We’ve arrived again at the age-old question of which truck is better; gas or diesel. When comparing diesel vs gas truck options, it is important to consider your needs. Are you going to be towing a heavy boat in and out of the water every weekend? Hauling a trailer at highway speeds? Will you carry light, heavy or midsized loads? What is your budget?
There are advantages and disadvantages to either choice. But it all comes down to how you’ll be using your truck. So let’s dive in and take a closer look at some of the most important aspects we value in a truck and learn the pros and cons of gas vs diesel.
Towing Power/Torque
Torque is one of the defining measures of a truck’s capabilities. The amount of torque your truck has determines how many pounds it can tow or haul. And in this category, diesel is the clear winner.
Diesel engines can tow heavier loads at a lower RPM than gas engines, they get better fuel mileage when loaded down and will last longer.
Another advantage of diesel engines is the integrated exhaust brake. The exhaust brake slows the engine down by using back pressure from the turbo. This engine brake reduces wear and tear on the brake system and reduces the likely hood of your brakes overheating while slowing under a heavy load.
Fuel Economy
When comparing diesel vs gas prices, diesel fuel is always more expensive. That must mean you’ll pay less for fuel over the life of the truck with a gas engine, right? Not necessarily. Diesel engines get a better MPG than gas trucks, so you’ll actually pay less in fuel costs to run a diesel engine. You’ll also make fewer stops to refuel on long hauling trips.
You can calculate how much fuel you’ll use per trip and multiply that by X number of miles to see how much you’ll spend in fuel over the life of your truck.
Maintenance
In general, diesel trucks will require more maintenance than gas trucks. Diesel trucks use more oil, making each oil change more expensive. There are also a number of filters between the fuel and exhaust system not found in gas trucks that will need regular replacing.
Newer diesel engines also require the addition of diesel exhaust fluid, or DEF, in order to meet emission requirements.
Horsepower and Acceleration
While the gap is closing, gas engines typically offer more horsepower than diesel. If your truck will be a daily driver and infrequently carry heavy loads, then a gas truck may work to your advantage.
The higher horsepower of a gas engine will offer faster acceleration and the ability to pass other cars on the highway. These aspects are important in day-to-day driving when added torque is not necessary.
Breakdown: Diesel vs Gas Truck
When it comes to making the choice between diesel vs gas truck, each case is unique. It comes down to how you’ll be using your truck and what aspects are important to you. Budget is always a factor, and we can help calculate the estimated costs over the life of your truck. Stop into our showroom to check out our current inventory!