Diesel vs Petrol in your 4x4 Vehicle

[@MadMatt4WD]

I’m passionate about helping the 4wd community and I'm developing an online course so i can help as many people as I can to get out there and wheel well on their 4x4 adventures. To register your interest and for free and exclusive training videos visit madmatt4wd.com.au/register

[@MrTimstaaa]

Hi Matt. It was great to be able to meet you at the Melbourne 4x4 show last week. After I walked away my young nephew who is 5 years old asked me " Why wasn't he Mad". We couldn't stop laughing.

[@MadMatt4WD]

Lol.

[@TheXcrazymanxX]

Drove across the Nullarbor at Christmas. Service station at border village had run out of petrol by late afternoon and didn’t receive deliver until after 8pm the next day. Felt sorry for all those who turned up when all the accommodation was booked out. A few people sleeping in their cars that night and the bikers luckily had swags. Moral of the story, doesn’t matter what engine you have, fill your tank up whenever you can, don’t leave it to the last drop.

[@OutbackTouring]

It's refreshing to find someone who speaks logically about the petrol versus diesel debate. I've extensively traveled across remote parts of Australia and have never faced problems obtaining petrol fuel. Petrol engines also handle contaminated fuel better, a frequent occurrence in outback areas. However, Toyota seems to persist in offering only diesel for off-road vehicles like the new 300 and 250 LC, despite not everyone towing a massive caravan. It appears my FJ Cruiser will remain my choice for a while longer!

[@MadMatt4WD]

Thanks mate.

[@nordic5490]

Interesting. I was a surveyor all over central Oz, and all of the NT, inc all of Arnhem land and all the Islands, and inc some of central WA for several years. I had 2x 80series and 2 patrols, all diesel. I have no love for diesels, and currently all our vehicles are petrol. Many remote communities do not like petrol vehicles coming in to the communities carrrying petrol jerry cans. Even our generator petrol jerry tank, we had to pledge to keep that petrol jerry secure overnight, ie, locked in the car we slept next to (all swags on the ground). I was at Warburton WA caravan park, and some motorbike tourers next to us had their petrol fuel tanks drained over night. And, I have seen the petrol abuse. Beware, carrying petrol could cause access issues, and theft issues.

[@explore_moor]

Good summary Matt. I often consider would it have been better to buy a diesel but i remain confident the petrol FJ was the best solution for me.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Nice thing about diesels if you have a pickup you can install a 100 plus gallon reserve tank in the bed with a Pump Handle which helps extend distance like I have on my service trucks 9:43

[@OnCountryWithMick]

Great video Matt and a great topic. I drive a Gen 3 3.5L v6 petrol Pajero and love it. Maintenance wise it is simple and cheap although the spark plugs can get costly. The Diesel version from my understanding can be much more expensive especially if the fuel pump goes, this alone could cost what you paid for the vehicle in the Gen 3 models. I also like the smoother and quitter operation of the Petrol motors over a Diesel although the Diesel is much better than they used to be. My style of travelling is honestly mostly around town and then up into the mountains for a camp etc and lets all be honest, most of our 4wds are used much the same unless you can afford to have a 4wd only for the weekends and something else for a daily. I don't tow very often and even if I do it is under 750kg loads, I don't rock crawl or try and send mud flying I just like to get out and explore. Low Range is something I need very rarely. Petrol suits me to a T.

[@jackfourbee3609]

It’s Diesel for me. We are the proud 2nd owners of our 80 turbo diesel. I change the oil and filter every 5000ks at just over 10 ltrs of oil every time. It’s just clocked over 440000kms and blows a bit of smoke. The cost can add up but you can’t put a price on driving an 80. It’s well maintained and if you look after your gear no matter what you have, it will look after you. Another awesome Vid Matt Keep up the great work 👏👏👏

[@superwag634]

wow interesting. my 1hz 80 series diesel also has 400,000kms and i change oil every 10,000kms for the last 25 years. Tons of offroading. Every panel dented, even the roof lol. But it doesnt use oil or blow any smoke. I use Castrol Super RX oil only. Change oil filter every 20,000km.

[@perryrhodan1936]

I personally prefer Diesel engines, but then again I am also more of a big rig driver¹ (like Mercedes-Benz UNIMOG and MAN mil gl) - exceptions being vehicles such as the W460 and 461. And for those big rigs, when it comes to internal combustion engines, Diesel is the best option. ¹= coming back to the personal use case there, I suppose.

