Diesel vs. Gas Trucks: Which is Right for You?

You’ve decided to wanted to take home a new truck in the Chatham area, but now you might be wondering about a diesel vs. gas truck for your needs. But what are the pros and cons of diesel vs. gas trucks? You’ll want to have as much information as possible before making a committed decision, and Green Dodge has got you covered. Our guide goes over the benefits of diesel vs. gas trucks as well as a technical comparison of these two engines. If you’re ready to get behind the wheel of any of the trucks available at Green Dodge to experience the pros and cons for yourself, then contact us today.

Diesel vs. Gas Trucks Pros & Cons

Reasons to Choose a Gas Truck

• Acceleration and horsepower: While diesel engines get better torque and towing power, gas-powered engines have the advantage when it comes to acceleration and engine power. This tends to make gasoline engines a preferred choice as a daily driver.
• More fueling stations: Diesel fuel can be harder to find at gas stations, so drivers of gasoline-powered trucks will have an easier time finding their next fill-up.
• Lower maintenance costs: Diesel engines have a simpler design, so naturally drivers expect them to be cheap to service and maintain. However, they also employ harder-to-find heavy-duty parts, so repairs and maintenance can actually be quite pricey. Gasoline-powered trucks usually cost less to take care of.

Reasons to Choose a Diesel Truck

• Torque and towing: With diesel trucks, you’ll be getting more torque than a gas-powered counterpart. This means that diesel trucks are capable of towing heavier loads than gas-powered trucks, even if they’re the same size. As a result, diesel trucks tend to be better-respected as work trucks or transport vehicles.
• Fuel economy: Diesel trucks usually get better fuel efficiency than gas-powered engines. Although diesel can be a bit more expensive, it also reduces the number of refueling stops that Rochester drivers have to make, so it evens out.
• Longevity: Research has shown that diesel-powered engines last much longer than their gasoline counterparts. Some well-maintained diesel engines can last up to 500,000 miles! This is partly because diesel-powered engines have stronger engine blocks and simpler construction.

Technical Comparison: Gas & Diesel Engines

Gasoline and diesel engines both have benefits and drawbacks, but how do they stack up technically? You might be wondering what the nitty-gritty differences are between these engine types. When looking at diesel vs. gas trucks, keep the following points in mind:

• They’re both internal combustion engines, which means fuel is turned into energy inside the engine. The opposite, external combustion engines, involves heat being produced outside the engine and routed to it from another point in the car.
• With gasoline trucks, the engine compresses air and fuel at a ratio of around 10:1. By contrast, diesel trucks compress air and fuel at a ratio of between 15:1 and 25:1. This is why diesel engines don’t require spark plugs, the cylinder is much hotter, so the fuel is self-igniting.
• An engine’s efficiency is determined by the difference between its maximum hot and cold temperatures. With a higher compression ratio, you get a smaller temperature difference. This partly accounts for a diesel engine’s better fuel economy.

Find Your Next Truck Today at Green Dodge

If you’re ready to check out any of the trucks in person, then let our team know! After contacting us, you’ll be able to get a test drive around Decatur, and our finance department will be able to help you make owning a new truck a reality. After you’ve found your favorite model, apply for financing online.