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How-to guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
Diesel vs. Gas Engines
Thinking about a diesel truck or wondering what makes a diesel different? Here is how diesel and gasoline engines compare on efficiency, torque, emissions equipment and fuel, from fueleconomy.gov and the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC).
20% to 35%farther on a gallon a diesel can often go than a gasoline counterpart
10% to 15%more energy in diesel fuel than in gasoline
97%less sulfur in ultra-low sulfur diesel than in low-sulfur diesel
2007+model year diesels should use only ultra-low sulfur diesel
The short answer
Fueleconomy.gov says diesel engines are more fuel-efficient and have more low-end torque than similar-sized gasoline engines, and diesel fuel holds roughly 10% to 15% more energy, so a diesel can often go about 20% to 35% farther on a gallon. Today's diesels must meet the same emissions standards as gasoline vehicles; the AFDC describes their exhaust aftertreatment, including a particulate filter and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). Fueleconomy.gov adds that 2007 and later diesels should run only on ultra-low sulfur diesel.
Diesel vs. gas at a glance
How a diesel compares with a similar-sized gasoline engine, according to fueleconomy.gov and the AFDC:
| Topic | Diesel compared with a similar-sized gasoline engine |
|---|---|
| Fuel efficiency | More fuel-efficient; a diesel can often go about 20% to 35% farther on a gallon |
| Low-end torque | More low-end torque |
| Energy in the fuel | Diesel fuel contains roughly 10% to 15% more energy than gasoline |
| Ignition | Compression ignition: fuel is ignited by the high temperature achieved when a gas is greatly compressed |
| Emissions standards | Must meet the same emissions standards as gasoline vehicles |
| Exhaust aftertreatment | Diesel particulate filter, diesel oxidation catalyst, and selective catalytic reduction using diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) |
| Fuel | Ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) for 2007 and later model years; higher-level biodiesel blends only where the engine maker approves them |
From fueleconomy.gov, Diesel Vehicles, fueleconomy.gov, Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel, AFDC, How Do Diesel Vehicles Work Using Biodiesel? and AFDC, Biodiesel Vehicle Emissions, read November 8, 2026.
Efficiency and torque
More miles per gallon. Fueleconomy.gov says diesel engines are more fuel-efficient than similar-sized gasoline engines, and diesel fuel contains roughly 10% to 15% more energy than gasoline. So diesel vehicles can often go about 20% to 35% farther on a gallon of fuel than their gasoline counterparts.
More low-end torque. Diesel engines also have more low-end torque than similar-sized gasoline engines.
Better than older diesels. Improved fuel injection and electronic engine control technologies have increased power, improved acceleration and increased efficiency. New engine designs, along with noise- and vibration-damping technologies, have made diesels quieter and smoother, and cold-weather starting has been improved.
How a diesel ignites its fuel. The AFDC describes the diesel engine as compression-ignited: fuel is injected into the combustion chamber and ignited by the high temperature achieved when a gas is greatly compressed.
From fueleconomy.gov, Diesel Vehicles and AFDC, How Do Diesel Vehicles Work Using Biodiesel?, read November 8, 2026.
Emissions and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF)
Same standards as gas. Fueleconomy.gov says today's diesels must meet the same emissions standards as gasoline vehicles; advances in engine technologies, ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel and improved exhaust treatment made this possible. The AFDC adds that all engines must meet the same tailpipe emissions standards set by the U.S. EPA, regardless of fuel type.
The aftertreatment system. The AFDC says exhaust gas is filtered through the diesel particulate filter (DPF) and the diesel oxidation catalyst to reduce particulate matter. Then diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is injected into the exhaust mixture, which the selective catalytic reducer (SCR) converts to nitrogen and water before it leaves the tailpipe.
What DEF is. The AFDC describes DEF as an aqueous urea solution, held in a diesel exhaust fluid tank and filled through a diesel exhaust fluid filler.
Still room to improve. Fueleconomy.gov notes that emissions of particulates and smog-forming nitrogen oxides (NOx) are still relatively high, and that clean diesel fuels and advances in emission control technologies will reduce these pollutants.