[@MadMatt4WD]

And that’s the thing we are all entitled to our preferences.

[@perryrhodan1936]

@@MadMatt4WD - Indeed. We all find the tools that best fit the jobs we do with them in the end.

[@chrisandshazza01]

Had both, currently run a 2006 WH 5.7 HEMI Grand Cherokee with Quadradrive II - love it, closest thing to a locked vehicle without going locked. We did a trip in the Deua National Park last year and at the end of two days I was low on fuel and the river was up, we weren’t going to risk the vehicles so mum (on yer mum), came down with jerries. We floated them across the river, fuelled up and me and the ole man went back the way we came - was a bloody great trip too. My kids went back with my mother. There was a work crew in the area with diesel trucks who could have helped but no good for me. This is obviously the bonus out bush too - even in the outback, mining companies and remote communities will always have diesel if you get stuck.

[@BenjaminHeyser]

The answer is "it depends" for many more things in life than many people like to admit. This is just one of them.

[@aslkdfjhg]

If you live in Africa, not many countries have good quality low sulfur fuel, thus petrol engines tend be more popular than a modern diesel in these areas. Australia has relatively high quality fuel, so it isn't much of a problem.

[@MadMatt4WD]

Another good point thanks

[@Magzhanel]

Hey there 👋. From Central Asia (stans). For diesel, following issues dissuade people from buying it. - Temperature problems, no winter diesel, even though we get -30 to -40 celcius in winter. - service problems, petrol engines got more spares. - Here diesel costs lot more than premium petrol (245 vs 290). - Seasonal problems, competition with agrocultural producers. - Supply, at remote village, it is more likely to find petrol than diesel.

[@MadMatt4WD]

That’s interesting to hear.

[@warp2288]

I like your comparison. 100% The right engine for the right job. I run an Fj 4L v6 Petrol Reliable, easy to maintain myself. Great for towing, especially towing on sand and mud and surprisingly fuel efficient towing. The equilivent prado 2.8 desiel gets similar fuel efficient towing.

[@MadMatt4WD]

Thanks for sharing

[@gqwarrior6694]

Great informative content Matt 👍 99% of my travels are solo & I have a slow, considered style of wheeling so it's the simplicity of the old school diesels for me even though it's not the best motor for the sandy terrain I usually drive.

[@MadMatt4WD]

And that’s perfect because you understand why you have that motor for your needs.

[@vincentdunne7197]

I was born raised on a diesel. Never owned a petrol 4x4. But you are correct not all of us are the same. Budgets are different thoughts and arguments are different, like to have lockers or not. I've been all over Australia never had lockers just a good winch. A good quality modern petrol eng can out perform an older 1hz or td 42 with power and economy. Interesting discussion Matt.

[@gherosh]

I find diesel good for trucks and tractors, for a regular person, not commuting for work, petrol is more fun either on or off-road.

[@Stevegrande1]

I’ve had plenty of both and still go back to the petrol each time. I’ve got a Y62 patrol at the moment. Tows great, more than enough grunt, eats the sand dunes, on the open road stock standard you will get low 11’s no problems. Around town can jump to 18 easy enough, but believe me when you plant the foot, your thoughts about fuel economy go out the window. The power the patrol produces at such a low rpm is excellent, can sit on 100 all day towing 2.8T and still maintain 100 up the hills on cruise control. Had 3 petrol prado’s as well, all great vehicles. Diesel Prado cost me more in two two years in repairs (cracked head, always serviced etc etc) than my petrol did over 10 years plus. Not anti diesel but the petrol suits me the best especially the short runs I do running around

[@purebloodnordicroamer7955]

Had 1hz 80 series (diesel family wagon ) for 19 years, great servant average 16 litres per hundred fully load over the years. I thought the service cost were not to bad. Have an FJ Cruiser now l do A lot of solo outback trips. Travel with no roof rack, and ultralight equipment. Did a 7000km trip 2 years ago, over half off-road. Averaging 13 litres per hundred. Servicing is reasonable. For family wagon, the mechanical diesel wins every time for me. But for solo trips the FJ is the cheapest to run and the most fun. So the cliche, is horses for courses. But l love the FJ, 159 litre tank takes you a long way.

