When choosing between a petrol or diesel car, one of the most important things to consider is the cost of running each vehicle. Fuel prices can vary, and while diesel engines are generally more fuel-efficient, petrol cars often have lower upfront costs. But which one will actually save you money?
Our Petrol vs. Diesel Fuel Cost Calculator can help you decide. By entering a few details, like the MPG of each vehicle and the cost per litre of fuel for each vehicle you can easily compare the fuel costs of driving a petrol versus a diesel car over any distance you choose.
How the Petrol vs Diesel Car Calculator Works
Our calculator is designed to be easy to use, helping you quickly figure out which type of vehicle will cost less to run. Here’s how it works:
- Enter Your Distance: Start by putting in the distance you plan to drive. Whether it’s your daily commute, a weekend trip, or your annual mileage, the calculator can work with any distance you set in miles.
- Add Vehicle MPG: Next, enter the miles per gallon (MPG) for both the petrol and diesel vehicles you’re comparing. You can usually find this information in the vehicle’s handbook or on the manufacturer’s website. If you’re unsure, a quick online search of your car model should give you the MPG. If you already own one of the vehicles, you can use our MPG Calculator to give you the exact MPG.
- Fuel Prices: Then, enter the current petrol and diesel price per litre. Fuel prices can change, so it’s important to use the most up-to-date figures for an accurate comparison. You can check the latest prices at your local petrol station or online.
- Calculate and Compare: Once you’ve filled in the details, click the ‘Calculate’ button. The tool will then show the fuel cost for each vehicle over the distance you’ve entered, letting you see which option is cheaper and by how much.
Why Use a Petrol vs Diesel Car Calculator?
Deciding between a petrol or diesel car isn’t just about the price tag at the dealership. While diesel cars often have better fuel economy, the savings might not be as big when considering the higher cost of diesel fuel, maintenance, and the distance you typically drive. Our calculator helps you look beyond the initial purchase price, giving you a clearer picture of your potential long-term savings (or costs) based on real-world use.
Key Factors to Consider When Comparing Petrol and Diesel Cars
When using our calculator, keep these important points in mind:
- Fuel Efficiency: Diesel engines generally use less fuel than petrol engines, meaning you can drive further on a tank of diesel. However, the difference in MPG between modern petrol and diesel engines is getting smaller.
- Fuel Prices: In the UK, diesel is usually more expensive at the pump than petrol. While a diesel engine may offer better fuel economy, the higher price of diesel can reduce these savings.
- Driving Habits: Diesel cars are best for long motorway journeys where their fuel efficiency is most noticeable. If you mainly drive in town with lots of stopping and starting, a petrol car might be cheaper to run due to lower upfront costs and better performance in city driving.
- Vehicle Cost: Diesel cars often cost more to buy than similar petrol models. You’ll need to drive a fair number of miles each year to make up for the initial cost difference through fuel savings.
- Environmental Considerations: Diesel engines produce more nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulates, which can harm air quality. If you’re concerned about the environment, this might affect your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is running a diesel car on long journeys always cheaper?
Not always. While diesel cars are generally more fuel-efficient on longer trips, the savings can be less due to the higher diesel price and other costs like maintenance. Use our calculator to see what works best for you.
2. How often should I update the fuel prices in the calculator?
It’s a good idea to update the fuel prices whenever you use the calculator, especially if they have changed recently. This ensures the most accurate cost comparison.
3. Can I use the calculator to compare more than two cars?
Yes! You can use the calculator multiple times with different sets of data. This way, you can compare various petrol and diesel cars to find the cheapest option for your needs.
4. How do I find the MPG for my car?
You can usually find the MPG (miles per gallon) in your vehicle’s handbook or on the manufacturer’s website. If you can’t find it, you can use our MPG Calculator to give you the exact MPG.
5. What if I mostly drive in the city?
City driving often involves frequent stopping and starting, which can lower the fuel efficiency of both petrol and diesel cars. Generally, petrol cars might be cheaper for city driving, but it’s best to use the calculator with your specific details.
6. Does the calculator include other running costs like maintenance?
The calculator focuses only on fuel costs, which are a big part of running a car but not the only one. When making your decision, think about other costs such as insurance, taxes, and maintenance, which can also vary between petrol and diesel cars.
Make the Right Choice and Save Money
Choosing between a petrol and diesel car is an important decision that has long-term financial effects. Our Petrol vs Diesel Car Cost Calculator can help you make a smart choice that suits your driving habits and budget. Don’t leave it to guesswork – calculate your savings today and drive confidently, knowing you’ve made the best choice for your wallet and lifestyle.