Cast Iron includes ductile iron and gray iron. Though gray iron is not as expensive as ductile iron, it possesses lower ductility and tensile strength than ductile iron, so grey iron becomes an irreplaceable material for carbon steel unless you are left without mechanical requirements including stove parts and counterweights, etc.

Ductile iron, also known as nodular iron, is the alternate material for carbon steel because it possesses high elongation and tensile strength. A few low grades of cast steel can be alternated by ductile iron, as long as their elongation and tensile are good enough. You can find that ductile iron exhibits improved shock absorption than carbon steel, though the later comparatively possesses better welding property.

Ductile iron exhibits higher abrasion compared to cast steel; therefore, it is generally wear-resistant. However, ductile iron does not go as a wear-resistance material when it comes to seeding and tillage parts. It may still require additional support by overlaying treatment or tungsten plates.

Ductile Iron’s corrosion resistance is better compared to carbon steel, but still prone to rusting, particularly during sea freight.  Carbon steel possesses improved impact resistance than ductile iron. Only low grades of ductile iron are built with better impact properties. However, the higher grades do not have to undergo the impact test; carbon steel, on the other hand, exhibits enhanced impact properties.

Footnote:
All said and done, if ductile iron could satisfy your needs, then it will be a preferred choice, otherwise, you will have to settle with carbon steel, and if carbon steel cannot meet your specific requirement, then go for alloy steel.