What is the difference between a gasoline engine and a diesel engine?

A gasoline engine and a diesel engine are both types of internal combustion engines, which means they convert fuel into energy by igniting it inside a cylinder. However, there are some key differences between these two types of engines.

The main difference between a gasoline engine and a diesel engine is the way they ignite the fuel. In a gasoline engine, a spark plug ignites a mixture of gasoline and air in the cylinder, whereas in a diesel engine, fuel is injected into the cylinder and compressed until it ignites due to the heat generated by the compression.

Another difference between the two engines is the type of fuel they use. Gasoline engines run on gasoline, which is a volatile, highly flammable liquid, while diesel engines run on diesel fuel, which is less volatile and more oily than gasoline. This difference in fuel properties leads to differences in engine design and performance.

Gasoline engines tend to have higher power output and are generally more responsive at low speeds, while diesel engines have better fuel efficiency and are more suitable for high loads and long-distance driving. Additionally, diesel engines tend to last longer and require less maintenance than gasoline engines.