Petrol or diesel car? This is one of the most common problems when buying a new car. To make an informed decision, you need to know the main differences between petrol and diesel cars. Gasoline cars may be better for some, diesel cars for others. It all depends on your research. To help you choose the right car, this article highlights the main differences between petrol and diesel cars. Read all the details about petrol and diesel cars.
Which car is better, petrol or diesel?
It is a very difficult question because there is no clear answer. There are many factors to consider in order to avoid confusion between petrol and diesel vehicles. However, knowing the main differences between petrol and diesel cars will make it easier to choose the car that suits your needs. We will talk about this in the following parts of the article.
The difference between petrol and diesel cars
When it comes to petrol and diesel cars, the fuel is not the only thing that differentiates the cars. There are many things you need to understand to fully understand the difference between the two types of cars. These parameters allow you to better understand the difference between diesel engines and gasoline engines.
Petrol cars vs diesel cars
These are the main differences between petrol and diesel cars.
Example: To give you a better idea of petrol and diesel cars, let's take the example of the Tata Nexon, which is available in both petrol and diesel variants.
Price Difference
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Tata Nexon Petrol (Base XE variant)
Rs. 7.29 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi)
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Tata Nexon Diesel (Base XE variant)
Rs. 8.59 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi)
Between the petrol and diesel variants of the Tata Nexon, there is a price difference of Rs. 1.3 lakhs. The higher initial cost may affect the model you choose. Please note that the price difference may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. The above example is only shows the difference in price.
Performance
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Tata Nexon Petrol (Base XE variant)
Power: 118 Bhp
Torque: 170 Nm
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Tata Nexon Diesel (Base XE variant)
Power: 108 Bhp
Torque: 260 Nm
The petrol version produces more energy than its diesel counterpart when it comes to petrol and diesel vehicles. This means a faster launch speed. On the other hand, the diesel model produces more torque and is therefore heavier than the petrol model. So the initial acceleration may not be as fast as a gas engine, but it has a big effect on the final peak rpm (revolutions per minute).
Fuel economy
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Tata Nexon Petrol (Base XE variant)
17 kmpl (As per ARAI)
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Tata Nexon Diesel (Base XE variant)
21.5 kmpl (As per ARAI)
Diesel engines are more fuel efficient than petrol engines. This factor can play a role in choosing between a gasoline or diesel vehicle. However, keep in mind that a diesel engine requires more maintenance than a gasoline engine.
Petrol engine
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A petrol engine works on the Otto cycle.
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Contains a spark ignition system to ignite the fuel.
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Works with volatile fuels such as petrol.
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Four-stroke cycle petrol engine: intake, compression, combustion and exhaust.
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During the intake stroke, the fuel-air mixture is drawn into the combustion chamber through the intake valve.
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The piston compresses the fuel/air mixture during the compression stroke.
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On the combustion stroke, the air-fuel mixture is ignited by a spark produced by the spark plug. Combustion generates energy. Therefore, it is also called a power stroke.
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Exhaust gases are expelled from the combustion chamber through the exhaust valve during the exhaust stroke.
Diesel engine
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Diesel engine works on a diesel cycle.
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Works with pressure ignition system.
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It has a four-stroke cycle: intake/suction, compression, power and exhaust.
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On the intake stroke, air enters the combustion chamber through the intake valve.
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On the compression stroke, the air is compressed by the piston. Due to pressure, the air temperature rises.
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Then, on the power stroke, diesel fuel is sprayed into the combustion chamber through the injectors. The fuel is ignited with hot compressed air and pushes the piston.
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Exhaust gases are removed from the combustion chamber through the exhaust valve. It's called an exhaust stroke.
Petrol vs Diesel Car Running Cost Calculator
Calculating the cost of running a petrol or diesel car is quite simple. However, there are several factors to consider, such as driving distance, fuel efficiency, and fuel price.
Below is an example of operating cost calculation for a Tata Nexon SUV, which is available in petrol and diesel variants. Please note that we have taken into account the default ARAI driving distance and fuel economy figures.
Tata Nexon XE Price (ex-showroom Delhi)
Petrol: Rs. 7.29 lakhs
Diesel: Rs. 8.59 lakhs
Fuel economy for the Tata Nexon XE variant
Petrol : 17 kilometers per liter Diesel: 21.5 cubic kilometers
Petrol vs Diesel Price in Delhi as of Sep 21, 2021
Petrol: Rs. 101.19/L
Diesel: Rs. 88.62/l
Assuming a car travels 1,000 kilometers per month, the cost of operating the variable petrol and diesel variants is as follows.
Petrol variant (driving distance/fuel economy x fuel price): Rs. 5952
Diesel variant (driving distance/fuel economy x fuel price): Rs. 4121
Price difference: Rs. 1,831
Now, if you buy a diesel model, it is Rs. 1.30 lakh for the diesel variant over about six years. However, the calculation changes as the length of the monthly trip increases. This list will give you an idea of the best solution for your shipping needs. The diesel option makes the most sense if the driving distance is long.
