Diesel vs Gas Powered Trucks

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Should You Buy a Truck With A Diesel Engine Or a Gas Engine?

Those in the market for a truck are immediately faced with a decision: do you go with a gas or diesel engine? Both engine types are solid choices, but each has its pros and cons.

The debate has been going on for years, but with so many options available now, it’s more complicated than ever for most buyers to figure out which is right for them.

If you’re looking to pick up a new ride, but can’t decide between gas and diesel, keep reading to see why diesel is the right answer.

Longevity

From the ground up, diesel trucks are made to go the distance.

Unlike their gasoline-burning counterparts that require spark plugs for ignition, diesel engines create super high compression levels to get the ignition process going.

This process requires diesel-powered engines to be built to much higher standards. Being built to handle the demands of higher compression, diesel trucks tend to last longer and hold up to more significant demands.

If you want a truck that will stick with you, then a diesel truck might be the better option. These trucks are known for lasting more than 200,000 miles. For die-hard diesel enthusiasts, the 100,000 mile marker means you’re just breaking in your new truck.

This durability comes from the components of a diesel engine. These engines have more substantial engine blocks, as well as tougher internal parts to withstand high compression ratios.

The durability of a diesel truck has financial benefits too. Because diesel trucks last longer and have a higher price tag, they usually have better resale value than gas trucks.

Longevity is largely determined by what you use your truck for. As long as you’re not using your truck exclusively for towing and heavy hauling, then a gas engine will last a long time as well.

Cost of Owning a Diesel Truck vs. a Gas Truck

Cost is typically a chief concern for truck buyers, making it a deciding factor when buying a truck. Diesel trucks are almost always more expensive.

If you plan to purchase a diesel truck, expect to pay anywhere between $5,000-10,000 more than a gas truck under the same brand. Heavy-duty trucks cost even more.

Diesel trucks do have some economic advantages. For example, diesel trucks have better fuel economy than gas trucks. Diesel trucks are also known for longevity; a diesel truck on a regular maintenance schedule can last well above 200,000 miles, giving you more than your money’s worth.

Gas engines have another advantage when it comes to maintenance… cost. Diesel truck parts cost more on average than parts for gas engines. Diesel engines also have turbochargers and emission systems that require regular maintenance.

More Power

Diesel trucks are the undisputed kings of towing. Diesel engines generate more torque at lower RPM, and torque is key for heavy-duty jobs like towing and hauling.

Diesel trucks also have an integrated exhaust brake. This makes the truck easier to control when going through heavy traffic or down steep inclines. Diesel trucks use turbo back-pressure to slow down, which puts less demand on your truck’s brakes.

Diesel trucks are also less likely to make your brake system overheat when you’re towing heavy loads.

When towing and hauling, diesel engines also get better fuel economy compared to gas trucks hauling the same amount of weight. Even when unloaded, diesel trucks get better gas mileage on average than gas trucks with the same engine size.

Gas engines are not without advantages, though. Gas engines have a small leg up when hauling because they’re typically rated for higher payloads.

Diesel power is invaluable for hauling, but gas trucks weigh less, and the lighter weight means they’re generally able to haul more than a diesel truck can.

Gas engines used to have better horsepower than diesel engines, but the gap between gas and diesel engines has nearly closed. Nowadays, the difference in horsepower between gas and diesel engines is only 50 horsepower or less.

The high compression created by the design of diesel engines also helps these motors create lots of power.

Known for their use in industrial machines, heavy equipment, and big trucks, diesels can really crank out power for long periods. Part of this is due to the high compression and part of it is a result of the high efficiency of diesel fuel.

The extra torque diesel engines can produce gives them a big advantage over traditional gasoline-powered trucks and cars.

Clean & Quiet?!?!

One of the biggest complaints many have had with diesel engines in the past is that they are dirty and loud, pumping black smoke into the air like a chimney.

While this was once true of many diesel vehicles, especially big trucks, modern diesel trucks are every bit as clean and quiet as their gasoline counterparts.

Advances in engine technology and restrictions added to curb pollution have made these motors more efficient than ever. Also, newer, low-sulfur diesel fuel burns cleaner and doesn’t produce black smoke.

Higher Resale Value

If you’re trying to decide between diesel or gas, another great reason to go with a diesel is the resale value.

While make and model often play a big role in resale values, diesel engines often add a healthy amount to a vehicle’s value. Remember: diesel engines are durable, long-lasting engines, which is something that matters to most used truck buyers.

Diesel trucks tend to cost a bit more when new, which is something that adds to long-term value.

Fuel Efficiency

One of the biggest reasons to buy a diesel-powered truck is the improved fuel efficiency.

Compared to gas, diesel burns more efficiently and the more straightforward design of the diesel engine helps them take advantage of fuel more efficiently than gas engines.

With rising fuel prices and increased regulation, it’s more important than ever to have a vehicle that gets the best mileage possible.

Other Considerations

Trucks are also popular for off-roading; if you’re an avid off-roader, you might want to consider a gas engine. This is because they’re lighter –especially on the front end.

Diesel trucks still offer tons of low-end, slow-rev torque to help control your truck on steep inclines or around rocky terrain. The extra torque provided by a diesel engine can also help turn larger tires.

Diesel or Gas?

If you’re trying to decide between diesel or gas, the winner should be clear.

Diesel engines give drivers more power and greater fuel efficiency, something that’s important for drivers of all types.

Make ProSource Diesel your top choice for a huge selection of aftermarket diesel parts, OEM diesel truck parts, diesel performance parts, upgrade kits, and much more for Cummins, Powerstroke, and Duramax diesel engines. ProSource is where the diesel repair shops shop for diesel parts.

Keep reading…

What Is The Most Reliable Diesel Truck?

Which Diesel Truck Gets The Best MPG?

The Best Diesel Trucks For Sale

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