4. PETROL, DIESEL OR TURBO?
The issue of ‘turbo or not turbo’ at least has become somewhat easier in recent years,
and almost all cars with engine capacities under, say, 2.5l tend to be turbocharged.
Larger-engined models also tend to be if they are diesels. The decision between
petrol and diesel used to be very clear cut – diesels were comparatively sluggish,
noisy, and generally only chosen by people who needed to do very high mileages or
who needed an exceptionally torquey engine for off road work or heavy-duty towing.
This has completely changed over the past 10-15 years. Modern diesels are lively
and refined, yet retain their inherent characteristics of good fuel economy and good
torque delivery. If you have not tried one recently, do not make your final decision on
a new car before doing so – you could well be very surprised. Do check carefully the
manufacturer's towing limit before buying a diesel, though, as (very occasionally) it
may be less than on petrol versions.
Selected models from the Citroen C5 Hatchback range (2007) give an opportunity to
compare some of the options available. (manufacturer’s figures)
Petrol
4 cyl
5sp Man
1749
Petrol
4 cyl
5sp Man
1997
Diesel
4 cyl HDi
5sp Man
1997
Diesel
4 cyl HDi
6sp Man
2179
* These solo fuel consumption figures are based on government tests simulating a
‘typical’ mixture of urban and open road driving.
On the basis of the figures above, for what is a fairly typical modern car, a few
conclusions can be drawn:
• Even the ‘base’ model petrol engine is surprisingly powerful and fast – it is
about as quick as a 1970s Jaguar 4.2l saloon, for instance, yet has less than
half the engine capacity, and better than twice the fuel economy.
• In practical terms, there is relatively little difference in outright top speed or
acceleration across the range. Any of these cars is going to be more than
adequate in everyday use.
• The bhp outputs of the diesels are broadly comparable to those of the similar
capacity petrol models, but peak power is produced at significantly lower revs.
• The torque outputs of the diesels are much better than those of similar capacity
diesel models.
• The fuel economy of the diesels is much better than the petrols, with perhaps
the most striking comparison being the 2.2 diesel, which despite having
performance which is very similar to the 3.0l petrol, is some 60% more fuel
efficient on the Government combined fuel consumption test cycle.
It is no wonder when looking at these figures that most of the recent Towcar of the
Year winners (and class winners) have been diesels, and not surprising that some 70%
of Club members choose a diesel car.
(20 Seiten)
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