Even though diesel and petrol engines are internal combustion engines, the applications, efficiency, fuel usage, and working principles are different.
Heavy vehicles and trucks usually come fitted with a diesel engine. Earlier, only trains used diesel engines. Diesel engines were developed in Germany in 1893.
The operation of a diesel engine is mentioned below:
Petrol engines are also called gasoline engines and are mainly used in machines, scooters, cars, etc. Petrol engines were invented in 1876.
The working process of a petrol engine is given below:
The main differences between diesel and petrol engines are mentioned in the table below:
Diesel Engine | Petrol Engine |
Compression of air is completed first and then addition of fuel is done. | Injection of air and fuel are done together. |
Mostly used for heavy-duty applications. | Mostly used for light-duty applications. |
Running cost is low. | Running cost is high. |
More noise from the engine. | Less noise from the engine. |
Consumption of fuel is less. | Consumption of fuel is high. |
Efficiency is higher when compared to a petrol engine. | When compared to a diesel engine, efficiency is lesser. |
Compression ration ranges between 11 and 20. | Compression ratio ranges between 7 and 10. |
Low-volatiles fuels are used. | High volatiles fuels are used. |
Compression of air and fuel are not together. | Compression of air and fuel are together. |
Diesel engine cycle is used for the engine to work. | Otto cycle is used for the engine to work. |
Even though both petrol and diesel engine are internal combustion engine, there are several differences between them. When compared to petrol, diesel is slightly cheaper. Petrol and diesel prices are revised on a daily basis in the country.

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