Difference between Petrol and Diesel Engine

 

Apart from the type of fuel used, the engines are also divided on the basis of a lot of things, such as the presence of a spark plug in Petrol engines and a fuel injector in Diesel engines. We also know that lighter vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, and cars typically use petrol in their engines whereas Diesel is used in much heavier machinery such as tractors, trucks, and buses. Thus, the types of fuel used also plays a major role in defining the major difference between Petrol and Diesel engines. More differences between these types of engines are listed in the tabular column below. 

 

Difference Between Petrol and Diesel Engine

Diesel Engine

Petrol Engine

These engines work on the Diesel cycle

Works on the Otto cycle

The fuel is mixed with air inside the cylinder

Air and the fuel are mixed in a carburettor

Ignition is achieved with the help of the hot, compressed air.

Fuel is ignited with an electric spark

High compression ratio

Relatively low compression ratio

High power production

Relatively low amounts of power are produced in a Petrol engine

These engines work with fuels that have low volatilities

Highly volatile fuels are used in these internal combustion engines

Generally used in heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses

Used in light vehicles such as motorcycles and cars.

Relatively low fuel consumption

High fuel consumption.

High initial and maintenance costs

Comparatively low initial cost and maintenance cost