Diesel vs. Gas Trucks

Diesel vs. Gas Trucks: Pros & Cons

When is a Diesel Truck the Better Pick?

• Torque Output: Diesel trucks are renowned for their sky-high torque outputs, and that means they’re excellent choices for drivers who demand heavy-duty capabilities. The benefit of additional torque is especially clear when you compare diesel vs. gas trucks on towing performance, since diesel trucks can generally pull much heavier loads.
• Fuel Economy: Diesel engines tend to be more expensive than gas engines, but they offer higher fuel economy ratings. This means you can travel freely around Milwaukee without always having to stick close to a pump. Commercial truck telematics can help your fleet move even more efficiently.
• Reliability: Compared to gas engines, diesel engines use a simpler design. Because they are heavier and they tend to have fewer moving parts, chances are you’ll run into fewer problems throughout the engine’s lifespan. Diesel engines may also last much longer than gas engines when all is said and done.

Diesel vs. Gas Trucks: More Considerations

We’ve covered some of the basics above, but what about nitty gritty differences like combustion, compression, and temperature?

• Combustion: In this regard, is diesel better than gas? Not necessarily, as both gas- and diesel-powered engines utilize combustion technology.
• Compression: On average, diesel engines have a typical compression ratio of 15:1 and 25:1. This ratio is higher than the average ratio for gas engines, which is 10:1. Diesel engines can self-ignite without the use of spark plugs.
• Temperature: There’s a small difference between the maximum cold and hot temperatures in gas and diesel engines’ cycles. This small difference translates to greater fuel-efficiency from a diesel engine.

Whether you’re comparing gas vs. diesel for the RAM 2500, the Ford F-250, or the Silverado HD, you’ll be considering many of the same factors. However, you probably already know that there can be vast differences between the gas and diesel engines offered by each lineup. Comparing diesel engines from brand to brand is just as important as comparing diesel vs. gas.