CNG Car Vs Petrol Car: What’s The Difference?

People considering a new car always factor in fuel efficiency and in India mileage usually comes before everything else. If you are a buyer who wants good mileage, then CNG cars will always be a preferred choice. But, do CNG cars have any other special features besides fuel economy? This article shares CNG and petrol cars' features. Find out about the differences between CNG and petrol cars to check their mileage, engine, and performance. Use this information to select the car that suits you best.

What is a Petrol Car?

Practically, these cars have been on our streets for more than a century and many of them are widely used everywhere. The range of petrol cars is not limited to just one kind, but you have cars in various models, sedans, SUVs, and sports cars.

What is a CNG Car?

CNG cars run on Compressed Natural gas (CNG). Gas is compressed to 1% of its standard volume to make it CNG from its natural state. Thanks to their lower emissions and eco-friendly features, CNG cars are becoming the new trend in the public instead of petrol cars.

Difference Between Petrol and CNG Car

Explore CNG car vs petrol car by learning their differences in depth.

Mileage

CNG vehicles mostly outperform the petrol cars by offering a superior mileage. Combustion properties of compressed natural gas enable vehicles to be more efficient as their fuel consumption is lower compared to gasoline-powered vehicles. Hence, CNG cars have better fuel economy and can drive more per ounce of fuel. This makes them a smart long-term investment. They are cost-effective cars and sound alternatives for people who are looking to cut down on fuel expenses but at the same time do not wish to compromise on speed or feasibility.

Engine Life

The engine life of CNG and petrol cars have almost the same life span. CNG cars run on compressed natural gas, which is a cleaner fuel than petrol. This is why CNG engines experience less wear and tear over the period. However, petrol engines may suffer more wear and tear since they deposit carbon over time, which is a by product of petrol combustion. Even though there is a little gap, using both CNG and petrol cars results in long-lasting performance and durability.

Maintenance

CNG vehicles are usually less expensive than gasoline vehicles. They necessitate special refuelling equipment, and their tanks need to be periodically checked and replaced. Contrary to this, petrol cars are expensive to purchase initially but do not need any special equipment for filling gas. Unlike conventional cars, CNG cars may have higher maintenance expenditures. But their lower operating costs compensate for these additional expenses in the long run. On the contrary, though petrol cars may have lower initial costs, their high fuel prices result in higher long-term expenses.

Boot space

When comparing CNG cars to petrol cars, you will find that CNG ones have reduced boot space. Because the CNG tanks are larger than petrol ones, CNG cars usually have less space available for luggage or groceries in the boot. If you prefer to store a lot of luggage and various items with you, then you should choose a petrol car.

Which is Better: CNG or a Petrol Car?

Below are key factors to consider when comparing CNG and petrol cars:

Aspect	Petrol Cars	CNG Cars
Fuel Cost	Expensive	Cheaper
Initial Cost	Lower	Expensive
Running Cost	Higher	Lower
Maintenance	Lower	Higher
Performance	More powerful	Less powerful
Range	Low	High
Mileage	Low	High

Petrol cars are better than CNG cars in terms of initial cost, but their running cost is pretty high. Although CNG vehicles may have a higher initial cost, they give drivers lower running costs and lower maintenance expenses, too. The power of petrol cars beats the power of CNG cars in most cases.

CNG vs Petrol vs Diesel Cars: Pros and Cons

Type	Pros	Cons
CNG Cars	- Low running costs - High fuel economy - Environmentally friendly - Petrol-compatible engine	- Lower performance than petrol and diesel cars - Limited boot space - Difficult fuel accessibility - Higher upfront and maintenance costs
Petrol Cars	- More affordable than CNG and diesel cars - Better low-end performance - Low maintenance costs - Comfortable driving with low NVH levels	- High running costs - Lower high-end performance than diesel - Less torque than diesel - Lower fuel economy
Diesel Cars	- Lower running costs than petrol - Excellent top-end performance - Longer engine life - Higher fuel efficiency	- Higher purchase price than petrol - Higher maintenance costs - Higher NVH levels - Expensive spare parts

Conclusion

You should consider many variables if you want to make the right choice between CNG cars and petrol ones. Although CNG cars appear to be affordable and environmentally friendly, they could be characterised by a shorter fuel range and lack of CNG refuelling stations. Nevertheless, the price of petrol tends to see unstable slaps, which may add to the overall cost of ownership. Whether it is a CNG or petrol car make sure to conduct in-depth research before deciding. Also, update your insurance policy when you change your car. Although a third-party insurance policy for a car is compulsory, you can invest in a comprehensive insurance policy by Bajaj Allianz to get extra coverage for any unanticipated events. *Standard T&C Apply Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms and conditions, please read sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.

FAQs about CNG Cars

1. Are CNG cars more eco-friendly than petrol cars?

Yes, CNG cars are more eco-friendly compared to petrol cars. CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) produces fewer emissions, such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, making it a cleaner alternative to petrol. It helps reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment.

2. Does CNG fuel impact car performance?

CNG cars generally offer lower performance than petrol or diesel cars due to the lower energy content of CNG. While CNG is efficient and provides good fuel economy, it tends to reduce acceleration and top-end power compared to petrol engines. However, modern CNG vehicles are designed to balance performance and efficiency.

3. How does CNG affect engine lifespan?

CNG is considered cleaner than petrol and diesel, producing fewer carbon deposits and lower levels of harmful emissions. This results in less wear and tear on engine parts, which can potentially increase the lifespan of the engine. CNG also reduces the build-up of sludge and carbon in the engine, helping it run more smoothly over time.

4. Is driving a CNG car safe?

Yes, driving a CNG car is safe. CNG is stored in high-pressure cylinders and is carefully regulated. Modern CNG cars are equipped with safety features such as pressure relief valves, robust cylinder construction, and proper ventilation to ensure safety in case of leaks or accidents. It is also tested for stringent safety standards.

5. How do I refuel a CNG car?

Refueling a CNG car is similar to refueling a petrol or diesel vehicle. CNG vehicles are refueled at dedicated CNG stations, where you connect the vehicle’s CNG filling nozzle to the station’s pump nozzle. The refueling process is fast and straightforward, though availability of CNG stations may vary by region.

6. Is CNG fuel damaging to engines?

No, CNG fuel is not damaging to engines. In fact, it is cleaner than petrol or diesel, producing fewer harmful emissions. CNG also burns more efficiently, reducing the buildup of carbon deposits and improving engine performance over time. However, it's important to use high-quality CNG and maintain the vehicle properly to ensure optimal engine health.

7. Can CNG fuel catch fire?

CNG is a highly flammable gas, but it is stored under high pressure in robust and well-tested cylinders designed to handle the pressure safely. In the event of a leak or rupture, CNG dissipates into the air quickly, making it less likely to cause a fire compared to liquid fuels like petrol or diesel. Safety systems are in place to minimize risks.

8. Do all cars offer a CNG fuel option?

No, not all cars come with a CNG fuel option. However, many car manufacturers offer CNG variants of their existing petrol models. These models are typically factory-fitted with CNG kits, ensuring proper compatibility with the vehicle’s engine. Alternatively, some owners choose to retrofit their cars with a CNG conversion kit, although this may not be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.