[@mickbellman6052]

My parents and I both have Prados. They do a heap of ks, and remote outback trips with their 1kd. I do less ks but lots of sand driving with our 1GR. Both lightly modified vehicles and suited to their own environments.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

I run Both Motors ON road and offroad my diesel rigs are my service trucks for my automotive Mobile repair Business and my Personal Offroad toys and Normal daily driving rigs are Petrol diesel does way better for heavy towing also over petrol in my opinion 2:35 good video Matt

[@2UZFE]

No argument here Matt 👍 , diesel and auto so I’m happy as a pig in ….. Kim . 🍻

[@fourocker]

Back when I was much younger (I'm 57 now) two of my uncles had brand new 80 series landcruisers, one diesel and one petrol, they used to debate endlessly (in a friendly way) on our big family trips about which was better but what they didn't realise is neither vehicle let them down and did everything asked of them, always got to the destination etc, the answer to their debate was they are both good, they are just a bit different in the way you use them, I've owned both diesel and petrol 4wd's of different makes over my time and like them both, recently went back to petrol after two diesel vehicles in a row, I do all my own service work and have found ownership cost is cheaper and easier with petrol but there are diesel traits that I miss already.

[@MadMatt4WD]

I have both as well. I like the diesels for heavy work and remote touring but when it comes to around town or getting into the rocks a petrol auto is my favourite.

[@Mixos_place]

We tour with a caravan and diesel is king. Petrol landcruiser 105 series getting 25- 30L/100 gas getting 28-35l/100. Problem is in country qld/nsw there is bugger all(gas) and if you do find it, its the same price as petrol(i.e not worth it). 100 series diesel landcruiser and we get anything from 14 to 19 l/100. easier to drive, handles hills a lot better(petrol would give up halfway up a steep hill). On sand, I didnt find much difference between the 2, its all about tire pressures. If you want to keep fuel economy down don't bolt crap onto ya truck and weigh it down.Just added a rhino rack, and increased my fuel consumption by 1 liter per hundred(diesel)... Enjoy your rides, its only money going up in smoke!

[@philliplehn3600]

I like my v6 petrol engine in my Rubicon jeep wrangler. With The 4.11 final drive ratio and rock crawler gears and automatic it can go 1 km/h up steep rock climbs. It’s fine with this combination.

[@steveryan3906]

I drive a 200 series with the petrol v8, I love it. It is smooth, sounds good, cheaper to purchase by about $20,000, but the most important reason I went for the petrol motor is that I love the motor and that is all the matters really.

[@MadMatt4WD]

100%

[@kennycui6180]

Totally agree. Modern petrol might be more reliable as well.

[@mickhelliar2502]

I have both and several of each.

[@chadsmall9447]

Thanks for the advice mate , good perspective and well said for me I have a 1kd Prado 120 series which comes standard with 180L capacity and we take the family on long hauls often towing the boat but we base ourselves from a camp ground in the area

[@MadMatt4WD]

Nice one!

[@BradGryphonn]

With respect to usage, if I was travelling in the middle of nowhere, I'd want a 70s/80s era diesel engine. Not for access to fuel, but because if you can roll start an old diesel, you can run it with no battery or alternator. That might be a very good option if you have some catastrophic electrical failure outback somewhere.

[@MadMatt4WD]

Yeah I like that too

[@Agent.K.]

Petrol because I love the redline 🏃‍♂️

[@SkylinersYeti]

I am in the US. Modern diesel engines require DEF systems. The diesel mechanics I have spoken to say a large percentage of the rigs in the shop are there for DEF system issues. I really do not want to be out in the bush and have the engine fail.

[@MadMatt4WD]

Yes and same here

[@bobmarli6095]

Old school diesels pre common rail are great these days I’d always go with a petrol

[@MadMatt4WD]

Back in the day I used to overhaul pumps and injectors on the old school stuff. I enjoyed that.

[@Abdullahidahire]

Hello from kenya in east Africa, Excellent comparison @mad matt 👏 my last two cars were all diesel and loved them.. a toyota hilux then a vw amarok, but now am driving a land cruiser lc200 petrol. At first you feel the fuel consumption upsurge. But the comfort and quiet engine of petrol is just awesome. For hard-core off-roading I use the old prado box kzj78 of course diesel.what an indestructible car, its meant to last forever

[@MadMatt4WD]

I’ve been to Kenya many years ago.

