Diesel Vs. Gasoline Fuel Economy
With fuel costs and concern over global warming rising, a number of people are looking at automotive fuel efficiency. Although hybrids are becoming more common, diesel-powered cars have been popular in Europe for decades and generally are more fuel efficient than gasoline-powered cars.
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Energy Content
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The fundamental energy content of diesel fuel contains more energy than the same amount of gasoline. According to Truck Trend, a gallon of diesel fuel contains 147,000 British Thermal Units (BTU) of energy. Gasoline contains about 125,000 BTU of energy per gallon. In addition, diesel engines use a more efficient injection method that results in even more fuel consumption and higher mileage.
Actual Fuel Cost Savings
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According to The Diesel Page, an average driver can save about $1,500 in fuel costs per 100,000 miles driven when comparing an identical gasoline-powered truck and a diesel-powered truck. If you do a lot of towing, the savings goes up to $2,500 per 100,000 miles.
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Diesel Car Availability
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Diesels are not available in all states. New York, California, Massachusetts, Vermont and Maine prohibit the sale of diesel cars because of concerns about emissions and particulate pollution.
Mercedes 300 Class Differences
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Comparing diesel vs. gasoline fuel economy in the Mercedes 300 class is easy. The Mercedes E320 diesel sedan is virtually identical to the E350 gasoline-powered sedan. The E320 is rated at a combined city and highway mileage estimate of 30 MPG. The E350 is rated for the same combined city and highway mileage at 21 MPG. Based on an average driver, the additional $1,000 for the E320 could be recouped in fuel savings in less than 3 years, according to an article on MSN.
Volkswagen Jetta Differences
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The Volkswagen Jetta is another car that is available in both diesel- and gasoline-powered versions. The Jetta TDI, the diesel-powered version, is rated at an average of 35 MPG combined city and highway. The gasoline-powered versions range from an average of 25 MPG to 26 MPG combined city and highway driving. The Jetta TDI sells for about $500 more than a similar trim level Jetta, although lower-end Jettas can be bought with less expensive trim options for up to $5,000 less than a TDI.
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