What is a common characteristic of diesel fuel compared to gasoline?

Diesel fuel is characterized by its higher density and energy content compared to gasoline. This means that diesel fuel contains more energy per unit volume, which allows diesel engines to be more fuel-efficient and produce more power per unit of fuel consumed. The higher density also contributes to the fuel’s ability to generate greater torque, which is particularly advantageous in applications requiring heavy loads, such as in marine engines and heavy-duty vehicles.

In contrast to gasoline, diesel fuel has a higher cetane number, indicating a shorter ignition delay, which contributes to more efficient combustion in diesel engines. Diesel's lower volatility, as compared to gasoline, is also significant, as it means that diesel fuel does not vaporize as easily as gasoline, making it safer to handle and store. This unique set of properties makes diesel fuel well-suited for the demands of heavy-duty engines and industrial applications.