DIESEL ENGINE ADVANTAGES OVER PETROL ENGINE

• Diesel engine is 45% efficiency in converting fuel into mechanical energy compared to Petrol at 30%- this means that Diesel engine have higher miles per gallon and have been used extensively in the commercial world.
•  Engine life expectancy is twice as long compared to petrol engines, due to the stronger internal design to cope with higher pressures under combustion. The engine does weigh more compared petrol counterparts though.
• No need for HT leads, spark plugs and coils, meaning greater reliability especially in damp environments and used almost extensively in marine applications.
•  Diesel engines are immune to vapour lock and the fuel is not explosive like petrol.
•  No proportionate decrease in fuel efficiency compared to petrol engines, at higher engine loads. Produce less heat in cooling systems and exhaust pipes.
•  Produce less carbon monoxide and can be used in underground applications.
•  Can accept turbo/supercharging with out risk of detonation, unlike petrol engines at higher pressure levels.
•  Higher torque levels lower in the rev range than petrol equivalents.
•  Diesel fuel is denser then petrol and contains roughly 15% more energy.
• Alternative fuels can be used to power Diesels, with great success with used cooking oils and other vegetable based fuels- this will mostly result in lower performance though.

Source: www.rapid-racer.com/car-engines.php#sthash.zcrNxQba.dpuf