The Difference Between National V and National VI When Buying a Car
4 Answers
The differences between National V and National VI when buying a car are: 1. Different sulfur content: The sulfur content limit of National V standard gasoline is 10mg; The sulfur content limit of National VI standard gasoline is 50mg. 2. Different durability mileage: The durability mileage of National V is 80,000 kilometers; The durability mileage of National VI is 160,000 kilometers. 3. Different particulate matter particle numbers: The particulate matter emission limit of National V is 25% stricter; The particulate matter emission limit of National VI is 82% stricter. The National VI standard, also known as the National Sixth Stage Motor Vehicle Pollutant Emission Standard, imposes stricter requirements on emissions such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons.
When I first bought a car, I struggled with choosing between National 5 and National 6 models. The National 6 emission standards are stricter, with better pollutant control—especially significantly lower nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, making it more environmentally friendly. However, National 6 cars usually cost a few thousand yuan more. If you're in big cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou, driving a National 6 car can help avoid traffic restrictions and has higher resale value, making it easier to sell in a few years. If you're on a tight budget, buying a used National 5 car can be cost-effective, but be aware that some areas may have driving bans, making it less convenient. In the long run, choosing National 6 is better—it's more fuel-efficient, and maintenance isn’t as complicated as you might think.
When it comes to the difference between China 5 and China 6 emission standards, the key lies in environmental progress. China 6 has lowered emission limits, such as halving particulate matter concentration, which significantly improves air quality. I've seen many car owners complain that their China 5 vehicles were restricted by policies after just two years of use, forcing them to sell and buy new ones. I recommend prioritizing China 6 models, especially those meeting China 6b standards, as their test conditions are closer to real driving scenarios with more stable fuel consumption. The difference may seem small but has major implications—don't be short-sighted to save money; consider the health issues caused by pollution.
From years of repair experience, China VI vehicles have added devices like particulate filters in terms of technology, making exhaust treatment more thorough, but sometimes more challenging to repair with expensive parts replacement. China V vehicles are much simpler, but prone to carbon buildup, requiring higher maintenance frequency. When choosing a car, consider your long-term driving habits. Although China VI is newer, it generally has a lower failure rate.
