NewsPhotogalleryauto Petrol Vs Diesel Cars: Why Diesel Cars Cost Rs 1 Lakh To Rs 3 Lakh More And Is It Worth It?
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Diesel cars can cost Rs 1-3 lakh more than petrol variants. Here’s why diesel engines cost more, how fuel savings work and when a diesel car actually makes financial sense
Diesel vehicles also have to meet strict emission standards. After BS6 norms came into effect, diesel cars were required to use diesel particulate filters (DPFs) to trap fine particles from exhaust emissions. Some vehicles also use AdBlue with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems to reduce emissions further. BS6 Phase 2 also introduced real-driving emission tests, requiring vehicles to be tested for emissions while being driven on the road. These additional technologies have increased the cost of diesel vehicles, prompting some carmakers to stop offering diesel engines altogether.Diesel cars have two major advantages: diesel is cheaper than petrol and diesel engines generally offer better mileage. In Delhi, for example, diesel is around Rs 7 per litre cheaper than petrol. However, for someone driving around 15,000 km a year, it could take more than five years to recover the higher upfront cost of a diesel car through fuel savings. Diesel cars can also have higher servicing costs because components such as the turbocharger, DPF and fuel injectors require maintenance.A diesel car can make more financial sense for people who travel long distances regularly. For those who mainly drive short distances within the city and cover fewer kilometres each year, a petrol car may be a more practical choice. So, when buying a car, it is important to look beyond the initial price and consider how much you drive, the mileage you get and the vehicle’s long-term maintenance costs.
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When buying a car, many people compare the prices of petrol and diesel variants. While two variants of the same model may look almost identical, the diesel version usually costs more. A diesel car can typically cost Rs 1 lakh to Rs 3 lakh more than its petrol counterpart, depending on the model, variant and gearbox. The price difference is not simply about the manufacturer’s profit. Diesel engines use stronger components and additional emission-control systems, which add to their manufacturing cost.
