in heavy duty equipment?

Diesel engines have far more torque or pulling power than gasoline engines. Diesel engines also last much longer than gas engines because they are built to a much higher standard of durability. The downside to a diesel is that they cost more to produce. But for heavy equipment they are necessary and a diesel engine can easily last over 1 million miles.