Which of the following is a major advantage of a diesel engine over gaseous engines?

The choice of fuel efficiency as a major advantage of a diesel engine over gaseous engines is well-founded. Diesel engines are known for their ability to extract more energy from fuel compared to their gaseous counterparts. This efficiency stems from the higher compression ratios in diesel engines, which lead to more complete combustion of fuel, resulting in greater energy output per unit of fuel consumed. Additionally, diesel fuel typically has a higher energy density than natural gas, meaning that it can provide more power and distance with less fuel.

While other options like a smaller crankshaft or faster engine response may pertain to specific design features of engines, they do not directly connect to the fundamental operational efficiencies that are characteristic of diesel engines. Similarly, diesels generally operate at lower engine speeds compared to gasoline engines, which is another point that underscores fuel efficiency rather than performance metrics like speed or response.

Thus, when considering the performance and operational characteristics, fuel efficiency stands out as a key advantage in the comparison between diesel and gaseous engines.