What is the Difference Between Petrol and Diesel Cars?

Petrol vs diesel car; this has been an age-old debate, resulting in confusion among buyers while deciding on the right car for them. People often ask their friends and relatives who are owners of specific cars, with experience, which cars are better, diesel or petrol. If you also are looking for an answer to this most commonly asked question, then this blog is for you.

Here, we will discuss some important factors that you should consider while making a decision. Let us first understand the difference between Petrol vs Diesel Car and what sets them apart.

Listed below are the factors that can help you make an informed decision:

Petrol vs Diesel Car: Difference Between Petrol and Diesel Cars

Petrol Car vs Diesel Car: Differences in the Engine

Example of Petrol Car vs Diesel Car

To understand the difference in the impact of petrol versus diesel as a fuel for cars, let us consider a real-life example of Tata Nexon:

Petrol vs Diesel Car Prices

There is a difference of ₹2,00,000 between the two models, implying the higher initial cost of the diesel variants.

Note: This is a price comparison of this particular make and model. Prices will vary with different manufacturers and with time and place. Hence, this is only for illustration, and one should contact the manufacturer for the latest prices.

Petrol vs Diesel Car Performance

Here, the power difference between the petrol car vs diesel car implies that the petrol variant produces higher maximum power than the diesel variant, which means it reaches its peak power output at a higher engine speed. This typically means that it gives better performance at higher speeds.

However, the diesel variant offers a higher maximum torque. This higher torque at lower RPMs gives the diesel engine a significant advantage in towing capacity and acceleration from a standstill.

Advantages and Drawbacks of Petrol Car

Advantages

• Petrol engines are quieter and smoother, thus providing a smoother and pleasant ride.
• It is more affordable than its diesel variants. 
• With simpler engine designs, petrol cars often require less expensive maintenance. 
• Petrol engines produce less nitrogen oxide emissions than diesel engines, thus less harmful to the environment.
• Typically, they offer faster acceleration due to higher power output, making them ideal for city driving.

​Disadvantages

• The fuel costs of petrol are higher than diesel. Thus, the running costs of a petrol engine are higher when comparing petrol cars vs diesel cars.
• Petrol engines have lower fuel efficiency than diesel engines.
• Petrol cars produce more CO2 than diesel cars.
• The lifespan of petrol engines is shorter.
• It has a lower torque output that can affect the load-carrying capacity.

Advantages and Drawbacks of Diesel Car

Advantages

• Diesel engines provide more torque, making them ideal for towing and heavy-duty applications.
• They are generally more fuel efficient than petrol engines, thus reducing the running costs.
• Diesel engines are robust and often have a longer lifespan due to lower RPM operation.
• Diesel engines emit less CO2, thus making a great alternative when comparing petrol cars vs diesel cars.
• Diesel engines deliver consistent power output, especially on highways and while carrying heavy loads.

Disadvantages

• Diesel engines tend to be louder, resulting in a less refined driving experience.
• Diesel cars are generally more expensive than petrol variants.
• These cars require more extensive maintenance, leading to higher maintenance costs.
• They may have slower acceleration compared to petrol cars.
• Diesel engines produce more nitrogen oxide emissions, thus contributing to increased air pollution.

Petrol Vs Diesel Car: Which Car is Good Petrol or Diesel?

Before you choose a car, diesel or petrol, for yourself, here are some of the important factors to consider to make an informed decision:

​Power and Performance

As discussed above, the performance of both cars, diesel or petrol, varies greatly. Diesel cars have more torque and constant power output, while petrol cars have higher power output and better response. Thus, before choosing a car, analyse your power requirements. For example, if you want a sporty experience, go for the petrol variant.

Fuel Efficiency

Diesel engines offer better fuel efficiency than petrol engines. As a result, the mileage of these cars is also higher. This becomes a crucial factor, especially when you want to save money. Therefore, analyse your monthly budget for fuel consumption before buying a car.

Emissions

While petrol cars emit more CO2 than diesel cars, the latter emit more NOx and pollutant particles than petrol cars. Since air pollution is increasing and these emissions are a bigger reason for global warming, this factor must be considered by every buyer. Thus, diesel cars are more environmentally harmful.

Running Costs

Due to varying fuel consumption, the running costs of the two variants also differ. Thus, before considering either of the two variants, it is important to understand what affects the running costs and which suits your budget more.

Driving Pattern

Understand your driving patterns before buying a car, as they are significant factor in deciding which car, diesel or petrol, suits you better. For example, if you want a car for short trips or city driving, a petrol car with quick acceleration and low engine noise is ideal.

Resale Value

If you want to resell your car, a petrol car usually has a higher resale value due to lower maintenance needs and a broader buyer range.

Government Policies

Diesel cars have more stringent government policies due to their higher emissions. Often, some regions have more favoured incentives for petrol cars, making them a preferred choice among buyers.

When Should You Choose a Petrol Car?

