[Gay State Conservative]

Does the math work regarding better mileage vs higher fuel costs these days? I remember....not too long ago,in fact....when diesel was noticeably cheaper (percentage-wise) than regular.Today the reverse is true.

[Red Badger]

Let’s say two cars are being considered.

Both are exactly alike, except one is gasoline powered and the other is Diesel powered.

Both have a 10 gallon tank.

Gasoline is $4.00 a gallon.

Diesel is $5.00 a gallon.

The gasoline model gets 40 mpg.

The Diesel model gets 50 mpg.

Gasoline miles per tank = 400 miles.

Diesel miles per tank = 500 miles.

Gasoline trip costs = $40.00

Diesel trip costs = $50.00

You go 100 miles farther for $10.00 in the Diesel.

That $10.00 would have bought 2.5 gallons of gasoline, that would have carried you 100 miles...........

So, as long as the DIFFERENCE in cost per gallon between DIESEL and GASOLINE is less than about $1 per, then you are ahead.
But remember the initial cost of the diesel car is higher than the gasoline car, but it will last much longer on the road because of the way it’s made........

[PapaBear3625]

I remember....not too long ago,in fact....when diesel was noticeably cheaper (percentage-wise) than regular.Today the reverse is true.

Thank the EPA for that. Only "ultra-low-sulfur" diesel can be sold these days, which is why it's now more expensive than gasoline