Petrol vs Diesel Fuel Economy Test & Why People Stopped Buying Diesel?

How much more economical is a diesel car compared to a similar sized petrol car. Also, why have people stopped buying diesels?

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00:00 The cars
01:05 Diesel in the City
11:40 Diesel at 70mph
16:56 Diesel on rural roads
19:55 Petrol in the City
27:18 Petrol at 70mph
31:22 Petrol on rural roads
35:08 Combined results
37:20 Why people stopped buying Diesel
41:55 Petrol and Diesel ban

[SpinR]

A promise of a ban is the easiest way for a government to say they're commiting to climate goals *without actually needing to do anything*.

[thomasandresen]

Richard, Engineer here! What you talked about with regards to looking at the whole lifecycle is exactly what we are taught about (we call it lifecycle analysis) and what the government continually fails to consider. We need a “cradle to grave” approach to considering our emissions from vehicles, not just its operating lifetime. Love your videos by the way 👍

[daveamies]

I 100% agree with you about letting engineers find creative ways to achieve the goal rather than blindly dictating the path 👍

[Leptospirosi]

Reality is that making a new car has a HUGE footprint in emissions. Keeping an older and well maintained car, untill it really needs replacement is often the best way to keep pollution low.

[christopheranghel]

I passed my driving test in March this year but I still occasionally come here to watch Richard's videos just because of how fun he is in explaining things.

[tttlzve]

Richard, I know you get these comments all the time, but I passed my test with 2 minors today and couldn't have done it without you! The insight you give is second to none, and the catalogue of videos you've made over the past few years have changed countless lives in a brilliant way.

After starting my driving journey in 2021, I just couldn't get the hang of roundabouts, mirrors or meeting situations. When I watched your videos, my understanding and confidence grew hugely. Then, when I had to leave my driving instructor and only had private practice in my dad's car for more than a year, your instructor's insight became even more vital (not least through Collingwood insurance :)! Your videos are also very entertaining, which makes learning to drive way more fun and relaxing.

I never received any mock test. Despite this, I really felt ready to pass as I reversed into the parking bay for my first actual test. It was only then that the examiner walked out, and informed us that the rear reversing light was out, and he couldn't take me on test. This was despite us meticulously checking all the lights the night before. A week before the next test, the car broke down, and we had to re-schedule for 4 months down the line. With the life of the car in doubt, I could've given up, but watching your content and seeing your passion for cars encouraged me to persist, and re-book again.

A car is not just a machine; if kept for a while, a car can almost become part of the family. My dad's Ford Focus was bought in 2005, after it had a very short stint as a company car for the Ford showroom. I remember being driven around in it when I was little, and today, 18 years after it became part of my life, I passed my driving test in it. Yes; it has had a new clutch, new brakes and a new alternator (all of which were faults that only developed after I started driving it), but it's still 'The Focus'. We joked when we stood on the side of the motorway, with a dead battery, a few days before my test was due: "It's like it knows."

As you get to know it, a car can show its personality. You grow together, go on adventures and make ever-lasting memories. Being able to drive brings about so many opportunities, acting as a gateway to new careers and life experiences. To drive on an open road is perhaps the greatest freedom a person can experience, and it is a freedom granted by a mutual understanding of the Highway Code. Somewhat paradoxically, knowing and obeying such a thick rulebook only increases the freedom felt. I know I can drive safely, and in that knowledge, I know I can drive with a smile on my face.

If you are reading this, and you think that this can never be you, then you must remember that you are always getting better. Each time you make a mistake, you can learn from it. Even if you had a bad drive, you can always look back and find out why it happened and where you went wrong. Two days before today, my dad and I went for a drive in the evening, and I had a terrible session. I forgot which way to give way at a mini-roundabout, and then I pulled off unsafely at a bigger roundabout. My dad had to shout "STOP!!" (we don't have dual controls); yet we went over it, and today I passed. Don't let mistakes drag you down and knock your confidence, you can do it!

The ability to drive a car is a gift. That is the gift that you give to all of us, Richard. Your meticulous love of cars and stats is a joy and an inspiration. Thank you, and please, never stop doing what you love.

-Michael

[robinrai]

One thing I like about diesels is that you can get one with quite a lot of power while still being economical, for example, a 330d vs the petrol variant, especially if you do a lot of motorway miles like myself

[sanoot]

the fact that you display 4 measures of fuel usage is very smart and more car content creators should do that

[mellowdv]

Hi Richard, I've got my license but unfortunately soon after earning it, I scratched another car while parking (thankfully insurance covered everything) and became very anxious about having my car anywhere close to other cars. Your videos help me get my driving-related anxieties under control, thank you for making them!

[kristianniss]

In Denmark it's very clear. Absurd taxation on diesel cars.
I own an older toyota yaris diesel. Very good engine. Easily get 4.2L/100km.
When i replace my car, it's going to be petrol. The amount of litres I can buy with the taxes I'm paying for this is absurd.

[samlackey]

Just passed my driving test today with 3 minors. Your videos have been so helpful throughout the process. Would recommend anyone to watch your channel who is learning. 🎉🎉

[luckybear]

I have a 2008 Mondeo 2.0 Turbo Diesel - averaging 43.3 mpg with short-medium length trips. It won't be as economical as smaller-engined cars or more modern engines but I absolutely love it to bits. Prior to owning it, I'd never driven a turbo (anything) and I'm still blown away by how fast it is. It's a handsome brute too!

[MartinRusnak]

What you said at the end was mind-blowing. 100% agree, didn't even think about it this way, but you're right. Let there be a fight between the technologies, let win the better one for its goal.

[gta_guy]

The way you explained the whole 2030 ban in such a way that suggests engineers are being limited to what they can create and experiment with was absolutely brilliant. It's like only teaching a kid that 2+2=4, instead of teaching many other methods that also lead to the same result, like 2x2=4. Love the content! :D

[williamhodgson]

I bought a C4, a 2013 1.6 hdi, initially I hated it, like you the steering felt vague. Over time I grew to love it’s smoothness and comfort, and of course it’s economy, regularly getting in the mid 60’s from a gallon. I exchanged it for a 2013 Fiesta Titanium X. What a complete load of rubbish, biggest regret of my life. I now have a Renault Megane 1.6 diesel and I love it. French cars every time now for me. Great video btw.

[JoelMick]

I passed my test last month but I still enjoy watching your videos! Even after getting my driving license you’re still very educational and I’ve learnt a lot from you!

[thomasdaniel]

Haven't ever encountered such a meticulous economy test! And yet it was enjoyable too !

[bartoszk]

No big surprise here.
Diesel cars are cleaner than ever and still make sense financially when doing a lot of motorway driving, but if it goes wrong, the repair bills of diesel fuel system can wipe out potential savings.
Also not so suitable for urban and short distance driving as dpf doesn't get a chance to get hot enough to burn out accumulated soot.
Good video and insight.

[YaQ]

I agree, the same perspective on emissions and electric cars was in one of the latest episodes of Lex Fridman podcast. It is the developed countries that only look at their backyard and try to please themselves that they help the climate. In reality, no one of them wants a de-appreciation of the value of their houses by having wind turbines or solar panels farms beside their properties. No one wants to produce toxic chemicals for batteries in their developed countries but prefers to outsource this to third-world poor countries so they to deal with these issues.

[holyblobvis]

I passed my Dutch driving test two weeks ago! I learned a lot about using the clutch and other parts of driving from your videos. So thanks a lot!