Buying a car is different for everybody, with specific needs, budget constraints and performance. Thus, when comparing petrol cars vs diesel cars, choosing a petrol car can be more advantageous for specific reasons, such as:

• Petrol cars are ideal for high-traffic areas when you require them for urban driving and a smoother driving experience. They have quick acceleration and easy handling in constant stop-and-go situations.
• When you travel primarily for short distances, a petrol car’s performance and handling can enhance your driving experience.
• When you want a car with lower upfront costs, high accessibility, and easy budget fit, petrol cars are more budget-friendly with lower ex-showroom costs.
• When you want a car but cannot spend much time and money on its maintenance, you want it to be more manageable. 
• Requiring a quieter and more pleasant journey, with a more comfortable and refined ride. 
• If you do not want to meddle with environmental regulations and want a car with typically lower levels of nitrogen oxides. 
• If your aim is to get a less polluting car, a petrol car is better.

When Should You Choose a Diesel Car?

As mentioned, both variants provide varying benefits; they are more suitable for certain buyers than others. If you are wondering which cars are better diesel or petrol, consider these situations when a diesel car fits better:

• If you are looking for a car that does not burn a hole in your pocket while on a ride; a diesel car is better suited for you. Diesel cars have superior fuel efficiency and lower fuel consumption, reducing running costs.
• If you want a car for long-distance travel and heavy-duty use, a diesel car with better fuel economy and higher torque can be ideal.
• When you want a car with higher durability and longer engine lifespan, a diesel car has better engine life due to its robust construction.
• When you can afford the higher upfront costs while buying your car but want to save on the latter with fuel efficiency.
• When you want a car suitable for rural or off-road environments, where its torque and fuel efficiency shine.

Petrol vs Diesel Price Comparison in India

Note: The prices of petrol and diesel in India keep changing with time. These rates are as per the Indian Oil Corporation, as of August 2024 in Delhi.

Importance of Purchasing Reliance General Insurance for Petrol and Diesel Cars

According to the Motor Vehicle Act of 1989, purchasing insurance for any vehicle, regardless of its fuel type, is mandatory in India. In addition to fulfilling the legal mandate, motor insurance is essential for securing financial protection against various perils. It helps cover the costs of damages from accidents, theft, vandalism and natural or man-made disasters, thus reducing out-of-pocket damages.

With Reliance General Insurance, you not only get financial protection for damages incurred to your car but also get protection for you with Personal Accident Cover. Additionally, we offer plans to suit various needs of our customers. For example, we offer third-party insurance for those who seek only legal fulfilment, as well as comprehensive car insurance for those who seek extensive coverage.

With our comprehensive car insurance, you get coverage for third-party liabilities and broad coverage for your car’s damage arising from accidents or other covered perils. Additionally, you get access to our wide range of add-ons, including engine protection cover, return-to-invoice, nil depreciation, etc.

Let us assume you meet with an unfortunate accident and incur damage to your car.  If you do not own insurance, you will cover these repairs by paying for them yourself.  To top that, if you own a diesel car, it is likely that the repair costs will be higher.

On the other hand, if you had our comprehensive car insurance plan in the same situation, you would not have to worry about paying for these repairs out of your pocket. Moreover, with our cashless claims facility, we will settle your repairs directly with the garage.

Conclusion

Finding the answer to this question, ‘car diesel or petrol, which is better’? can be stressful. To understand this, you must consider factors like driving habits, budget and environmental considerations.

Since both petrol and diesel cars have their unique advantages and drawbacks, it is important to assess your needs and choose a variant that aligns with them. Additionally, no matter which one you choose, investing in car insurance is important to secure financial protection and peace of mind.

Note that the car insurance premiums in both variants differ in terms of car price, maintenance costs and requirements. So, compare every factor in petrol versus diesel as a fuel for cars and make an informed decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which car has a higher resale value, diesel or petrol?

Petrol cars often have a higher resale value due to greater demand, lower maintenance and ex-showroom costs and lower harmful emissions.

However, the resale value depends on other factors as well, such as the vehicle’s condition, market trends, location and age.

Are petrol cars more powerful compared to diesel cars?

While determining which cars are better diesel or petrol, it has been observed that petrol cars generally produce more power output than diesel cars. Additionally, they have quicker acceleration, giving them more speed and agility.

However, diesel cars provide more torque, which is more useful for towing or driving on long stretches.

Do diesel cars offer better performance than petrol cars in higher gears?

Yes, diesel cars tend to perform better in higher gears due to their higher torque. As a result, they provide smoother and more consistent power delivery, especially on highways or when driving uphill.

Is it worth purchasing a diesel car?

Purchasing a diesel car can be worth it if you drive long distances regularly, need higher torque or want better fuel efficiency. Consider factors like higher initial costs, maintenance and potential emission restrictions before deciding.

Why do people usually choose petrol cars over diesel cars?

Petrol cars’ lower purchasing and maintenance costs, quieter operations and smoother driving experience often drive more people toward them. These cars are also well-suited for urban driving and fewer emissions.