Would you still buy a Diesel car if Diesel was priced closer to Petrol?

.anshuman · 30th June 2010, 12:39

Diesel passenger cars have come a long way since the Premier Padmini times. The latest generation Common Rail Direct Injection diesel cars are not only more fuel efficient compared to the old age diesels but have NVH levels, reliability, and performance close to Petrol cars.

The main advantages of Diesel cars over Petrol cars are higher fuel efficiency and higher torque output aiding better driveability. Over last decade diesel cars have gained acceptance never ever seen in our country. Most cars which have huge waiting lists here are diesels. Due to subsidy on Diesel in India the cost of running a Diesel car are close to half that of the Petrol version of the same car.

Diesel cars have disadvantages too, Diesels are not very popular with some purist Petrolheads because of narrow powerband and crude nature. Another disadvantage is the cost of components used in diesel engines like Common Rail fuel pumps, Turbo chargers etc are very expensive to replace, meaning if one has to get an diesel engine overhauled the bill will surely run into lacs.

My question is, with Government of India considering de-regularisation of Diesel prices meaning the Diesel is expected to cost close to Petrol just like in other countries, Would you still buy a diesel car? Be it for the additional torque or Fuel Efficiency.

Red Liner · 30th June 2010, 12:47

If the mileage offered by Petrol cars match the diesel counter-parts and all other things being same barring the price (petrol engines are cheaper), it would only make sense to buy a petrol car.

Diesel fuel is more polluting than Petrol, and in other countries, Diesel is taxed more than petrol.

specialist1968 · 30th June 2010, 12:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by .anshuman

My question is, with Government of India considering de-regularisation of Diesel prices meaning the Diesel is expected to cost close to Petrol just like in other countries, Would you still buy a diesel car? Be it for the additional torque or Fuel Efficiency.

Never. Diesels have a narrow power band, be it crdi or vgt or anything. Petrols have a linear power delivery with a flat torque curve which we can depend upon at times of emergency (for eg. overtaking). The power surge after turbo lag is some times confusing, as it does not kick in in a linear fashion. Further more, the NVH levels also make a difference.

condor · 30th June 2010, 12:54

For diesel-heads like me, the characteristics & behaviour of the diesel engine is not going to be overlooked. That is actually something I look forward to, how ever "smooth' a petrol engine may be.

Also, the difference in the prices between petrol & diesel vehicles will reduce. Maintenance may be higher, but I also save a bit on the fuel.

So, yes, I will still look at the diesel.

DCEite · 30th June 2010, 12:57

Good question.

But the answer is not straight forward. It depends on which car model we are comparing. For example, if i was given a choice between old G series Swift and DDiS Swift, i would pick the DDiS anyday, over the G series petrol. Reason - The DDiS is much nicer to drive in the city and the turbo kick and fuel efficiency can't be matched by the petrol counterpart.
However, things change with K-Series Swift. IMO its more fun to drive than the older Swift specially in city and is more fuel efficient too, so i will pick this one.

Now, when it comes to SUV/MUVs, again diesels are inherently more torquey in nature which results in better pulling which is crucial , so again, diesel is the way to go in case of SUVs.

My vote goes for "Don't Know".

.anshuman · 30th June 2010, 12:58

Just for comparison I am posting some ARAI FE figures of some cars.

Ritz Petrol - 17.70
Ritz Diesel- 21.10

Punto 1.2 Petrol-15.20
Punto 1.4 Petrol-13.80
Punto Multijet-19.90

Laura TSi Petrol-13.37
Laura TDi CR MT-20.04

rosh_aveo1.4 · 30th June 2010, 13:04

Well, as Red Liner rightly said, it boils down to mileage. I mean, I know the Swfit Diesel mileage is way better than it's previous petrol counterpart (but the K series engine in better efficient I hear). Maybe it would also depend on the maintenance cost of diesel compared to petrol.
Then again, I have always owned a petrol car all this time, so I am not too sure but I would say Petrol,

kiren · 30th June 2010, 13:07

Incase diesel prices are de-regulated, prices for diesel cars & its taxes also has to come down. I will never buy a diesel car if the fuel prices & the cars mileage is same.

Motorholic · 30th June 2010, 13:10

If my options were still between an Optra Magnum petrol and an Optra Magnum diesel, I'd go for the diesel any day. For the extra money I pay, I'm getting a much more powerful engine. I'd pay that extra money even if it were a more powerful petrol engine isn't it? Then the fact that diesels are efficient is important too. And I second Condor, there's something about the way a diesel runs, just like there's something about the way a petrol runs

.

asr245 · 30th June 2010, 13:16

I would only if I have to commute a lot (25K-30K a year) else it's petrol for me - so 'don't know'. Just love to revv the nuts of the engine and enjoy the sound it makes while doing it. Diesel has neither (I find it's noise annoying - my opinion after having driven the DZire about 400 odd kms).

