Quote:
Originally Posted by jamesqf
The problem with diesel is that it's diesel, and therefore a considerably less efficient way of turning a given amount of fuel into motion than alternatives, such as Stirling engines.
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actually diesel engines sport a 20:1 compression ratio
gas engines which use 12:1 or 13:1 actually burn the gas more completely and efficiently than 8.5:1 ratios
we can't use 12:1 or 13:1 in cars unless they burn premium gas, or leaded gas, or racing fuel, or pure alcohol.
diesels get better mpg than gas counterparts. that's why they have been popular in europe.
as an example i had a company truck for a while, a dodge ram 2500 with a cummins diesel. it got 19mpg highway
a gas powered version of the same truck would only get 15mpg highway
james, where did you get your info that diesel was less efficient than gas?
as far as environment-friendly, diesels dont use spark plugs. that means less platinum, iridium, ceramics, etc in landfills. less ignition parts. and as far as emissions go, i dont think gas engines are any more "clean" than diesels per gallon of fuel burned. they both pollute the environment. sulfur has been limited in USA diesel as well.