Which Fuel Type is Better for Your Car?

If you are in the market for your first car, this question must have already hit your mind. This is the most prominent question that comes to every first-time car buyer’s mind- “Petrol vs Diesel Car – Which Fuel Type is Better for Your Car?”.

Let’s have a look at some of the important aspects that we should keep in mind while making this decision.

Environmental Responsibility

Almost everyone overlooks this aspect. Diesel cars emit more pollution than petrol cars. One should understand the aftermath of using a diesel car. As per reports, a diesel car emits approximately 4 times more NO2 and 22 times more pollution than a petrol car. Hence, it becomes our responsibility to save the environment.

Cost Factor

The cost of a diesel car is always higher than petrol by a margin of approx 1.5 Lakh to 2 Lakh rupees. This is an amount that you pay upfront whereas you compensate this amount in fuel only after 7-8 years, which again depends on how well you maintain your car.

If you have opted for the loan this period will increase. So, think of it wisely. Do your mathematics before you make your final decision.

Age Factor

Diesel vehicles have less age ie. 10 years while petrol vehicles have 15 years of age. There might be some stringent decisions that might come up from the government in the upcoming days.

Fuel Cost Factor

Fuel cost differences are reducing day by day and are becoming marginal. Check out the DriveSpark website to know today’s diesel and petrol prices. The difference always remains between a range of 12-15 rupees.

Mileage Calculation

Is the extra money you shell out of your pocket worth or not in the long run? Let us do a basic calculation with an assumption of 15000 Kms being driven in a year.

Petrol Car	Diesel car
Assumed Mileage = 15 Kmpl (Best case average) For 15000 Kms, you will burn 1000 liters of petrol which costs around 100000/- (Average petrol rate assume Rs 100/- per liter)	Assumed Mileage = 18 Kmpl (Best case average) For 15000 Kms, you will burn 850 liters of diesel which costs around 75000/- (Average diesel rate assumed 85/- per liter)

Now, Let’s do The Maths

The running cost difference for 15000 Kms is (100000 – 75000 = 25000). You save Rs 25000 in a best-case scenario where you run your car for 15000 Km in a year. Driving 15000 km in a year is again a matter of discussion.

Coming to the upfront cost difference you pay to buy the diesel car (loan excluded) = 150000 INR (Again the best-case scenario. Varies from brand to brand)

So, what do you think, how many years finally do you need to compensate the Rs 1.5 Lakhs = 150000/25000 i.e. around six years?

Here, you see the difference and the year figure. This was the best-case scenario.

Note: Reader’s discretion is advised for the above calculation.

Here is a nice online calculator to do the calculations.

Have you thought about the Maintenance?

Maintenance is always on the higher side for diesel cars. If you see this link from mycarhelpline.com you will come to know that, in the long run, diesel cars always give you a negative value for money. If you want to see the return on the initial investment you make for your diesel car, you will have to wait for at least 7-8 years.

To minimize this time, you will have to run your car more and more on the roads. One more thing is if it is not maintained well, you might start getting diesel smell inside the car, due to which, old aged people, children feel uneasy when they sit in the back seat. It gives dizziness and a sick feeling, especially with ladies and children.

Do’s and Don’ts While You Decide

• Do your own research and calculations
• Don’t go behind someone else’s opinion, first priority should be your budget
• Do consider the final difference amount in case you have opted for a loan

Conclusion

The only reason I see to buy a diesel car is mileage. If you are a daily commuter with some occasional trip maker outside the town, go for petrol versions. If you are planning for some business purpose, where your car or vehicle will always be spinning, nonstop, 24/7 you may consider the diesel variant so that it starts stitching the hole of your pocket you made while buying the vehicle, at a faster pace.

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below!