Gasoline versus diesel engines is a solid topic of discussions. There are some major differences. First, is how they light they ignite the air-fuel mixture. Gasoline engines use a spark plug to ignite the mixture. Diesel engines use compression to ignite the mixture. Self-ignition temperature is a key element in igniting fuel-air mixtures. Intake, compression, and ignition methods are the major differences between gas and diesel engines. Throttle valves are the second major difference.
Air fuel ratios also explain the difference in fuel consumption between diesel engines and gas engines. Diesel has to use more gas to arrive at a fuel combustion rate. That can weigh heavier on the wallet in the long run. The good news is that diesel engines are continually improving. Those old smelly engines and exhaust are slowly becoming a thing of the past. This is an excellent video with much to share.