Having a personal vehicle truly makes commute easy. Moreover, the COVID 19 pandemic has made many people wary of public transportation. With your own car, you can travel at your own convenience. However, buying a car is a huge expense, and therefore, you need to choose the vehicle wisely.

When buying a car, one of the biggest dilemmas you may face is whether to choose the petrol or diesel variant. The fact that all major car brands produce both petrol and diesel models probably makes the choice even tougher. You may have asked friends or colleagues what they prefer; however, what works for others may not for you. So, which is the better option between the two? Read on to make a well-informed choice for yourself:

Petrol or Diesel Car: Which is Better?

When analyzing which option is better between the two, we need to look at several factors that can help you arrive at a decision.

Mileage delivered

When you set out to buy a new car, one of the primary considerations that you must keep in mind is the mileage of the vehicle. The mileage of your car refers to the number of kilometers that it can travel in a liter of fuel. Now, diesel cars generally give better mileage than petrol cars. So, if you plan to use your car for driving frequently over long distances, a diesel vehicle might seem like a better choice for you.

Cost of the vehicle

Cost is also a decisive factor when you set out to buy a vehicle. Petrol cars are generally sold at a cheaper price than their diesel counterparts. In fact, the price difference between the petrol and diesel variant of the same car model can sometimes be in lakhs. If you are buying your vehicle through a car loan, then saving every rupee can make a huge difference in the overall amount that you need to repay the lender. After all, you need to factor in the interest that you will owe as well. So, if cost is a concern, then a petrol car might be the right pick for you.

Resale value

When buying a new car, the last thing you will probably think about is having to sell it off. However, you may need to consider that at some point in the future, you will want to give up your vehicle for a better one. Therefore, it makes sense to choose a car brand and model with a high resale value. While diesel cars may cost you more at purchase, they are also more likely to fetch you a better resale value. So, if you are someone who usually changes cars every 2 or 3 years, you may want to opt for a diesel variant.

Noise

A diesel car generally produces more noise than petrol variants. So, if you prefer a relatively silent ride, you may want to opt for a petrol car. However, high-end or luxury diesel vehicles are known to offer a comfortable ride with hardly any discernible engine noise. As such, if you are buying a high-end model, then a diesel variant might give you the smooth, silent ride you need.

Impact on the environment

While all vehicles produce harmful emissions, diesel cars are known to produce more harmful particulates than petrol vehicles. This might also be a decisive factor for you when choosing between a diesel or petrol car.

So, which car is best petrol or diesel?

As we can see, there is no single, correct answer to this question. The option that you pick should depend on the factors that matter to you. For instance, if you want better mileage for long drives, then a diesel car might be the right choice for you. However, if budget is an issue and you want to save a lakh or so on your car cost, then the petrol variant might suit your budget.

When choosing between a petrol and diesel car, make sure to think about your own unique needs. Just because a friend or family member has purchased a particular model does not mean that you should too. Make a choice based on considerations that suit your requirements and budget.

Car insurance

In India, all motorists must have at least third-party insurance before driving out on the roads. Not having this basic form of coverage can cost you financial losses during an accident. You may also be charged a fine if you are caught without an active car insurance plan.

Now, the cost of your car insurance plan is directly proportional to the cost of your vehicle. This means that a costlier car is more likely to have expensive insurance. Diesel cars have relatively costlier parts compared to their petrol variants. However, do weigh this extra cost against the benefits you gain and choose the right fuel type based on what suits your budget.

What does car insurance cover?

There are two types of car insurance plans – third-party insurance and comprehensive insurance. Third-party insurance only covers you for third-party liability in an accident whereas comprehensive insurance covers you for own damages and third-party liability. A comprehensive car insurance plan also covers you against natural disasters such as landslides, lightning, earthquake, and hurricanes. As such natural calamities can occur unexpectedly, car insurance lets you breathe easy with the knowledge that you are financially protected.

You can enhance your car insurance plan with the help of riders that can add extra coverage. Some of the riders that you may want to consider opting for include consumables cover, roadside assistance, return-to-invoice cover, and engine guard cover.

Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.