Gasoline vs. Diesel — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on January 31, 2024
Gasoline is a light, volatile fuel for spark-ignited engines, while diesel is a heavier fuel for compression-ignited engines with higher energy density.
Difference Between Gasoline and Diesel
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Gasoline, a lightweight and volatile liquid, is used in spark-ignition engines like those in most cars. Diesel, a denser and less volatile fuel, powers compression-ignition engines, often found in larger vehicles.
Gasoline engines are generally quieter and have faster acceleration. Diesel engines, known for their durability and torque, are preferred in heavy-duty vehicles.
Gasoline provides high power at a lower efficiency, making it suitable for light-duty vehicles. Diesel engines are more efficient but produce more torque, ideal for heavy-duty or industrial use.
The combustion process in gasoline engines relies on spark plugs. Diesel engines use compression to ignite the fuel, making them more efficient in fuel consumption.
Gasoline engines tend to have lower emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulates. Diesel engines, while more fuel-efficient, typically have higher emissions of these pollutants.
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Comparison Chart
Engine Type
Spark-ignited internal combustion.
Compression-ignited internal combustion.
Fuel Efficiency
Lower efficiency, high power.
Higher efficiency, more torque.
Usage
Common in passenger vehicles.
Favored in trucks and heavy machinery.
Emissions
Lower particulates and NOx.
Higher particulates and NOx.
Combustion Method
Requires a spark plug.
Ignites by compression.
Compare with Definitions
Gasoline
A combustible liquid used primarily in internal combustion engines.
She filled her motorcycle with premium gasoline.
Diesel
A type of fuel used in large trucks and buses.
City buses in our area have been converted to use diesel.
Gasoline
An energy source for most personal vehicles.
The gasoline tank of my car is nearly empty.
Diesel
A fuel that ignites by compression rather than a spark.
Diesel engines are popular in long-haul trucks for their durability.
Gasoline
A light, volatile petroleum-derived liquid fuel.
My car runs efficiently on unleaded gasoline.
Diesel
A heavy, oil-based fuel used in diesel engines.
The truck driver refueled his vehicle with diesel.
Gasoline
A refined petroleum product used as fuel in spark-ignition engines.
Gasoline prices fluctuate based on oil market trends.
Diesel
Fuel for compression-ignition engines, often in heavy vehicles.
Our farm equipment runs on diesel.
Gasoline
A fuel for automobiles and small machinery.
I need to get gasoline for the lawn mower.
Diesel
A less volatile fuel than gasoline, used for its high energy density.
Diesel engines are known for their fuel efficiency.
Gasoline
A volatile mixture of flammable liquid hydrocarbons derived chiefly from crude petroleum and used principally as a fuel for internal-combustion engines.
Diesel
A diesel engine.
Gasoline
A flammable liquid consisting of a mixture of refined petroleum hydrocarbons, mainly used as a motor fuel; petrol.
Diesel
A vehicle powered by a diesel engine.
Gasoline
(countable) Any specific kind of gasoline.
The refinery produces a wide range of gasolines.
Diesel
Any of various fuels used to power diesel engines, especially one derived from petroleum.
Gasoline
Marijuana, especially very potent or high quality.
Diesel
To continue running after the ignition has been turned off, as when an open throttle supplies fuel to an engine that is still sufficiently hot to ignite it.
Gasoline
(slang) An alcoholic beverage made of vodka and energy drink.
Diesel
To drive a diesel-powered vehicle
We dieseled through the countryside.
Gasoline
Made from or using gasoline.
Diesel
To refuel a diesel-powered vehicle. Often used with up.
Gasoline
A highly volatile mixture of fluid hydrocarbons, obtained mostly from petroleum, as also by the distillation of bituminous coal. It is used as a fuel for most automobiles and for many other vehicles with internal combustion engines. The gasoline of commerce is typically blended with additives to improve its performance in internal combustion engines. Gasoline was also used in the early 1900's in making air gas, and in giving illuminating power to water gas. See Carburetor.
Diesel
A fuel derived from petroleum (or other oils) but heavier than gasoline/petrol. Used to power diesel engines which burn this fuel using the heat produced when air is compressed.
Gasoline
A volatile flammable mixture of hydrocarbons (hexane and heptane and octane etc.) derived from petroleum; used mainly as a fuel in internal-combustion engines
Diesel
(countable) A vehicle powered by a diesel engine.
Diesel
A rider who has an even energy output, without bursts of speed.
Diesel
Snakebite and black (a drink).
Diesel
(slang) A particular cannabis hybrid.
Diesel
To ignite a substance by using the heat generated by compression.
Diesel
(automotive) For a spark-ignition internal combustion engine to continue running after the electrical current to the spark plugs has been turned off. This occurs when there's enough heat in the combustion chamber to ignite the air and fuel mixture without a spark, the same way that heat and pressure cause ignition in a diesel engine.
Diesel
A type of internal-combustion engine in which the air drawn in by the suction stroke is so highly compressed that the heat generated ignites the fuel (usually a heavy oil), the fuel being automatically sprayed into the cylinder under pressure. The Diesel engine has a very high thermal efficiency.
Diesel
German engineer (born in France) who invented the diesel engine (1858-1913)
Diesel
An internal-combustion engine that burns heavy oil
Common Curiosities
Which is more efficient, gasoline or diesel?
Diesel engines are generally more fuel-efficient than gasoline engines.
Do diesel engines last longer than gasoline engines?
Diesel engines often have a longer lifespan due to their robust construction.
What is diesel?
Diesel is a heavier, oil-based fuel used in compression-ignition engines.
Is diesel more expensive than gasoline?
The cost varies, but diesel can be more expensive due to higher energy content and demand.
Are gasoline engines faster than diesel?
Gasoline engines typically provide faster acceleration compared to diesel engines.
Can gasoline be used in a diesel engine?
No, using gasoline in a diesel engine can cause significant damage.
What is gasoline?
Gasoline is a petroleum-derived fuel used mainly in spark-ignition engines.
Are diesel engines noisier than gasoline engines?
Diesel engines are often noisier and produce more vibration than gasoline engines.
What vehicles typically use diesel?
Diesel is commonly used in trucks, buses, and heavy machinery.
Can I convert a gasoline engine to diesel?
Converting a gasoline engine to diesel is complex and often not cost-effective.
Why do trucks use diesel?
Trucks use diesel for its high torque and efficiency, especially for long-distance and heavy loads.
Can diesel cars be as fast as gasoline cars?
While diesel cars can be fast, they are generally not as quick as gasoline cars in acceleration.
Which fuel is better for the environment?
Gasoline engines tend to produce fewer particulates and nitrogen oxides than diesel engines.
Does diesel fuel degrade over time?
Diesel can degrade over time, especially if not stored properly.
Is it safe to store diesel fuel?
Yes, but it should be stored properly in a cool, dry place and in appropriate containers.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