[@robbush2630]

Would love a diesel for the torque and fuel mileage/range, unfortunately there aren't good diesel options in the USA. I've ended up with two naturally aspirated Mercedes G class trucks with V8s and ignoring the abysmal range and fuel mileage it works for my use case of shorter over-landing routs and towing a 23fb Airstream camper.

[@samartz]

Have owned a petrol v6 prado and now currently a 1gd fortuner. If i can afford the fuel, would go back to a petrol for its simplicity and power!

[@mrtwrx]

Some great general points here - I reckon it depends just as much on other factors, a lot of these generalisations come from the popular/more widespread 4x4 vehicles in Australia and aren't applicable to other vehicles. Comparing a modern petrol and a modern diesel even at the full size or 1/2 ton size and it comes down to weight more than fuel type ~(5%). Petrols with throttle response are better for proper low range work because the torque response is quicker - the same reason that lower gearing helps.

[@ivorscruton5121]

Understanding the engine power and torque curves and driving in the optimum rev range, be it petrol or diesel, is important in achieving maximum efficiency. Many do not understand the relationship, other than they have certain values quoted by the manufacturer. For commercial vehicles a flat torque curve over a wide revolution range is more suitable for heavy loads. Using Mitsubishi in Thailand as an example, the Triton single cab utilitarian pickup uses a different engine, the 4D56, as opposed to the 4N16 MIVEC used in the rest of the model range. The 4D56 is slightly higher in displacement, but lower in power and torque, where the maximum torque is however, is between 1500 and 3000 rpm, then falls off a cliff. The 4N16 MIVEC has a more linear curve making it more suitable for the average driver not hauling heavy loads on a regular basis.

[@overlandready]

Here in the UK, the Good Defender was mostly only available with a Diesel engine, the V8's were the other option for special editions. The V8 was mostly auto and the diesels were all manual. There was a Italian police version which had a 2.0i petrol, but that is only now becoming available 20 years on... So, for my vehicle, it has to be diesel for that was the only engine available for the age I can buy. On economics, the V8 does less than 1/2 of what the diesel does, the only benefit, is the sound of the V8! you highlight a lot of good points, and they are all, as usual, valid. Petrols don't do as well in water from my experience and can still damage if flooded, the fact is because the way a petrol works, it is less likely to damage as the water stops the ignition/spark/burn, so the petrol stops before it is seriously damaged 99% of the time, it also runs about half the compression so again, will allow more water to be present without damage. I've flooded a 300tdi Discovery before and the water ingress hit the air filter and blocked it, so the engine stopped through no air in the cylinder, that engine was fine, this is probably a rare occurance but a good design from LR, That engine is still going unopened 18 years on, albeit not in the original D1! For myself, a Diesel auto is the way forward as more economic that a pertrol of the similar power/torque, and smoother off road than the manual at low speeds. My remit for the build was to be able to go anywhere my friend can take his stock 300tdi Defender, but I will be towing a 1.2t trailer... I have retrofitted ABS/TC and that requires the auto box (but I wanted one from the get-go anyway).

[@MadMatt4WD]

Thanks for sharing

[@tomlobos2871]

nice perspective on it. if thinking about it wich might be a better choice it depends on some other factors as well, wich pretty much makes it an individual decision depending on the model one favours. hence age, layout, type of injection and you name it. modern petrol engines are often turbocharged these days, bringing the torque to a lower rpm plus longer or more gearings. that is diesel territory for environmental reasons. hard to compare to a 1980ies V6.