From fueleconomy.gov, Diesel Vehicles, AFDC, How Do Diesel Vehicles Work Using Biodiesel? and AFDC, Biodiesel Vehicle Emissions, read November 8, 2026.
Diesel fuel and biodiesel
Ultra-low sulfur diesel. Fueleconomy.gov says consumers with 2007 or later model year diesel vehicles should only fuel them with ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), a cleaner-burning fuel with 97% less sulfur than low-sulfur diesel. ULSD was developed to allow improved pollution control devices that can be damaged by sulfur, and it is also safe to use in older diesels.
Check the pump label. As of December 1, 2010, pumps dispensing ULSD must be labeled as such (except in California); fueleconomy.gov says the labels can be found on the upper two-thirds of the pump.
Biodiesel blends. The AFDC says all diesel vehicles can operate using biodiesel, but some engine manufacturers do not approve higher-level blends, so check your engine warranty first. Biodiesel in its unblended form is called B100.
Cold weather. In general, blends with smaller percentages of biodiesel perform better in cold temperatures; No. 2 diesel and B5 (up to 5% biodiesel) typically perform about the same. Fuel suppliers add cold flow improvers in winter, and the AFDC suggests working with your fuel provider to make sure the blend is appropriate.
From fueleconomy.gov, Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel, AFDC, How Do Diesel Vehicles Work Using Biodiesel? and AFDC, Biodiesel Fuel Basics, read November 8, 2026.
Service at Michigan City Ford
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. For a diesel, follow the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual, and ask our service team which items apply to your vehicle.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, November 8, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Diesel vs. gas FAQ
Is diesel more fuel-efficient than gas?
Yes, per fueleconomy.gov: diesel engines are more fuel-efficient than similar-sized gasoline engines, and diesel fuel contains roughly 10% to 15% more energy than gasoline, so diesel vehicles can often go about 20% to 35% farther on a gallon of fuel than their gasoline counterparts.
Do diesels have more torque?
Fueleconomy.gov says diesel engines have more low-end torque than similar-sized gasoline engines. Improved fuel injection and electronic engine control technologies have also increased power, improved acceleration and increased efficiency in today's diesels.
What is diesel exhaust fluid (DEF)?
The AFDC describes DEF as an aqueous urea solution held in its own tank and filled through its own filler port. It is injected into the exhaust stream, where the selective catalytic reducer (SCR) converts the mixture to nitrogen and water before it leaves the tailpipe.
Are diesels cleaner than they used to be?
Fueleconomy.gov says today's diesels must meet the same emissions standards as gasoline vehicles, made possible by advances in engine technologies, ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel and improved exhaust treatment. It also notes that emissions of particulates and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are still relatively high.
What fuel does a modern diesel need?
Fueleconomy.gov says consumers with 2007 or later model year diesel vehicles should only fuel them with ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), which contains 97% less sulfur than low-sulfur diesel. Pumps dispensing ULSD must be labeled as such (except in California).
Can a diesel run on biodiesel?
The AFDC says all diesel vehicles can operate using biodiesel, but some engine manufacturers do not approve higher-level blends. Check your engine warranty before using biodiesel blends; in cold weather, blends with smaller percentages of biodiesel generally perform better.
What does The Works at Michigan City Ford include?
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Questions about diesel or gas?
Talk with the Michigan City Ford team, or check the owner's manual for the fuel and fluids your vehicle needs.
Sources
Efficiency, torque, emissions and ULSD details are from fueleconomy.gov (U.S. Department of Energy and EPA), read November 8, 2026. Aftertreatment, DEF, biodiesel and emissions-standard details are from the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center, read the same day. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website.
- fueleconomy.gov, Diesel Vehicles, fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE/EPA), read November 8, 2026
- fueleconomy.gov, Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel, fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE/EPA), read November 8, 2026
- AFDC, How Do Diesel Vehicles Work Using Biodiesel?, Alternative Fuels Data Center (U.S. DOE), read November 8, 2026
- AFDC, Biodiesel Fuel Basics, Alternative Fuels Data Center (U.S. DOE), read November 8, 2026
- AFDC, Biodiesel Vehicle Emissions, Alternative Fuels Data Center (U.S. DOE), read November 8, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, November 8, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, November 8, 2026