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?

Parameters Petrol Car Diesel Car CNG Car Fuel price High Lower than petrol Low Car price Affordable than diesel & CNG cars. Expensive than petrol & CNG cars. expensive than petrol cars, but affordable compared to diesel cars. Performance Premium performance with better acceleration than diesel & CNG cars. Slower initial acceleration but offers good top-end performance. Lower power output than petrol and diesel cars. Lower power delivery.. Comfort Petrol engines are refined, Comfortable driving experience. Diesel engines are less refined than petrol.  Since CNG cars run on petrol-compatible engines, the refinement is on par with petrol cars. Boot space Spacious Spacious CNG fuel tanks are installed in the boot space, not suitable  for long drives. Mileage Lower than CNG and diesel cars. Higher than petrol cars, but lower than CNG cars. Higher than petrol and diesel cars. Running cost High Lower than petrol cars, but higher than CNG cars. Low Maintenance cost Higher than CNG cars but lower than diesel cars. High Higher than petrol and diesel cars due to the fitment of CNG kit. Environmental friendliness It is not environment-friendly as the exhaust gas comprises carbon monoxide. It produces carbon emissions. They are environment-friendly as the fuel is completely combustible and produces clean emission. Fuel availability Easily available Easily available CNG fuel stations are not easily available as petrol or diesel fuel stations. Engine life Lower than diesel engines. Diesel engines last longer than petrol engines. The engine life is similar to petrol engines. 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 Read More : What are the Different Types of Bike Engines?

Pros and Cons of CNG-powered Cars

Pros Of CNG Vehicles: Cons Of CNG Vehicles: CNG vehicles have a lower running cost than diesel and petrol cars. The fuel price of CNG is much lower than petrol or diesel, making it more affordable. CNG cars do not offer the best driving experience and deliver low performance. The fuel economy of CNG vehicles is more than petrol and diesel vehicles. The full tank capacity of CNG vehicles is low, and their full tank driving range is not as much as petrol and diesel cars. CNG four-wheelers are environmentally sustainable and do not emit the highly-polluting carbon emissions. There is no boot space in CNG vehicles as the CNG cylinder is placed there. CNG cars are bi-fuel. Car owners can run them on CNG or petrol. They have the weakest torque among the three.   They have the weakest torque among the three.

Pros and Cons of Petrol-powered Cars

Pros Of Petrol Vehicles: Cons Of Petrol Vehicles: Petrol cars cost less than the other two types. The price of petrol is the highest among the three fuels, which makes the rides costliest. They offer a comfortable driving experience. Their torque is lesser than diesel cars. Their maintenance cost is lower, and they offer good low-end performance. You can drive them longer in countries like India.

Pros and Cons of Diesel-powered Cars

Pros Of Diesel Vehicles: Cons Of Diesel Vehicles: They have a lower running cost than petrol cars. Diesel cars are comparatively costlier. Their high-end performance is good, and diesel cars are perfect for long-distance travel. The spare parts and maintenance cost of diesel cars is higher. A diesel engine’s life is longer than a petrol engine. Though they last longer, diesel engines are being phased out, and environmental laws mandate a shorter possession period than petrol and CNG cars. Read More : Best Mileage Used Cars In India

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.