[@LimestoneCoastCustoms]

Bingo !! At last someone who has actually thought about this subject! Almost all my 4wd's have been petrol. Most of my life has been on sand (either on the coast or sandy farming country) & though I tow, it's usually only locally bar a remote yearly trip these days. I like the power of a V8 (though of course these days there is V8 diesels for a nice sound) but I also tend to keep my vehicles a little older for ease of repairs both at home & away. Of course the cost is a huge player here! When we did actually do a cost comparison between two like 4wd's, we ended up buying a petrol over the diesel because the base price was over $10K cheaper & the running costs (yes including servicing etc) was also cheaper. That same model though the diesel was only a 4 cyl which wouldn't pull the skin of a rice pudding!! So the only thing that was cheaper was the rego. My first comment at the time was "geez, we can buy a lot of petrol for $10k" & that was when diesel was far cheaper too! Apart from the petrol motors being a bit more thirsty, the other disadvantage in the remote areas is not just availability as you say, but nearly all indigenous settlements do not allow petrol, though I've not had any problems with that for a number of years. The message you make here is, buy what you need & are happy with. I get given a "LOT of grief" from my Landcruiser mates for owning a V8 petrol 4wd but I bet my running costs (even when you consider the higher fuel usage) are much cheaper, yes mainly due to the huge upfront cost of their commercial based 4wd (were mine is like driving a lounge chair but with tons of power on tap if I need it, which I often do in sand) One of the reasons I built my V8 Landcruiser shorty all those years ago was the fact most of our 4wding was on Double Island & Frazer which were close to where we lived back then, it was perfect for the job!! 👍It is a bit strange as I come from a farming background where everything is diesel & it might have been the shear lack of power that swayed me to petrol but I'm happy so far (P.S. one could write a whole book on this subject, I'm amazed you kept the video as short as you have 🤣🤣) Cheers!

[@MadMatt4WD]

Great comment thanks.

[@mickdixon6131]

In my area, near Maitland NSW, diesel is about 10 to 20 cents LESS than petrol.

[@kaylumcollins1066]

Just finished the video and it was just so informative and got me thinking

[@MadMatt4WD]

I’m glad it did that.

[@tullysika]

I've only ever owned petrol cars in the past 55 years, My current car is a diesel ( brand doesn't matter) but I've had it about 8 years and I can honestly say, I'll never buy another. All because of the operating costs. Petrol is the cheapest thing you can put in a car.

[@scottcox8559]

There's a reason every heavy vehicle is a diesel. If you want to do heavy work, nothing beats a diesel.

[@jameshuggins4300]

Great video. Only problem is the majority of diesel 4wds in the states are hd pickups not suv's or utes .😐

[@joeop5104]

Thanks Matt, I've tried both, couldn't stand the diesel for towing or anything else I've done, i currently have both petrol and diesel as work vehicles, i would prefer the petrol again, now I'm on to my second petrol 4wd and love it to bits

[@MadMatt4WD]

Thanks for sharing

[@peterbarber7613]

Water crossings in a petrol are easy once a tarp is fitted across the front to stop water getting in

[@MadMatt4WD]

I’ve only ever done that once.

[@markbaylis6473]

I've always had diesel 4x4's and have loved them but I bought a FZFE 80 series as I wanted to try an auto offroad and I love it, it's pretty thirsty but it's nice having power on tap from a stock motor.

[@MadMatt4WD]

And they have good low down torque as well

[@dhiquobgnaloo]

Hi Matt nice balanced review which in my opinion is rare as most 4 wheel drivers are diesel fans mostly as there is very few non diesel options im in Perth and in todays news paper is a full page of 4wd utes for sale a total of 42 4wd utes on the page and not 1 petrol all diesels i have a petrol prado and as 90% of driving is on road and 90% of my offroad driving is on beaches and sand dunes i am a staunch petrol man even though when i travel with family and mates im always the only petrol owner on the trip which means i also supply fuel for the generator as they are always petrol, also when comparing power and torque for petrol and diesel the diesel almost always has forced induction which make the torque so much higher if you put a turbo or supercharger on a petrol it to has a much higher power and torque output. Just my humble opinion and i know im in the minority but as i tell all my diesel mates i want 3 things from all of my cars smooth ,quiet and quick all traits of a petrol engine even though diesel engine have improved in leaps and bounds over the last 15 years i still with stick with my petrol engines. ps devastated that the new prado is diesel only again after i was told the new model would have a petrol option.

[@MadMatt4WD]

My 105 is turbo petrol. Mmmmm smiles

[@J-P88]

LPG dual fuel, 120lt Petrol and 120lts LPG. Sadly lpg in Australia is being phased out pretty quickly, but thankful here in Victoria it should be around for awhile, road tripping with LPG "only" costs me $100 for about 700+ kilometres, and when i cant get lpg i have the 120lt of Petrol. In Victoria $$ per kilometre i am about $20+ better off then a diesel but i can service and maintenance costs of a petrol

[@MadMatt4WD]

I loved Lpg back in its day.

