4WD diesel engine or petrol engine?

I have received a comment on which to choose either diesel engine or petrol engine.

There are a few criteria that we need to take into consideration before choosing to buy diesel engine or petrol engine.

Here some tips that I can suggest and hope they are useful.

Engine Price

Usually in Malaysia diesel engine is more expensive compare than petrol engine especially with turbo intercooler system. I am not very sure about the other country pricing.

Engine power

Only diesel engine supported with turbo system able to produce more power and sometimes as good as petrol engine. Petrol engine normally have more power compared with diesel engine roughly about 25%.

Torque

Diesel engine able to generate more torque in low r.p.m and therefor capable to carry more load and have ability to go for long distance journey. Petrol engine have more horsepower and high acceleration but low torque.

Maintenance

Simple maintenance, pay attention on your engine oil (high frequency of changing your engine oil) and if properly maintained it may take longer time for major overhauls. Petrol engine may require more complex maintenance.

Life time Engine

For diesel it may take between 350,000 km to 500,000 km for general overhauls. As for petrol it may take between 200,000 to 350,000 km for general overhauls.

Fuel Consumption

I think when thinking of buying a car or 4WD you may find that diesel engine able to save about 20% to 50% compare with petrol engine

Exhaust Temperature

For diesel engine the exhaust temperature about 600 degree celcius and as for petrol engine about 800 degree celcius. The high temperature of your 4WD the more inflammable.

There are other tips in my opinion that you may find it useful such as how easy to find a mechanic, price, car insurance, availability and price of 4WD spare parts and in Malaysia you may include also roadtax and etc.

But if you buying a 4WD for offroad then you have to take consideration on basic tips such as engine breaking, endurance, torque, maintenance, body lifting, suspension and etc.