Petrol vs diesel – head-to-head test

[LizziePope]

Our expert has hitched up with two VW Tiguans to determine what tow car is the better option right now, petrol or diesel. Take a look here.

 

[ProfJohnL]

We can't make a general statement that all petrol cars are now approaching the towing capability of diesel based on this one report, but it does show that this petrol vehicle is a perfectly capable to car as well as its twin brother, the diesel.

The differences require the driver to accept some changes in the charateristics but you would have to make similar allowances if you changed to any other make or model of car.

But this particular report is good example of how petrol vehicles should not be dismissed just becasue its petrol.

The biggest issue is the change in economy, petrol using more fuel, but take into account the tax breaks and the relative small percentage of mileage done towing, the running cost differences over a year may not be big as they first seem.

 

[Raywood]

Basically a petrol engined car is perfectly capable as a tow car provided you match it correctly and accept its limitations.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Thank you Ray,

But exactly the same principle applies to choosing any tow car - including diesels.

 

[Dustydog]

I was looking to change this year but SWMBO correctly points out the diesels in a few years time will be banned from most towns and cities.
So what do I buy now? Petrol or hybrid or all electric :woohoo:

 

[Hutch]

I was looking to change this year but SWMBO correctly points out the diesels in a few years time will be banned from most towns and cities.
So what do I buy now? Petrol or hybrid or all electric :woohoo:

Hybrid Range Rover. 🙂

 

[Dustydog]

I was looking to change this year but SWMBO correctly points out the diesels in a few years time will be banned from most towns and cities.
So what do I buy now? Petrol or hybrid or all electric :woohoo:

Hybrid Range Rover. 🙂

Steady on ! I’m a Pensioner. Not a yupee 😳

 

[Raywood]

I was looking to change this year but SWMBO correctly points out the diesels in a few years time will be banned from most towns and cities.
So what do I buy now? Petrol or hybrid or all electric :woohoo:

I am afraid you need a crystal ball for that one. The only one I would exclude at the moment is the all electric but in a year or two there may be something suitable.

 

[xtrailman]

I thought only older diesels would be excluded?

As for the test it would have been more of a test if the 190ps diesel was used, and the MTPLM loaded to the weight of the petrol car or say 1600kg.

 

[seth1]

I thought only older diesels would be excluded?

As for the test it would have been more of a test if the 190ps diesel was used, and the MTPLM loaded to the weight of the petrol car or say 1600kg.[/quote

Good point,but then there would have been a clear winner.

 

[ProfJohnL]

I thought only older diesels would be excluded?

As for the test it would have been more of a test if the 190ps diesel was used, and the MTPLM loaded to the weight of the petrol car or say 1600kg.

Why would it have more of test? Can please explain you thinking?

 

[seth1]

I think the title is a bit of a clue,if a 190hp diesel had been used there would be no comparison.

 

[otherclive]

I think the title is a bit of a clue,if a 190hp diesel had been used there would be no comparison.

Surely the price comparison is a factor in any debate and the two cars tested are within the same price group. Otherwise why not go for a RR TDV8?

The review compares NO emissions but only as far as the legislative levels being very close, but doesn't address the wider differences which have been measured in real world driving even for EU6 engines. Also the review falls into the common trap of comparing fuel economy between petrol and diesels and payback times. But as Prof says much will depend on your driving mileage solo and towing. This will vary between different owners, but for solo driving the payback for diesels is still reckoned to be at around 20000 miles per year when all cost factors are taken into account and not just fuel costs.