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Gas engines are very responsive to the throttle. Have a wide RPM operating range. They are excellent for vehicles that need to start and stop often, operate at low speed in town and high speeds on freeways. Which is why they are common in cars and skiboats.
Diesels have a narrow RPM range. To get maximum use of this narrow range, they need a multi-speed transmission. Which is why big rigs have 12 speeds, splitters, etc.
Diesels have torque, which translates to pulling power. Ever seen a gas locomotive, road grader or bulldozer?
In the boating world, the dividing line is 32 feet. Gas engines just aren't up to the job in a boat 32 feet or over.
Gas engines in buses get apalling fuel economy; 2-5 MPG. Diesels get about 7-10. An auto trans cuts about 2MPG from a diesel bus.
Finally: It's very hard to get diesel fuel to burn. Very safe fuel. Gasoline: 1 teaspoon, completely vaporized, in the bilges of a 24' cabin cruiser, is equal to 15 sticks of dynamite if ignited.
You can use diesel fuel to run hot water heaters, stoves and furnaces. Wouldn't try that with gasoline. |
RV and bus conversion info since 1996.
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