EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

 

Vincentric's 2011 diesel analysis showed that of the 13 diesels measured, nine had total cost of ownership that was lower than their all-gasoline powered counterparts.
 
The average price premium for a diesel was $3,654, with average fuel cost savings of $3,196.  When all costs to own and operate a diesel were taken into account, the average cost of ownership for diesels was $1,231 less than their all-gasoline powered counterparts.  The range between the best and worst savings was significant, with the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL Class Diesel saving buyers $9,113 while the 2011 GMC Savana Cargo Diesel G2500 cost buyers $4,924 more to own. The full study is published below.

 

2011 DIESEL ANALYSIS

 

There are many different approaches for comparing diesels to their all gas counterparts.  At Vincentric, we have prepared different reports to help users to understand the financial dynamics of diesel vehicles.  By doing so, we enable users to better understand the expected costs (or savings) of driving a diesel, resulting in the ability to make a more informed decision when considering the purchase of a diesel vehicle.
 
Fuel prices used in these reports are based on a weighted average over the previous five months, so you may notice that they don't necessarily reflect current prices during times of rapid fuel price changes.  This is done to help ensure that the analysis reflects current market trends and not market extremes.
 
The reports assume 15,000 miles are driven annually, and the vehicle is owned five years.  It is also worthwhile to understand that the numbers shown are US averages, although the same analysis can be done for any state or the District of Columbia.
 
The reports below use data from our October, 2011 database update.

 

 

COST OF OWNERSHIP and FUEL COST COMPARISON

 

 
U.S. consumers have been slow to embrace diesel passenger vehicles.  There has been a lack of understanding of the benefits of clean diesel technology.  This report demonstrates that in addition to improved environmental benefits of diesels, a strong financial case can be made for the adoption of many of these vehicles.  In this analysis, there were nine diesels that can be financially justified purely based on the total cost of ownership numbers.

• 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL Class Diesel (-$9,113)
  
• 2011 Mercedes-Benz E Class Diesel (-$3,760)
  
• 2011 Audi A3 Diesel (-$3,494)
  
• 2011 BMW 3-Series Diesel (-$3,283)
  
• 2011 Volkswagen Touareg Diesel (-$2,503)
  
• 2011 Mercedes-Benz R Class Diesel (-$2,281)
  
• 2011 Mercedes-Benz M Class Diesel (-$1,763)
  
• 2011 BMW X5 Diesel (-$1,588)
  
• 2012 Volkswagen Passat Diesel (-$525)
  

In addition to carbon emission improvements, diesels are known for their improved fuel economy.  The models that provide the greatest benefit over their gas only counterparts are:
 

• 2011 GMC Savana Cargo Diesel G2500 (-$5,640)
  
• 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL Class Diesel (-$4,614)
  
• 2011 Mercedes-Benz E Class Diesel (-$4,517)
  
• 2011 Audi A3 Diesel (-$3,737)
  
• 2011 BMW X5 Diesel (-3,633)
  

 
Of course for those who are looking to minimize fuel purchases, it is important to know the diesel vehicles with the lowest overall fuel costs.  They are:
 

• 2012 Volkswagen Passat Diesel ($9,018)
• 2011 Audi A3 Diesel ($9,286)
  
• 2011 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel ($9,286)
  
• 2011 Volkswagen Golf Diesel ($9,286)
  
• 2011 BMW 3-Series Diesel ($11,641)
  

The chart below shows further detail regarding the items related to cost of ownership and fuel consumption for each diesel.  In addition, by clicking on the vehicles names in the chart, you will see a detailed comparison of the two vehicles.

The results of this analysis show that nine of the fourteen diesel vehicles measured have a lower overall cost of ownership than their gasoline alternatives. The chart below shows three key items related to cost of ownership for each diesel. They are:

1. The Price Premium - This shows how much more you pay for the diesel.
2. Cost of Ownership Differential - This shows how much more (or less, if a negative number) it will cost to own and operate the diesel compared to a similar all-gasoline powered vehicle.
3. Fuel Cost Differential - This shows the fuel savings obtained by the diesel.  Buyers often only look at fuel savings due to its reduction in the use of petroleum, although from a strictly financial perspective the Cost of Ownership differential is the relevant number.