Cars are now the ultimate mode of transportation. We prefer using car for commuting as it is fast, comfortable and also safer to use in any kind of weather conditions. It is also one of the expensive methods of transport and we do a thorough research before buying a car for personal use. Choosing the fuel variant – where to choose the petrol or diesel – is one among other criteria while selecting a car for personal purchase. And though there is no simple answer to this question, listed below are some of the comparisons between petrol and diesel cars that may help you choose one:
- Cost: The cost of diesel variants is more than the petrol cars. The showroom or even on-road price difference between diesel and petrol cars differ tremendously. The reason for this is because the cost of registration for diesel car is way more than the petrol car. The difference in the registration could be about 1% to 3% depending on the cost of the vehicle.
- Mileage: Cars that are powered by diesel engines deliver superior mileage than the petrol cars. Diesel engine does not need a spark plug and has higher compression. This makes the diesel engine utilize more fuel when compared to petrol engine. The extra cost of the car paid initially is actually covered by better mileage of diesel cars. But with increasing cost of the cars now-a-days, the time taken to recover the cost has also increased.
- Refinement: The refinement of diesel engine lacks with regards to Noise vibration and harshness levels when compared to petrol engines. In high end car models, the diesel engines are also refined that only a marginal sound of the engine clatter is heard.
- Fuel price: The price of both petrol and diesel is increased since a few years. The difference between the diesel and petrol is reducing over the years. If the car is used for short distance driving then petrol car is the best. Diesel cars suit more for long-distanced driving as it is economical in terms of fuel cost.
- Power: Petrol engines more power than the diesel variants. Diesel cars have a higher torque and hence it gives a smoother drive. But the harshness, noise, and vibrations in diesel cars are higher than that of petrol cars. Petrol engine gives better initial pick-up but lags the power when there is a shift to lower gears. The diesel engine on the other hand takes time in the initial pick up but responds well to acceleration in the midst of driving. So if you prefer a quick initial pick up it is best to choose petrol and if you need a sudden thrust of power diesel is best.
- Maintenance cost: Maintenance cost of diesel cars is more than that of a petrol car. Diesel cars have higher servicing charges as well. The consumables like the engine oil and spare parts used in diesel cars are more expensive. The life of petrol engine is more than diesel car engine. But, the resale value of diesel car is higher than the petrol car.
So now that you have the pros and cons of both these vehicles, hope you can choose the one that suits your requirements better.