[@tareskisloki8579]

Yeah, before the taxi's switched to hybrids and LPG vanished from servo's it really was the best of both worlds.

[@J-P88]

​@@tareskisloki8579yup and the rebate ending in 2015 was also a big contribution as you couldn't get the basic set up for only $600 out of pocket, you where minimum $2000 out of pocket

[@otsigo]

What about propane? Octane equivalent of 110. No fuel pump required. No spill if rig is flipped. No water intrusion into tank.

[@MadMatt4WD]

In Oz we had LPG for years and I loved it but now days it’s not viable.

[@060racing8]

I mostly agree with everything but sometimes I think petrols are actually better for towing sometimes you just can't argue with horsepower to get you up a hill. And although diesels have more compression and better engine braking they will not rev being pushed down a hill and will change up gears in an automatic when you don't want to where's the petrol will rev 2000 RPM more

[@geoffreyfox60]

When you're in the bush an engine that works is most crucial❤😂🎉😢😮😅😊

[@MadMatt4WD]

Great stuff

[@jasonprince8655]

It is tough to find a diesel in the United States in a small truck chassis. General Motors produces the Chevy Colorado in a diesel. But truly would appreciate if Toyota could enter a diesel here.

[@stevens.2574]

Perfectly presented 💯 in every explanation

[@MadMatt4WD]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Morgzy04]

I just wish my 1fz 105 wasn’t so thirsty. I have heard by putting in a Haltech ecu in with a full exhaust and tune can get them down to 13lph on the highway and 17lph in the city

[@MadMatt4WD]

I’ve heard that too but that’s expensive to do and will take you a long time to get your mainly back.

[@NasTimeAdventures]

Another great one. Well done.

[@MadMatt4WD]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@iWingzFromKFC]

Great video, maybe could of discussed reliability factors too, as diesels on average have considerably longer lifespans on the motors than the petrol counterparts due to the fact that they are built thicker to handle higher compression, and also they run at a lower average RPM for their life

[@MadMatt4WD]

Yeah except that’s not actually true. Many petrol motors if subjected to the same conditions as a diesel will last as long.

[@nordic5490]

The Ford Barra petrol engine, as fitted to Ford Territorys, go for 1M kms in Taxis, that are then sold to proud new owners. The same Ford Territory diesel engine is rubbish.

[@rayweh-bfa4966]

Mat 1 big thing resale value $$$$$$

[@MadMatt4WD]

But you have to buy it in the same ratio. I’ll grant you in some markets diesel will demand a higher price longer.

[@HoneyBadgerFarm]

Torque gets you up to speed, HP maintains speed. They key with diesel is it gives you an overall better driving experience. Less noise because of lower RPMs. Less gear changes because of the torque allows the transmission to run in higher gears, minimizing unneccasary gear changes and high RPMS

[@MadMatt4WD]

I don’t think I agree with you about the diesel being quieter. Generally a diesel is considered a noisy engine due to diesel knock and other considerations.

[@HoneyBadgerFarm]

@@MadMatt4WD Less interior noise when the engine is under load is what I was referring to. Similar loads going up a similar hill in a similar vehicle a diesel will be turning lower RPMs vs the Gas engine at higher RPMs. Also the Gas will have more gear changes.

[@johnfitzgerald5158]

Current gas prices near me in the US is $3.79 USD and diesel is $4.39. That converts to gas $5.92 AUDand diesel $6.85 AUD...and people wonder why so many petrol engines in the US. A few other considerations. My hemi is about 500 lbs less than the Cummins options for my truck. That's 500 lbs less on the front wheels. That impacts spring rates, weight bearing of the front tires, etc and definitely impacts off road performance in the rough stuff. There is more cost of ownership in modern diesels related to turbos, def exhaust systems and egr systems. I've also compared the Hp and Torque curves of my hemi to the 8 cylinder diesel offered in the 79 series. The hemi actually gets up to high torque and hp faster than the diesel and much higher on both. So, I think there is wide misperception perhaps from folks who never experienced the power of a US spec V8. All that said, I will agree though that range is definitely a shortcoming for the petrol, but as you stated, it can be overcome with jerry cans.

[@MadMatt4WD]

Well said.

