Motorists operating certain petrol-powered vehicles are confronting substantial fuel expenses, with costs reaching up to 18 pence for every mile travelled according to recent financial analysis. The research highlights a significant disparity in running costs based on engine capacity, creating a notable financial burden for drivers of larger vehicles.
Engine Size Directly Impacts Fuel Expenditure
Comprehensive data from NimbleFins reveals a clear correlation between engine displacement and per-mile fuel costs. For petrol cars with engines up to 1400 cubic centimetres, the average fuel cost stands at approximately 13 pence per mile. However, this figure escalates dramatically for vehicles exceeding 2000cc, where drivers face costs of 17.7 pence per mile – effectively rounding to 18 pence for practical purposes.
Comparative Analysis with Diesel and Electric Vehicles
The financial research extends beyond petrol vehicles to provide a broader perspective on automotive running costs. Diesel car owners encounter slightly lower expenses, with fuel costs ranging between 13 and 16 pence per mile. Most strikingly, both petrol and diesel vehicles prove substantially more expensive to operate than their electric counterparts.
Electric vehicles demonstrate remarkable cost efficiency, with per-mile running expenses estimated to be between 50% and 90% lower than traditional combustion engines, even when charging on standard electricity tariffs. This dramatic difference underscores the evolving economic landscape of personal transportation.
The Mechanics Behind Higher Costs for Larger Engines
The fundamental relationship between engine specifications and fuel consumption explains the cost disparities identified in the research. Vehicles equipped with larger engines, characterised by higher cubic capacity and greater horsepower ratings, inherently consume more fuel and demonstrate poorer fuel economy measured in miles per gallon.
This mechanical reality translates directly to increased operational expenses, as cars with elevated CC ratings require more fuel to cover the same distance as their smaller-engine counterparts. The analysis confirms that engine size serves as a primary determinant of ongoing fuel expenditure for vehicle owners.
Historical Context of Horsepower Measurement
The concept of horsepower, frequently referenced in engine specifications, originates from 18th-century industrial comparisons. Engineers developed this measurement system to help people understand the capabilities of emerging steam engines by comparing them to the draft horses they would replace.
As automotive expert Vanarama explains on their platform, one mechanical horsepower represents the energy needed to lift 250 kilograms by one foot every second. This historical measurement has evolved into a standardised rating system for internal combustion engines, providing consumers with a recognisable metric for comparing vehicle power outputs across different manufacturers and models.
The persistence of horsepower as a key specification highlights how traditional measurements continue to influence modern automotive economics and consumer decision-making processes.
