Diesel vs. Petrol – Comparing Car Mileage

Petrol station at night

If you’re looking at buying a new car, there are a number of factors you’ll want to consider. One of the most fundamental is whether you should buy a petrol or a diesel car. In order to come to a decision, you’ll likely be considering the fuel economy of different engines – or, in other words, the mileage of a diesel car vs. that of a petrol car.

This article will look at the mileage of petrol vs diesel, and help you decide which type of engine you’d prefer for your next set of wheels.

Car mileage: diesel vs. petrol

First off, let’s clarify how fuel economy works. It refers to the number of miles a car can travel on a specific amount of fuel. This is measured in MPG, short for miles per gallon. The higher the MPG rating of a vehicle, the more fuel-efficient it is, as it can go further on one tank of fuel and cover more miles per gallon.

What impacts MPG?

There are several factors that will impact the MPG of a vehicle, as well as its actual engine mechanics.

Your own driving style will impact the MPG of a car. If you regularly tow heavy items, rapidly brake or accelerate, speed, frequently idle (for example, at traffic stops), or only travel short journeys, you can negatively impact the MPG. Similarly, if you wear your tyres out and don’t replace them, or don’t regularly maintain your car, this can negatively impact the MPG.

Environmental factors will also play a part. Regular use of the air conditioning, for example, will impact the MPG, but so will opening the windows (as this makes the car less aerodynamic). Cold weather also brings strain, as the engine takes longer to warm up.

One of the most significant factors affecting a car’s MPG is its engine, which is why you’ll frequently see articles comparing the mileage of a diesel car vs. a petrol car.

Diesel vs. petrol – which has better fuel economy?

Diesel cars have better fuel economy to petrol cars, making their mileage better value for money. This is because diesel fuel contains more energy in a like-for-like comparison than petrol fuel. That means that if you’re regularly making long journeys in a petrol vehicle, you’ll end up paying more overall for fuel, even though petrol is cheaper per litre than diesel fuel. It’s all about the law of averages.

Which? ran a series of independent tests, which found that the average MPG of a diesel car was higher around town, out of town, and on a motorway. As a combined score, the overall MPG of the diesel car they tested averaged 46.8 compared to 41.9 for the tested petrol car.

Overall, in the battle of mileage for a diesel vs. petrol vehicle, diesel’s fuel economy will always win out. Diesel cars are also better for longer journeys at high-speed – that is, for frequent motorway driving – and if you need a vehicle that can tow well. Diesel vehicles have more torque than petrol vehicles, which have to work harder to maintain momentum and power and will therefore use more fuel.

Other factors to consider

It may be that the verdict on diesel’s better mileage is enough to settle your choice as to whether to purchase a diesel vs. petrol car. However, deciding whether a diesel car is right for you is unfortunately not that black and white.

Petrol vehicles produce fewer overall emissions of CO2 per litre of burned fuel compared to a diesel engine – however, because a diesel engine’s mileage is higher than its petrol counterpart, it will tend to have lower CO2 emissions. That said, petrol cars produce far fewer particulate emissions than diesel vehicles – particularly older ones, which emit nitrogen oxide, a substance that’s linked to air pollution and harmful health side effects. Petrol cars therefore result in less local air pollution.

Diesel cars are also bad on short, stop-start trips, as their DPF (diesel particulate filter), which is responsible for minimising harmful particulates, won’t operate as efficiently unless the engine is hot.

Financing your petrol or diesel car

Whether you decide on diesel for better long-distance mileage or petrol for short, stop-start trips, car finance can help you spread the cost of your next car to improve affordability and maximise your budget.

At My Car Credit, we aim to make the finance application process as simple as possible from start to finish. Get the ball rolling by checking your car finance eligibility, then benefit from our extensive network of trusted lenders to get a fair deal whatever your credit score.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

My Credit Rating

Excellent

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  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
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£

X monthly repayments of
£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

Petrol and Diesel Ban – What It Means for Car Buying

Petrol station in mist following the 2030 petrol and diesel ban

The sale of new petrol and diesel cars in the UK will end by 2030. A lot has happened in the last 12 months, so this might have escaped you when it was first released. However, it’s essential for motorists to understand what they can and can’t purchase before they enter negotiations. 

The last thing you want is to waste money on a vehicle that is basically prohibited. Therefore, it’s imperative to look into what the petrol and diesel ban means and how it might affect you in the future. 

The petrol and diesel ban – what is it? 

The petrol and diesel ban is pretty much what it says on the tin. The government is attempting to lower carbon emissions and cut the UK’s CO2 footprint by acting against non-electric vehicles. EVs are notoriously eco-friendly since they don’t use fossil fuels to create energy. Instead, they run off a battery that’s powered by electricity. 

Originally, the ban was scheduled for 2035. However, the government has seen fit to bring it forward five years. That means you won’t be able to buy a new car that runs off diesel or petrol in the UK from 2030. 

What about old cars? 

You can still drive petrol and diesel vehicles after this date. The ban only applies to cars that are being manufactured. This means that the latest makes and models won’t be available in these traditional specs. Of course, if the smell of petrol wakes you up in the morning, you can always opt for a second-hand or used motor. 

Additionally, hybrid vehicles aren’t currently included in the ban. As a result, you will be able to purchase a hybrid car with a diesel or petrol engine and switch between modes. 

What impact will the ban have on UK motorists? 

There are a number of expected knock-on effects of the petrol and diesel ban. The first is an increase in the purchase of EVs. With new petrol and diesel cars out of bounds, the only way to get your hands on a brand spanking new vehicle is to go electric.  