[@wbyoung4280]

In Aussy, EURO5 emission standards are required, diesel is an ok choice. But in EU, China and some states in the United States, EURO6 or CN6B(aka EURO7) are required, people are forced to stay away from diesel engines

[@katreniaclark]

Mine have always been petrol and with the correct gearing, you can get almost as low as a diesel.

[@MadMatt4WD]

I agree

[@katreniaclark]

I loved my 07 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon on 35's and 5:13 gears with that stupid minivan V-6 it had.@@MadMatt4WD

[@FourLowAdventures]

I bought into a Jeep because I wanted a naturally aspirated petrol engine. Partly because turbo lag annoys the heck out of me. Also for simplicity. I don't agree you need huge torque for rock crawling, it's more about gearing. Unless you're doing it in 4H maybe. The Jimny crawls great and has minimal torque. Also it wasn't mentioned that diesels are heavier. For example the diesel jeep is something like 170kg heavier than the petrol, that's a huge difference on a 2 ton car. Like having 3 adults in the car. Diesels have their place though, especially for towing but the complicated emissions systems suck and I don't think I've ever seen a petrol go into limp mode like both of my previous diesels did.

[@MadMatt4WD]

Gearing gives you torque so wether you get it from a diesel or gearing the end result is the same.

[@FourLowAdventures]

@MadMatt4WD exactly so extra torque for rock crawling shouldn't be a factor in the petrol vs diesel decision, not with modern vehicles with more than 5 gears anyway. Turbo should though because lag is unpredictable and can cause broken cvs etc.

[@MadMatt4WD]

@@FourLowAdventures The modern Turbos are a pain to drive well offroad because of that unpredictable nature..

[@Bigcountry_littlelegs]

Spot on with this

[@brodiewillis9694]

Spot on mate

[@55Agro]

Many farmers banned petrol vehicles across their land at the arrival of catalytic converters, due to fires from hot exhaust. Now we are lumbered with DPF on deisels

[@MadMatt4WD]

Yeah that sucks ay.

[@svenfokkema3440]

How about fuel availability in the outback? During our last trip (2009), petrol was frequently not on offer. If efficiency is worse and availability limited, having a petrol would have become a real risk.

[@MadMatt4WD]

Correct. I do cover that in the video.

[@megaadventureoverhang4775]

I Have a petrol 4y Toyota hilux and it is slow but a good engine

[@MadMatt4WD]

Yeah I know those. I worked on them as an apprentice.

[@kaylumcollins1066]

Great vid idea

[@MadMatt4WD]

Thanks!

[@JoshSinnott97]

Hey Matt, I've only ever owned diesel cars, but what are your thoughts on engine life span? It's common for diesels to run for 500,000+ kms, but what can be expected out of a petrol? Thanks for the video

[@MadMatt4WD]

My petrol race car motor came of the road at 430000ks and has since been beaten on in the racecar for five years. The heads never been of. Petrol engines can last as long as diesels no problems. Taxis get massive ks.

[@JoshSinnott97]

Cheers for the reply Matt. The taxi reference is one thing I never thought of, but your first have experience is even better, thanks for throwing that in I'm going to be buying a house soon and am thinking about finally upgrading my 30 year old car and taking out one big loan and buy my first new car too. The only solid axle 4wd that has coils is a Jeep. If we had more engine variants in Australia I probably wouldn't hesitate buy that 3.6L has me worried 😅

[@nordic5490]

The petrol Barra engine used in Ford Territorys, also does 1M kms + in taxis.

[@codasinmurry]

Running At lower rpm over the life an engine you would expect it to have a longer life. Another reason why trucks are mainly diesel.

[@MadMatt4WD]

Yes that’s a good point.

[@davidkelly3779]

Most people are comparing common rail turbo diesel manuals with naturally aspirated petrols (which only produce good power at high rpm). We are now in the realm of 8 speed auto transmissions in our 4wd’s. The petrol engines are now turbo charged (produce good power at low rpm, and excellent power at high). Through an auto transmission, turbo diesel loses its main torque advantage over a turbo petrol. I believe that the only advantage of modern diesel over petrol is fuel range and hill descent. Modern auto petrol wins for everything else.

[@MadMatt4WD]

I totally agree.

[@georgecorea7314]

Neither will matter...why? E.

