The cost of fuel per gallon isn’t enough to help determine whether a gasoline-powered engine is more or less expensive than a diesel-fueled one. Throw electric vehicles into the mix and you’re looking at a whole other set of stats. The Jerome car repair team at Master Muffler gets into it below.

Which Type of Vehicle is Best?

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports the following gas vs diesel prices (including taxes) for August 2021:

• Gasoline All Grades – $3.269 per gallon
• Diesel All Types – $3.364 per gallon

But how efficiently the fuel burns may mean that even if you pay more per gallon, you get more mileage, offering savings despite the price at the pump. Let’s take a look at some other factors to consider when comparing the pros and cons of gasoline versus diesel engines.

Cost Comparisons of Gas vs Diesel

A diesel version of a vehicle that is the same model as a gasoline version may end up costing $5,045 more to purchase. This is often due to the heavier duty components used when manufacturer a diesel. Additionally, diesel vehicles reduce the emission of particulate matter, which is something gasoline vehicles don’t do; this extra step in the emissions process comes with a price.

Diesel vehicles may cost more to insure and repair, but they hold on to their value for longer than traditional gasoline vehicles. Whichever you drive, if you’re looking for Jerome car repair, you can turn to Paul’s Auto, a licensed Master Muffler franchise.

Comparing a Diesel vs a Gasoline 2012 Mercedes:

Let’s look specifically at a 2012 Mercedes GL350 Bluetec 4Matic (this translates into a Mercedes GL350 diesel engine with all-wheel drive) versus a 2012 Mercedes GL450 4Matic (this translates into a 2012 Mercedes GL450 gasoline engine with all-wheel drive). 

The Bluetec version of this Mercedes is estimated to cost $10,128 less over a five-year period. Research shows that $4,750 of those savings are due to the Bluetec engine consuming less fuel during that time period. Typically, it’s been found that when a vehicle offers both a diesel and a gasoline version of a model, the savings of a diesel become more significant with five-plus years of ownership. Also, buying a diesel previously-owned can make it even more cost-effective, as one of the biggest factors that makes a diesel vehicle more expensive is the initial purchase price.

Still, gas cars are usually more popular in the United States compared to other countries. And although diesel vehicles used to account for nearly half of auto purchases across Europe, many car owners there are making the switch to even more fuel-efficient vehicles – hybrid and electric.

Electric Vehicles in the US

A Pew Research Center survey in 2021 states that only 7% of adult drivers in the U.S. currently have an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid. And while EVs are gaining in popularity around the world, they’re still not as commonplace in the U.S.

Who’s Buying Electric Vehicles?

• Europe – 10% market share
• China – 5.7% market share
• U.S. – 2% market share

It may be that drivers in the U.S. don’t want to change their habits, causing them to be reluctant to invest in a hybrid or EV. Making the purchase means installing a charging plug at your place of residence, or planning to stop at charging stations nearby. If you don’t have charging stations near your residence or place of work, what are you supposed to do while waiting for your vehicle to charge? Additionally, consumers responded to an Autolist poll stating that they worry about the driving range of an EV.

It is true that some EV models offer an impressive driving range before needing a charge, but the sticker shock of the initial purchase price ($37,000) overshadows the impressive 238 – 258 miles an EV can cover on one charge. 

Plus, drivers aren’t sure where they can have their electric vehicles serviced for car repair. Not all auto repair shops have mechanics or technicians with the necessary training to specialize in electric vehicles. It’s true an EV needs less regular maintenance than a conventional fuel-powered vehicle, but there are still components to be aware of.

Hybrid Vehicle Maintenance

• Engine maintenance (they still have internal combustion engines)
• Battery maintenance
• Brake system maintenance
• Fluid flush (oil, transmission, etc)
• Tire replacement and alignment
• Windshield and/or window repair

Electric Vehicle Maintenance

• Battery maintenance
• Tire replacement and alignment
• Brake maintenance (although less due to regenerative braking systems)

Until the United States has a better infrastructure in place to support hybrid and EV usage, it seems the debate will still focus on gasoline-fueled cars versus diesel-fueled cars. Whichever you drive, the Jerome car repair pros at Paul’s Auto Repair are happy to help.