Secondly, this should mean the production of EVs ramps up a notch. That should also see the costs involved in buying and leasing electric cars plummet dramatically. This is because the technology will be more accessible, making EVs cheaper to manufacture. From a buying perspective, you should notice a significant drop in the fees associated with owning or renting an EV. 

Let My Car Credit help you  

When it comes to spreading the cost of a new car, customers always have one question at the back of their minds – how much does car finance cost? While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all rate, if EVs are less expensive to run and operate, they’ll be cheaper to buy too.  

At My Car Credit, we’re committed to finding a great deal for customers based on their specific circumstances. Maybe you’ve got a great credit history and want to stick with petrol or you’re ready to make the switch but worried about your credit score. Whichever, simply get in touch with our team and we’ll guide you through the car finance process.  

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

My Credit Rating

Excellent

  • You are a home owner
  • You have been on the electoral role for a long period of time
  • You have current credit arrangements and mortgage with no defaults
  • You have no CCJs, credit arrears or missed payments
  • You rarely apply for credit
  • You are employed or self-employed

Good

  • You are on the electoral role
  • You are a home owner or long standing tenant
  • You have a stable employment history
  • You have current credit arrangements with occasional missed payments
  • You have no CCJs

Fair

  • You are or have recently been on the electoral role
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Poor

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Bad

  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
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£

X monthly repayments of
£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

2030 Petrol Ban – Should You Make the Switch Early?

Man filling up with petrol before the 2030 petrol ban

From Tesla to Toyota, electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) are becoming increasingly popular as consumers endeavour to make more climate-conscious choices.

In fact, the sales of EVs and PHEVs tripled in October 2020, compared to their sales in October 2019. They account for one in seven new cars sold – a fact that has been acknowledged and perhaps encouraged by the increasing availability of charging points across the country.

But from 2030, the petrol and diesel ban will be in place – with hybrids joining the restrictions from 2035. If you own a petrol, diesel or hybrid car, it may be time to consider whether you want to make the switch to an electric vehicle early, in order to save you the time and hassle closer to the deadline. Below, we take you through the benefits of making this decision sooner rather than later, as well as outlining what the 2030 petrol ban really is.

What is the 2030 petrol and diesel ban?

From 2030, new cars and vans powered exclusively by either petrol or diesel won’t be sold in the UK. Some PHEVS – notably the Toyota Prius – will continue to be sold until 2035, when they will also be banned. This is contingent on these cars being able to achieve a ‘significant distance’ of travel in zero-emission mode. At present, the Government hasn’t yet clarified what that term exactly means.

The only new cars and vans for sale after 2035 will be exclusively electric vehicles, such as the Nissan Leaf or Tesla Model 3, and hydrogen-powered vehicles like the Toyota Mirai.

However, the 2030 petrol ban only applies to the sale of brand-new vehicles. Nearly new or used vehicles – that is, second-hand ones – won’t be affected by the ban, and can continue to be sold in showrooms or online. Hybrid cars which can travel ‘significant’ distances in zero emission mode will also still be allowed to be sold on the used marketplace.

What are the benefits of switching early?

There are a number of reasons that it might be advantageous to start thinking about your vehicle before the ban comes in – particularly if you’re in possession of a petrol or diesel car.

Benefit from tax incentives

In order to help the move to EVs, the government is setting aside £582 million in grants to facilitate the transfer to EVs and PHEVs. At present, the government subsidises £3,000 from the purchase of EVs. The government is likely to extend the period during which this is offered, but the transport secretary has acknowledged that it will ‘go eventually’. By making the switch early, you’re more likely to see some of this funding, which can then help you fund a new vehicle.

Get a higher resale value for petrol or diesel cars

As 2030 approaches, manufacturers are likely to offer significant discounts on new models, as they attempt to shift them before the ban comes into place. Consequently, the resale values of traditional combustion engine vehicles are expected to be hit. Getting in early and reselling your car will therefore be more financially forward-thinking. You’ll also avoid any potential tax increases for petrol and diesel vehicles further down the line.

Avoid disruption

When the 2030 petrol ban comes in, there will inevitably be some disruption as drivers get their heads around the way that EVs and certified PHEVs work. For example, drivers will have to get used to charging their cars using either public networks or domestic plug-ins. Travel times will possibly have to be amended – particularly for long distance journeys – in order to accommodate charging, too. By making the switch early, you’ll be more comfortable with how EVS work, and where your local charging point is.

Preparing for the 2030 petrol ban

If you’re looking to make the switch to an electric vehicle, My Car Credit is on hand to help. With our car finance checker, you can check your eligibility without affecting your credit score, before comparing deals from our wide panel of lenders for all circumstances. To find out more, call our friendly team on 01246 458 810.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

My Credit Rating

Excellent

  • You are a home owner
  • You have been on the electoral role for a long period of time
  • You have current credit arrangements and mortgage with no defaults
  • You have no CCJs, credit arrears or missed payments
  • You rarely apply for credit
  • You are employed or self-employed

Good

  • You are on the electoral role
  • You are a home owner or long standing tenant
  • You have a stable employment history
  • You have current credit arrangements with occasional missed payments
  • You have no CCJs

Fair

  • You are or have recently been on the electoral role
  • You may have recently changed address
  • You may have occasional missed payments
  • You may have an old CCJ
  • You may have regularly applied for credit

Poor

  • You may have had frequent changes in address
  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • You may have exceeded credit card limits
  • You may have missed payments on current agreements
  • You may have had a CCJ in the past

Bad

  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • Your credit cards are over their limits
  • You have recent CCJs
  • You may have been refused credit elsewhere
  • You may be in a debt management plan
£

X monthly repayments of
£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!