[@Jer0tube]

Years ago you'd be hard pressed to find a diesel enthusiast recommending petrol over diesel or even talking about petrol 4x4's in a good way. These days attitudes have evidently changed. Many four wheel drive enthusiasts are quickly coming to the conclusion that diesel is not all it's made out to be, it's a very risky proposition, and nothing but a somewhat false mentality that is getting old in the tooth. I've had both petrol and diesel 4x4's, and can honestly say the petrol engine 4x4 was by far a much nicer vehicle to drive, cruise in and maintain. With diesel engines, it's constant large capacity oil changes, constant risk of expensive engine damage should everything not be 100% perfect, constantly having to wait behind slow vehicles because they have bugger all overtaking ability. You end up paying a small fortune for oil changes, filters, and fuel for the sake of using the the benefits of a diesel engine a few times a year at the most. Many modern petrol engines have very similar torque figures at low engine revs as diesels, but have much more power at high revs, so the theory about low torque figures is null and void anyway. Should a turbo, injector pump or anything else diesel related fail, it's almost guaranteed to be way more expensive than equivalent petrol parts. You only have to briefly browse internet forums about 4x4's and you'll soon enough come across the people with a dead diesel engine seeking replacement engines and choking at the price, it almost becomes cheaper to buy a replacement vehicle. As far as towing is concerned, when it comes to a 4 cylinder diesel, this can often be the killer of these engines. Modern diesel engines are fragile, and they're flogged when towing a large caravan, you're expecting a small capacity four cylinder diesel engine to shift 4 - 5 tonnes of weight and it's not really good for that. As for trucks, they are very specifically engineered with diesel engines purely to shift heavy loads and people just presume that because trucks are diesel, passenger vehicles towing caravans should also be diesel, and it's a comparison based more on hype than actual in depth analysis. Many large capacity petrol engines use less fuel than small diesel engines because they have surplus engine power and therefore do not have to be wrung out to get every last bit of engine performance. As for fuel scarcity out bush, for most people, that would have to be the most rarest of occasions that they'd ever venture to such remote places, and most remote areas around Australia now have petrol available.

[@MadMatt4WD]

Wow that’s an essay but 100% on point.

[@markelliott6105]

If you’re buying a new 4WD in Australia, who actually offers you the choice anyway? Only Grenadier or Defender. If you want petrol, you’re limited to Patrol, Ranger Raptor or AMG G-Wagon. So for the vast majority, diesel really is the only choice.

[@markwilliams8260]

Off the top of my head you missed Jeep Wrangler, VW Amrok, Suzuki Jimny. Probably others.

[@markelliott6105]

@@markwilliams8260 Good call on the Amarok, I forgot about that spicy 4 cylinder. Probably should go along with Defender and Grenadier as a genuine choice. Jeep pentastar seems a bit out of place with those other petrol only but OK. Suzuki, sure but kind of outside a diesel vs petrol discussion. I also have never really noticed what powers Mahindras and Tanks and Ladas and so forth😄

[@markwilliams8260]

@@markelliott6105 Agree except for the Wrangler. That was also offered as a diesel in Australia. While in the USA there are heaps of different powertrains available.

[@markelliott6105]

@@markwilliams8260 But Jeep dropped the diesel here a while back, right? Sad they don’t bring the big V8 here anymore, too. I think most of the manufacturers have a lot of engines that don’t get a look in here for various good or bad reasons. I really like the look of those brand new Mazda straight sixes. They wouldn’t fit in a BT-50 of course but the diesel makes 550nm from 1250rpm and uses 4.9l/100km combined cycle in a two tonne CX-60! That suggests some nice 4WD drivability and great range potential.

[@dalemalone3851]

The advice of using a petrol engine in water crossings is fraught with danger. Specifically the ignition system, coil packs etc. The modern COP is rated to withstand some minor water ingress, but anything substantial will kill the engine and drop cylinders. Running a petrol through water is like playing lottery with the ignition system. Not a risk worth taking.

[@MadMatt4WD]

Yeah except we do it all the time reliably.

[@SuperTAmbro]

Diesel 8 days a week!

[@Mack74]

Currently Diesel is cheaper than Petrol

[@MadMatt4WD]

Where cause it’s not where I drive?

[@anthoniequijano3436]

Petrol wins...