Diesel: torque-first, fuel-centered
The driver requests torque → the ECU calculates fuel quantity → the injector system delivers it. The primary lever is fuel quantity and timing.
Gasoline: torque-limited, spark-dependent
The throttle controls air mass. Fuel follows air mass. The primary lever is ignition advance and torque monitoring limits.
The practical implication:
Diesel mistakes show up as smoke. Gasoline mistakes show up as knock — and knock is faster, louder, and more damaging to hardware.
Diesel Fundamental and Gasoline Fundamental are structured as separate courses because they’re genuinely separate disciplines.