Which is more Powerful – Diesel or Petrol Engine?
Petrol engines are NOT more powerful. They have overall more “Horsepower” due to a higher RPM range, but Diesel engines produce a LOT more Torque. Horsepower is really an idiotic way to rate engine power. Horsepower = Torque X Engine RPM / 5,252. A 300 Horsepower Cummins Diesel seen in a semi truck will generally produce nearly a 1,000 FT.-LBS. of Torque, which is enough to move an 80,000 pound loaded semi down the highway at nearly 70 MPH. A tuned 300 Horsepower Honda Civic will produce about 200 FT.-LBS. of Torque, which is hardly enough to move the car it’s self. Gasoline engines simply have higher Horsepower ratings because they are doing more work, but with less force behind that work. Since they typically have FAR less Torque. Horsepower is really a tricky deal to people who do not understand it.
