Apr 17, 2003 10:44 AM
161909 Views
(Updated Apr 17, 2003 04:49 PM)
This may help you in deciding:
Petrol V/s Diesel.
Well I am going to discuss the present day comparison between these two different types of fuel engines in India. I am a 17yr old so I have not driven for more than 3 years, but driving different diesel and petrol cars in India here is my analysis.
Diesel cars since long time have been known for their terrible rattling, squeaks, vibrations, etc. Well these will do in a heavy truck but certainly not in a passenger car. The reasons for these heavy noises, vibrations and disturbances are many, some of which are due to the high pressure in the engine(800 bar), im-balanced cylinders, bad noise reduction technologies, etc.
Why then diesel in the car:
Well for starters we all know that diesel is the cheaper fuel and that is one of the main reasons diesel cars were invented. Diesel is cheaper than petrol, however these days as petrol prices goes up, diesel prices follow. The price of petrol is about 12 rupees more than diesel in Mumbai city.
Types of Diesel Engines:
DI-turbo Charged: This type of engine available in The Mahindra Scorpio and Skoda Octavia 1.9TDI is amazing in performance, the noise is less the power is good and this engine makes a good option. Direct-Injection however since its turbo charged will need a quicker overhaul at say 90, 000 kilometers. The reason for this is when you turbo charge a engine its like whipping the engine and telling it to perform at its peak therefore it gets tired soon. However the engines I mentioned are very good options are they are Direct-injection.
Naturally Aspirated: This type of engine available in the Toyota Qualis and Fiat Palio(diesel) tends to produce less power. Example Toyota Qualis 2400 cc engine just getting 75BHP out, this is because its not turbo-charged. However this engine will need a late overhaul at say 2, 00, 000 kilometers. These are indirect injection engines. This makes it a good tourist option.
CRDI: This type of engine available in the Hyundai Accent is a high performance engine. Common rail direct injection engines produce high power and perform wells with good average. However this comes at a cost the Engine operates on very high pressures(1200 bar) therefore if good insulation is not there the vibration is high. Also by any chance you fill adulterated diesel(then only God can save you) cause this engine may blow up and damages will be not less than 65-70 k. Please note in India you find adulterated diesel very easily so be careful of those long trips. This option good for city folks who want performance
Indirect Injection: Available in the Maruti Esteem(diesel), Zen(diesel), Tata Indica(diesel) Ford Ikon(diesel). These type of engines are like old faithful horses, well but in Indica the car is too heavy and engine too underpowered therefore this engine may die soon. However Zen diesel has very bad insulation and Esteem Diesel a Good Option. Indigo Please be aware this is the same Indica engine this time being turbo charged(for more power) this is like torturing a puppy dog and making it perform. This type engine option good for Cheap Diesel Sedan and mileage option. Old type diesel engine though.
IS THIS THE CALL OF THE DIESEL: Well YES AND NO
However note all these diesel cars need good servicing and regular maintenance. I have driven these cars and therefore I mentioned about them . The tires wear out faster than their petrol counterparts due to vibrations, other body parts also become loose due to vibrations. The performances are off course not as good as their petrol counterparts. They even need quicker overhauls and more attention.
Yes to Diesel: Well although new diesel engines coming to the market due to fuel costs let me tell you if your going to run your car more than 15, 000 kilometers a year please consider this option it may make a good difference to your fuel costs. Note diesel has mainly just one advantage ova petrol that is fuel costs. However today’s expensive diesel cars are made with good insulation for the engine.
No to Diesel: Well who wants to suffer that noise and that low pick up, then you must be taking about petrol. However also note if your going to use your car less than 11, 000 kilometers a year I strongly suggest a petrol car and later on you may notice its maintenance is low and performance great.
Types of petrol Cars:
Well nothing much I am going to write here as we get Variable valve timing to DOHC(double overhead cammed) petrol engines engines in India so whats the big deal cause all petrol engines are similar.
Summing it up: Well folks I have only mentioned about the cars I have driven for over 60-70 kilometers. There are many more available in the Indian Market. I have just given my account of this Deadly Argument Of Petrol v/s Diesel cars. Petrol cars are however any day better in my opinion, I would only buy diesel if I were to use the car heavily.Note you may even recover your fuel saving costs on maintaining your diesel car.
