CNG Car Vs Petrol Car: Which Car is Better to Buy

Petrol for power, CNG for efficiency

Upfront is higher with CNG; fuel costs are lower

While petrol is there, it dominates long-drive enthusiasts

July 09, 2024 Kritika Dadhich

CNG Car Vs Petrol Car: Which Car is Better to Buy

While purchasing a New Car, one considers whether to purchase a CNG variant or a petrol variant. Making such a decision shall result in a major difference in running costs and have a great impact on performance. While both have pros and cons, what would be best for you depends on your specific needs and priorities.

Performance

Performance is what matters for most people when searching for cars. It can define the pleasure of driving a car and how usable it can prove to be. Thus, on grounds of performance in terms of acceleration and power, a Petrol Car can generally perform better than cars running with CNG.

This is because a gasoline engine is designed to crank out more horsepower and torque, making it usually applicable in different driving scenarios, from city commutes to highway drives.

Powerstrain

On the other side, the power outputs of the CNG dwell at a slightly lower scale contrasted with their gasoline counterparts. However, contemporary CNG engines are getting better in performance, which is very achievable, and get nearer to petrol over time.

Efficiency

Efficiency refers to the number of miles one can cover using a litre of fuel. On efficiency grounds, a CNG car is usually more reasonable as compared to petrol cars. The cost of compressed natural gas, per unit, is lower than that of petrol, and this differential in cost gets translated into a lesser expenditure on fuel per kilometre. This makes CNG cars especially desirable for those who drive long distances frequently or need more mileage.

Also, cleaner combustion belongs to the CNG engines that emit fewer pollutants like carbon monoxide and particulate matter than petrol engines. This adds up to the environmental sustainability that tends to become a priority area among many car buyers.

Cost

Brezza vs Nexon

While considering cost, there are two major aspects, its initial cost and maintenance cost.

Upfront Cost: While CNG Cars have a higher cost of purchase compared to their gasoline counterparts, it is explained by the fact that the engine and fuel system of the car are modified to be suitable for the use of CNG with an additional cost of manufacture. On the other side, however, this is balanced by relevant government subsidies and incentives offered in some regions.

Maintenance Cost: The maintenance costs for CNG cars are about the same as for petrol cars. Both require periodic servicing and replacement of their engine components, fluids, and filters. However, one must also consider that servicing a CNG car requires professional knowledge and special equipment, which might impact the cost of its maintenance.

Read Also: Top 5 Best CNG SUVs in India 2024

Convenience

The convenience of the service station is another important criterion that customers consider while deciding between CNG and petrol cars.

A major win for the petrol cars comes in the refuelling convenience. Almost everywhere, one can easily access petrol stations to refuel the car. A mere number of CNG refuelling stations exist, and thus their accessibility, especially in rural areas or less developed areas, may not be guaranteed.

Suitability to Take Long Trips

Petrol Car vs CNG Cars

Petrol cars seem to be preferred for long trips because of better driving range and refuelling facilities along highways and major routes. This will ensure refuelling easily and continuing the journey without much loss in time.

While CNG cars are good for everyday commuting and regular city driveability, on long trips, they can become a bit of a problem because there aren't as many refueling options for the same. Route planning with ample CNG stations along the way will be a factor you have to take rather seriously when you buy a CNG car and travel long distances quite frequently.

Comparing the key difference between CNG and Petrol

Comparison Factors	CNG	Petrol
Performance	Lower power and acceleration	Higher Power and acceleration
Fuel Efficiency	Higher fuel efficiency	Lower fuel efficiency
Upfront Cost	Higher purchasing cost	Lower purchasing cost
Environmental Impact	Lower emission, more eco-friendly	Higher emission, less eco-friendly
Refueling Convenience	Limited CNG refueling stations	Widespread petrol refueling infrastructure
Maintenance	May require more specialised maintenance	Easier and more widely available maintenance

Conclusion

The choice between the two, a CNG car and a petrol car, would rely on performance expectations, fuel efficiency needs, initial cost considerations, maintenance requirements, and refuelling convenience. While the operating cost and environmental benefits are better in CNG cars, the performance, unparalleled, and refuelling accessibility are wider in petrol cars, especially during long journeys.

Consider your driving habits, budget, and concerns about the environment to know which category of car best fits your needs and preferences. The right choice would allow you to have a car that assures you both comfort and efficiency over a long period.