CNG vs Petrol vs Diesel – Which is the Best?

Cars are a very interesting topic that many passionately like to discuss. The appearance of the car and the make may be fascinating topics but, another important aspect is choosing the right fuel type. It is very important and this depends on the utility of the vehicle. Let us learn about the pros and cons of each fuel type to understand which is best for your car.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Choosing a Car

Table of Contents

What is the primary purpose of the car?
In terms of saving money, which fuel works best?
Which fuel ensures the best maintenance of the vehicle?
Do I need a big or a small car depending on my needs?

Petrol

PROS	CONS
Cost is less when compared to their diesel counterparts	Fuel economy is less when compared to diesel cars
Many models are available in this fuel type	Emits more CO2 and in turn, increases tax
The maintenance cost of a petrol engine is lower than diesel cars of the same make and model	Some Petrol cars do not have a good resale value due to depreciation
Petrol cars work well in all weather conditions	Petrol engines are not best suited for large cars such as SUVs and trucks

Diesel

PROS	CONS
Diesel cars have a higher fuel efficiency compared to their petrol counterparts	Diesel cars cost more when compared to petrol cars of the same make and model
In most cities, it is cheaper than petrol cars	Many small cars are not available in diesel
Diesel cars require less maintenance and are more durable in comparison to petrol cars	Diesel vehicles emit smoke. Inhaling this smoke can often trigger/cause an Asthma attack
Slower depreciation would aid in higher resale value	These engines are not good for high-speed drive
Diesel engines are perfect for large cars like SUVs and trucks	Starting a diesel vehicle in cold weather conditions can be a struggle
It is the most suitable for driving in areas with high altitude	Diesel engines are noisier when compared to petrol engines

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

In India, the two most popular fuels used are petrol and diesel. The third most popular fuel is Compressed Natural Gas, which is available as an alternative in many petrol cars. One can use this with a CNG conversion kit. A CNG switch can help in switching between petrol and CNG, depending on the availability and need of the driver. Here are the pros and cons of CNG cars:

PROS	CONS
Environment friendly	In India, a very minimal number of states have CNG gas stations
Economical	CNG tanks require more space
CNG keeps the engine clean	CNG gas kits are expensive but it can be covered by saving on fuel costs
A car can be run on CNG or petrol depending on the driver’s comfort
Requires minimal lubrication
CNG tanks are safer compared to petrol/diesel

After you choose the preferred fuel type, one must pay attention to the type of insurance they should buy. It is mandatory and of prime importance that all car owners have at least third-party motor insurance. Insurance can save one from a major crisis in a time of need. To know about different types of insurance, click here!

Also, read about how to check the mileage on a car?