CNG vs Petrol vs Diesel – Which Car To Opt For

Buying a car is a financial decision that resonates with its owner’s lifestyle. It will require you to invest a significant amount of money. Thankfully, the Used car loans in Kerala and other parts of the country have made purchasing four-wheelers more affordable. You can plan your purchase according to your budget. In addition, a  used car loan calculator can be helpful in this case.

Before you finalise the new or used car, it is a good idea to look at the fuel type. Fuel efficiency is extremely important among the several factors that affect the buyer’s decision. A car’s fuel type affects its mileage, running cost, and maintenance it requires.

While electric vehicles are gradually entering the Indian automobile market, petrol, diesel, and CNG cars still dominate. To help you choose the right car, let’s look into a detailed comparison of CNG, petrol and diesel cars.

Which car is best: CNG vs Petrol Vs Diesel Cars?

A detailed comparison between CNG, Petrol and Diesel fuel types will help you choose the best car. Let us compare CNG, Petrol, and Diesel cars based on the following factors:

Key Comparisons CNG vs Petrol vs Diesel

1. Mileage

Fuel efficiency is a significant consideration for car buyers:

• CNG Cars: Offer the highest mileage among the three, making them ideal for daily commutes.
• Diesel Cars: Provide better fuel economy than petrol cars, particularly on highways.
• Petrol Cars: Least fuel-efficient but excel in smooth performance and acceleration.

Ranking: CNG > Diesel > Petrol

2. Performance

For those prioritising power and driving experience:

• Petrol Cars: Deliver the best acceleration and refinement.
• Diesel Cars: Stronger at high speeds but slower in initial acceleration.
• CNG Cars: Have the lowest power output, making them less suitable for hilly or challenging terrains.

Ranking: Petrol > Diesel > CNG

3. Cost Efficiency

The affordability of running and maintaining a car is critical:

• CNG Cars: Cheapest to run, thanks to low fuel prices.
• Diesel Cars: Moderately priced in terms of fuel and running costs.
• Petrol Cars: Most expensive due to high fuel prices.

Ranking: CNG > Diesel > Petrol

4. Environmental Impact

Eco-friendliness is becoming a significant concern:

• CNG Cars: Emit the least pollutants, making them the greenest option.
• Petrol Cars: Moderate environmental impact with cleaner emissions than diesel.
• Diesel Cars: Emit high levels of pollutants and particulate matter.

Ranking: CNG > Petrol > Diesel

Advantages and Disadvantages of CNG-powered Cars

Advantages and Disadvantages of Petrol-powered Cars

Advantages and Disadvantages of Diesel-powered Cars

Additional Read: What are the Different Types of Bike Engines?

Which Fuel Type Should You Choose?

Your requirements decide which type of car is good for you. If your car usage is high and you travel long distances, a diesel car can be beneficial. For daily drives, opt for a CNG car. You can choose a petrol car if you need a car for daily drives and long commutes. 

Get a used car loan in Kerala and other states to fit a car in your budget, and use the used car loan calculator before making a final decision.

Frequently Asked questions

1. Which is better: petrol or diesel?

Diesel engines offer greater fuel efficiency and provide higher mileage compared to petrol engines.

2. Why is diesel fuel better than petrol?

Diesel engines are known for their superior fuel efficiency compared to petrol engines, resulting in lower fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions, making them more environmentally friendly.

3. Which is better: CNG or petrol?

Compared to petrol or diesel, CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) leaves significantly less residue after combustion. It doesn’t emit particulate matter like petrol or diesel, which leads to fewer damages to the engine’s pipes and tubes. Consequently, this prolongs the engine’s lifespan.

4. Is CNG better than diesel?

On the contrary, CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) burns with minimal smoke emission and does not produce any toxic gasses. As a result, it does not contribute to air pollution. Consequently, CNG is widely regarded as a superior fuel option when compared to petrol and diesel.

5. Which is healthier, diesel or petrol?

Diesel fuel is free of lead, and the emissions of regulated pollutants such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides are lower in diesel cars compared to petrol cars without a catalyst.

6. Which is better for daily commuting, CNG or petrol?

CNG cars are ideal for daily commuting due to their low running costs and eco-friendliness. However, petrol cars may be better for those seeking smoother performance and
convenience.

7. Which fuel type offers the best mileage?

CNG cars provide the highest mileage, followed by diesel cars. Petrol cars are the least fuel-efficient.

8. Are CNG cars environmentally friendly?

Yes, CNG is the cleanest fuel type, emitting significantly fewer pollutants than petrol and diesel.

9. Which is better for highway driving, diesel or petrol?

Diesel cars are better for highway driving as they offer higher mileage and better top-end performance.

10. Does CNG reduce engine life?

No, CNG does not harm the engine if the CNG kit is factory-fitted and well-maintained.