Diesel vs. Gas Truck Comparison

What’s the difference between the diesel vs. gas truck designs? And more importantly, which is the right choice for you? While some drivers swear by the torque and efficiency of the diesel engine, others prefer the acceleration and low-maintenance lifestyle of the traditional gas truck. Ultimately, both offer different advantages that are well worth investigating. Let’s dive into a diesel vs. gas trucks pros and cons list to find out which is the right choice for you.

Diesel vs. Gas Trucks Pros and Cons: Diesel

First, let’s get into some basics. Both gas and diesel trucks use internal combustion engines. However, the diesel engine compresses air and fuel at a ratio between 15:1 and 25:1. To put it in plain terms, this means the diesel engine burns much hotter than a gas engine. It’s hot enough to self-ignite and it’s much more efficient overall. Here are a few reasons why the diesel engine is a great option:

• Capabilities: Diesel engines usually offer tremendous amounts of torque, which contributes to outstanding towing capacity. This makes them perfect as work trucks or transport vehicles. 
• Efficiency: Diesel fuel might be a little more expensive at the pump, but diesel engines are much more efficient overall. That means fewer stops on the Ames roads. 
• Longevity: The diesel engine design is simple and rugged, and many studies show that diesel engines really go the extra mile. In fact, a well-maintained diesel engine can last well over 500,000 miles!

Diesel vs. Gas Trucks Pros and Cons: Gas

Gas engines are still the most popular choice in Indianola and Des Moines for several reasons. Gas trucks have a different compression ratio of around 10:1, which means they don’t burn as hot as a diesel engine. Because the fuel does not self-ignite, gas-powered engines require a set of spark plugs to catalyze the combustion process. Gas engines have many advantages of their own:

• Performance: While diesel engines offer more torque, gas-powered engines excel when it comes to acceleration and horsepower. This makes the gas-powered vehicle a great daily driver that can easily handle everything from quick errands to highway conditions.
• Convenience: Finding a diesel-compatible fueling station isn’t necessarily difficult, but it’s still far easier to find a traditional gas station as you travel around the country. 
• Maintenance: Since gas engines are still the most common, finding replacement parts is a breeze. No need to special order anything in most cases, which means you’ll be back on the road in no time.

Explore Diesel vs. Gas Trucks at DeYarman Automotive Group

Are you ready to try out diesel vs. gas trucks in person? Feel free to stop by DeYarman Automotive Group to get behind the wheel of a new or used model today, and find out more from our sales team. We can help you go over your wants and needs to determine the best fit. Contact us with any questions!