Why I Hate Diesel Engines

16 Mar 2016

Whoa, whoa! Hold your horses!

I don’t have a problem with the people who like them.

I learned to drive on a diesel Dacia Logan actually, but right now and most likely in the future I won’t throw my money on a diesel powered car.

Where does my hate come from?

1) I’m surrounded by people who overly exaggerate how useful a diesel powered car is. The main point is money saved on fuel, but let’s be fair, nowadays (at least in my country) the price of diesel is equal to petrol and the newer generation petrol engines have similar fuel consumptions as the diesel versions, so in my book this is an invalid point.

2) As diesel is basically a lower quality combustible it is more likely to damage internals of the vehicle or accumulate impurities in the injection system, which is not good for the engine. The car I learned to drive on actually had these type of problems.

3) Aside from it leaving a cloud of smog when you floor it, I don’t like how it sounds. I don’t know how bigger CC diesel engines sound, but the average engines you hear everyday on the streets of my city sound like a constantly farting horse, I like the pure sound of a petrol powered engine, which is actually not as loud and screaming for attention.

4) It is not as sporty as petrol. I’m speaking from experience right now… diesel powered cars respond notably lazier to the throttle and I don’t like that in any environment, when I floor it, I want it to fly!

I’m not a total hater though!

It is actually easier to drive as it has more torque and when you’re leaving from standstill the clutch is way more forgiving, but again I’m not actually interested to be forgiven by a car, I want to become a better driver!

It’s actually really useful on cars that have to carry a lot of weight like pick ups and SUVs. I have a petrol powered Nissan Terrano 2 and when you’re having an off roader it’s way more useful to have some more torque to use.

I’m not looking to have hateful comments on this because I know some people actually like diesel, but let’s have some elevated talk :D You think I’m wrong? I want you to prove me wrong with your best opinions!

Comments

I’ll agree with you on points 1 and 4 in most cases but 2 and 3 not so much. While it is true that diesel is a less refined than gas that does not mean “ it is more likely to damage internals of the vehicle or accumulate impurities in the injection system”. Diesel engines are built to different standards than gas engines. To deal with the higher compression the internals and block are extremely tough, it’s how you can see people with minimal modifications to diesel trucks make even more insane power and torque. And I personally love the sound of diesels, a big Cummins, Durmax or Powerstroke has a sound that resonates power, not better than the sound of a nice gas engine but not any worse. Now in all fairness I think this is directed towards diesel commuter cars which are uncommon in the US and I have little experience with them but in the US where diesel trucks are everywhere this is my opinion. As for the other two I mostly agree with you but diesel cars can turn great fuel economy and due to the high compression ratio burn extremely clean. No the average diesel VW or whatever might not be sporty but a 3/4 or 1 ton with a diesel is hugely fun to drive. With so much torque on tap the feeling of power unleashed with your right foot is amazing.

This might be a modded truck but it proves that diesels are accepting of power and can be huge fun.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIcOLPrXtQM

Alex, For many years I’ve had friends tell me, “You have to go to Europe and drive their diesels - they have the best.” Well, it’s my turn: Alex, you must come to the U.S. and try some of our diesels - especially our pickup trucks. We now have pickups that can average 30+mpg highway without smoke and a lot of noise. You raise some valid points but there is some nice new diesel technology coming into the market over here.