The document compares petrol and diesel engines. Petrol engines use spark ignition and gasoline as fuel, were invented in 1876, and operate on the Otto cycle. They have higher rpm, lighter weight, and lower costs but lower efficiency. Applications include cars, motorcycles, aircraft and small engines. Diesel engines were invented later and have higher compression ratios and efficiency. They rely on air compression instead of spark plugs. Diesel engines have better efficiency and reliability but also more emissions and noise. They are often used in trucks, buses, generators and irrigation pumps.