PS: Want to changed my answer. Just realized that CNG is a better option than diesel financially. So a big 'No'.

ph03n!x · 30th June 2010, 13:16

I went in for a Diesel drive when I had Petrol alternatives at similar / lower price range than my budget purely for the Torque rush, though my planned running won't cross 1500 KM per month.

I wont buy a sub-200nm / <100 BHP Diesel car, would rather go with a Petrol if that is the case if both the fuel are priced closer. But when it comes to that highway run, nothing in even in a class or two above can even come close to my Getz CRDi - and THAT is the kind of Diesel I will buy, even in the future!

A350XWB · 30th June 2010, 13:23

Diesel engine for me because of two reasons. It has higher energy content/unit volume and is more efficient.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Liner

Diesel fuel is more polluting than Petrol

Sorry, I don't agree with this statement. I don't think one is better than the other. Diesel produces NOx and particulate matter which petrol does not, but on the other hand, petrol produces much more CO2 and CO than diesel.

vista_qjd · 30th June 2010, 13:38

Diesel is a much better fuel if it burns right and is much more cleaner than petrol. This is a proven fact. Also better mileage for diesel means its much better option. Maintenance is also comparable to petrol. I think the choice overall depends on the engine being offered on the car and which is better pick of the two. Cost wise not much to gain or loose by picking diesel.

Dr.AD · 30th June 2010, 13:42

I am somewhat biased towards petrol cars. I like the clean, refined and free-revving nature of petrol engines. Given that even with existing price difference I never seriously thought of buying a diesel car, I would certainly say no to this if and when the price difference is gone.

MileCruncher · 30th June 2010, 13:48

@ Redliner: Diesel Engines are more efficient and less polluting per Litre CC.
And in Europe even though Diesel is more expensive, people still them because of higher mileage, better driveability and less polluting vehicle.

The pollution in diesel is caused by the sulphur content and with BS-III/BS-IV fuel being ULSD, polluting diesel vehicles are things of past. Black smoke of diesel also come from enlarged nozzle or clogged air filter

OH Yes, I'll still buy a diesel

View Poll Results: Would you still buy a Diesel car?
Yes	528	45.17%
No	552	47.22%
Don't Know	89	7.61%
Voters: 1169. You may not vote on this poll

30th June 2010, 12:39	#1
.anshuman Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Good-Gaon Posts: 7,763 Thanked: 11,136 Times View My Garage	Would you still buy a Diesel car if Diesel was priced closer to Petrol? Diesel passenger cars have come a long way since the Premier Padmini times. The latest generation Common Rail Direct Injection diesel cars are not only more fuel efficient compared to the old age diesels but have NVH levels, reliability, and performance close to Petrol cars. The main advantages of Diesel cars over Petrol cars are higher fuel efficiency and higher torque output aiding better driveability. Over last decade diesel cars have gained acceptance never ever seen in our country. Most cars which have huge waiting lists here are diesels. Due to subsidy on Diesel in India the cost of running a Diesel car are close to half that of the Petrol version of the same car. Diesel cars have disadvantages too, Diesels are not very popular with some purist Petrolheads because of narrow powerband and crude nature. Another disadvantage is the cost of components used in diesel engines like Common Rail fuel pumps, Turbo chargers etc are very expensive to replace, meaning if one has to get an diesel engine overhauled the bill will surely run into lacs. My question is, with Government of India considering de-regularisation of Diesel prices meaning the Diesel is expected to cost close to Petrol just like in other countries, Would you still buy a diesel car? Be it for the additional torque or Fuel Efficiency. Last edited by .anshuman : 30th June 2010 at 12:42.
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30th June 2010, 12:47	#2
Red Liner Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 5,388 Thanked: 19,374 Times	If the mileage offered by Petrol cars match the diesel counter-parts and all other things being same barring the price (petrol engines are cheaper), it would only make sense to buy a petrol car. Diesel fuel is more polluting than Petrol, and in other countries, Diesel is taxed more than petrol.
	() Thanks

30th June 2010, 12:54	#4
condor Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Speed-brkr City Posts: 16,242 Thanked: 16,903 Times View My Garage	For diesel-heads like me, the characteristics & behaviour of the diesel engine is not going to be overlooked. That is actually something I look forward to, how ever "smooth' a petrol engine may be. Also, the difference in the prices between petrol & diesel vehicles will reduce. Maintenance may be higher, but I also save a bit on the fuel. So, yes, I will still look at the diesel.
	() Thanks

