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

Trying to decide whether your next truck should be a gas or diesel model? Wondering about the diesel vs. gas truck pros and cons? You aren’t alone! We field diesel vs. gas truck questions regularly at Sunshine Chevrolet, LLC. Learn more about these truck types today, including the cost of owning a diesel truck vs. a gas truck. Contact us with questions or to schedule a truck test drive in Arden! 

Diesel vs. Gas Trucks Pros and Cons

Reasons to Choose a Diesel Truck

• Torque & Towing – Diesel trucks often generate considerably more torque than their gas-powered counterparts. As a result, they can often tow heavier loads in comparison to gas-powered engines of similar sizes! This makes them well-respected as work trucks and transport vehicles.
• Fuel Economy – For several reasons, diesel engines tend to be more efficient than gas engines. Even though diesel fuel can sometimes be more expensive, many drivers prefer diesel because it reduces the number of stops they’ll need to make to refuel when they’re traveling out past Asheville.
• Longevity – Anecdotal and scientific evidence suggests that diesel engines can last much, much longer than otherwise comparable gas engines, partly because they employ a simpler construction and stronger engine blocks. A well-maintained diesel engine can power your travels for more than 500,000 miles.

Reasons to Choose a Gas Truck

• Acceleration & Horsepower – True, diesel engines tend to offer more torque. However, for many daily drivers, it’s a vehicle’s horsepower and acceleration specs that really matter. Gas-powered trucks are generally better at getting up to speed and passing other cars.
• More Fueling Stations – Not every gas station offers diesel fuel, so drivers who choose a gasoline-powered truck are going to spend less time worrying about where to find their next fill-up near Hendersonville.
• Lower Maintenance Costs – Since diesel engines do not have spark plugs, and generally employ a simpler design, many drivers expect them to be cheaper to maintain. However, some diesel engines employ heavy-duty and sometimes hard-to-find parts, so service appointments and repairs can be pricier.

Technical Comparison: Gas & Diesel Engines

If you’re the curious type, you’re probably wondering why the differences between gas and diesel trucks are so pronounced! So, when you’re comparing your options, you may want to keep these points in mind:

• Both gas and diesel engines are internal combustion engines, which simply means that fuel is turned into energy inside the engine itself. The opposite would be an external combustion engine, where heat is produced in one location and routed to the engine, elsewhere.
• Gas trucks tend to compress air and fuel at a ratio of roughly 10:1. Diesel trucks compress their own air/fuel mixture at a rate between 15:1 and 25:1. Since the result is a much hotter cylinder, diesel fuel is self-igniting and often does not require a spark plug.
• The efficiency of any engine is determined in part by the relative difference between its maximum hot and cold temperatures. Higher compression ratios allow for a smaller min-max temperature difference, which accounts, in part, for the diesel engine’s greater fuel economy.

Cost of Owning a Diesel Truck vs. Gas Truck

As a general rule, diesel trucks are more expensive than gas-powered versions. Diesel trucks can cost between $5,000 and $10,000 more than gas trucks, with the latter number even higher if the diesel truck is a heavy-duty model. However, diesel trucks can help you save money over time thanks to their longevity and fuel efficiency. 

Compare a Diesel vs. Gas Truck in Person!

Ready to take this comparison to the next level? Do you have questions about the cost of owning a diesel truck vs. a gas truck? Call (828) 585-3101 or contact us online! Our dealership is conveniently located near Fletcher. For more helpful reads, learn how to connect to Chevy Wi-Fi and what Chevy MyLink entails!