Petrol vs Diesel in Australia: Choosing the Right Fuel for Your Driving Needs
Aussies love their cars, and choosing the right fuel type is a crucial decision when buying a new one. Should you go for the trusty petrol or the fuel-efficient diesel? The answer depends on a few key factors, and this guide will help you navigate the Australian landscape of petrol vs diesel in 2023.
Fuel Economy:
Diesels reign supreme here, typically achieving 20-30% better fuel efficiency than their petrol counterparts. This translates to real savings, especially if you do a lot of driving. In our scenario, with an assumed weekly consumption of 65 liters of petrol, switching to diesel could net you $271 in annual fuel savings. Remember, the higher upfront cost of a diesel is often offset by these long-term fuel savings, especially for high-mileage drivers.
Time and Convenience:
Fewer trips to the petrol station with a diesel? Count us in! But the time saved might not be as impressive as you think. Assuming 10-minute fill-ups, saving one refill every four weeks amounts to just under two hours per year. However, ditching those impulse coffee purchases while filling up adds another $50 to your yearly savings, making it a small but sweet bonus.
Cost Concerns:
Diesel cars cost more initially, sometimes by over $2,000. But here's the good news: their resale value holds better, especially for large SUVs. By year four, the price difference shrinks considerably, and by year seven, your fuel savings may have easily surpassed the initial investment. However, second-hand diesels can quickly bridge the gap in purchase price with their fuel efficiency.
Servicing and Noise:
Older diesels were notorious for frequent servicing and noisy engines. Modern models, however, have narrowed the gap, with service intervals often similar to petrol cars and noise levels significantly reduced. Still, a good rule of thumb is that petrol wins in the servicing cost department.
Type of Car and Environmental Impact:
Diesels shine in larger vehicles like SUVs, where their fuel efficiency shines compared to thirsty petrol counterparts. This also reflects in resale value, with diesel SUVs holding their worth better due to lower running costs. Environmentally, modern diesels emit less CO2 and CO than petrol but tend to have higher particulate matter emissions.
Beyond Petrol and Diesel:
Remember, driving habits can significantly impact your fuel bill. Implementing eco-friendly driving practices like smooth acceleration, avoiding idling, and maintaining proper tyre pressure can save you up to 35% compared to aggressive driving. This can have a far greater impact on your wallet than simply choosing petrol or diesel.
The Verdict:
For frequent drivers in larger vehicles like SUVs, a diesel makes a compelling case with its impressive fuel efficiency and potential cost savings. Petrol remains the more affordable option for smaller cars and drivers with lower mileage. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your individual needs and driving habits.