30th June 2010, 12:57	#5
DCEite Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: NCR Posts: 3,591 Thanked: 3,502 Times	Good question. But the answer is not straight forward. It depends on which car model we are comparing. For example, if i was given a choice between old G series Swift and DDiS Swift, i would pick the DDiS anyday, over the G series petrol. Reason - The DDiS is much nicer to drive in the city and the turbo kick and fuel efficiency can't be matched by the petrol counterpart. However, things change with K-Series Swift. IMO its more fun to drive than the older Swift specially in city and is more fuel efficient too, so i will pick this one. Now, when it comes to SUV/MUVs, again diesels are inherently more torquey in nature which results in better pulling which is crucial , so again, diesel is the way to go in case of SUVs. My vote goes for "Don't Know". Last edited by DCEite : 30th June 2010 at 12:59.
	() Thanks

30th June 2010, 12:58	#6
.anshuman Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Good-Gaon Posts: 7,763 Thanked: 11,136 Times View My Garage	Just for comparison I am posting some ARAI FE figures of some cars. Ritz Petrol - 17.70 Ritz Diesel- 21.10 Punto 1.2 Petrol-15.20 Punto 1.4 Petrol-13.80 Punto Multijet-19.90 Laura TSi Petrol-13.37 Laura TDi CR MT-20.04 Last edited by .anshuman : 30th June 2010 at 13:03.
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30th June 2010, 13:04	#7
rosh_aveo1.4 BHPian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Cochin, Kerala Posts: 705 Thanked: 657 Times View My Garage	Well, as Red Liner rightly said, it boils down to mileage. I mean, I know the Swfit Diesel mileage is way better than it's previous petrol counterpart (but the K series engine in better efficient I hear). Maybe it would also depend on the maintenance cost of diesel compared to petrol. Then again, I have always owned a petrol car all this time, so I am not too sure but I would say Petrol,
	() Thanks

30th June 2010, 13:07	#8
kiren BHPian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: mumbai Posts: 454 Thanked: 33 Times	Incase diesel prices are de-regulated, prices for diesel cars & its taxes also has to come down. I will never buy a diesel car if the fuel prices & the cars mileage is same.
	() Thanks

30th June 2010, 13:10	#9
Motorholic BHPian Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Chennai Posts: 36 Thanked: 0 Times	If my options were still between an Optra Magnum petrol and an Optra Magnum diesel, I'd go for the diesel any day. For the extra money I pay, I'm getting a much more powerful engine. I'd pay that extra money even if it were a more powerful petrol engine isn't it? Then the fact that diesels are efficient is important too. And I second Condor, there's something about the way a diesel runs, just like there's something about the way a petrol runs .
	() Thanks

30th June 2010, 13:16	#10
asr245 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Gurgaon Posts: 1,162 Thanked: 392 Times	I would only if I have to commute a lot (25K-30K a year) else it's petrol for me - so 'don't know'. Just love to revv the nuts of the engine and enjoy the sound it makes while doing it. Diesel has neither (I find it's noise annoying - my opinion after having driven the DZire about 400 odd kms). PS: Want to changed my answer. Just realized that CNG is a better option than diesel financially. So a big 'No'. Last edited by asr245 : 30th June 2010 at 13:22.
	() Thanks

30th June 2010, 13:16	#11
ph03n!x Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Coimbatore Posts: 2,604 Thanked: 6,167 Times	I went in for a Diesel drive when I had Petrol alternatives at similar / lower price range than my budget purely for the Torque rush, though my planned running won't cross 1500 KM per month. I wont buy a sub-200nm / <100 BHP Diesel car, would rather go with a Petrol if that is the case if both the fuel are priced closer. But when it comes to that highway run, nothing in even in a class or two above can even come close to my Getz CRDi - and THAT is the kind of Diesel I will buy, even in the future!
	() Thanks

30th June 2010, 13:38	#13
vista_qjd BHPian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 200 Thanked: 50 Times	Diesel is a much better fuel if it burns right and is much more cleaner than petrol. This is a proven fact. Also better mileage for diesel means its much better option. Maintenance is also comparable to petrol. I think the choice overall depends on the engine being offered on the car and which is better pick of the two. Cost wise not much to gain or loose by picking diesel.
	() Thanks

30th June 2010, 13:42	#14
Dr.AD Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Bangalore/Pune Posts: 2,010 Thanked: 22,905 Times	I am somewhat biased towards petrol cars. I like the clean, refined and free-revving nature of petrol engines. Given that even with existing price difference I never seriously thought of buying a diesel car, I would certainly say no to this if and when the price difference is gone.
	() Thanks

30th June 2010, 13:48	#15
MileCruncher Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: MH01 Posts: 4,520 Thanked: 1,408 Times View My Garage	@ Redliner: Diesel Engines are more efficient and less polluting per Litre CC. And in Europe even though Diesel is more expensive, people still them because of higher mileage, better driveability and less polluting vehicle. The pollution in diesel is caused by the sulphur content and with BS-III/BS-IV fuel being ULSD, polluting diesel vehicles are things of past. Black smoke of diesel also come from enlarged nozzle or clogged air filter OH Yes, I'll still buy a diesel
	() Thanks