In passenger cars, the diesel engine has never really caught on. During the middle to late 70s, diesel engines in passenger cars did notice a surge in sales due to the OPEC oil embargo, although that is the only real significant penetration that diesel engines have made in the market.

Although diesel engines are more efficient, there are eight historical problems that may have held them back.

1. Due to the higher compression ratios, diesel engines tend be heavier than the equivalent gasoline engine.

2. Diesel vehicles and diesel engines tend to be more expensive than gas.