Diesel vs. Gas Trucks: Which Do You Need?

If you’re shopping for a new truck near Birmingham, you’ve probably encountered both diesel and gas trucks, but you may not be totally sure about what distinguishes them. Depending on your needs, whether that be at a Vestavia Hills job site or when driving with your family, one or the other may be preferable. Learn more about the diesel vs. gas trucks pros and cons from the experts at the Hendrick Chevrolet Hoover service center, below. 

Diesel vs. Gas Trucks: Pros and Cons

Benefits of Diesel Trucks

• Torque and Towing: You can usually expect diesel trucks to produce more torque than gas-powered trucks. This results in heftier towing capacities. 
• Fuel Economy: Diesel trucks are more fuel efficient. 
• Longevity: Diesel engines employ a simpler construction and have stronger engine blocks, both of which make diesel engines last longer. 

Benefits of Gas Trucks

• Acceleration and Horsepower: Gas trucks generate more horsepower and have better acceleration, allowing you to perform better at high speeds. 
• Gas Stations: The regular fuel required by gas trucks is easier to find at gas stations, as not every gas station provides diesel fuel. This makes gas trucks more convenient.
• Maintenance Costs: Parts and labor for gas engines are easier to come by, making them cheaper to maintain than diesel engines. 

Diesel vs. Gas Trucks: Technical Comparison

When comparing diesel vs. gas trucks, pros and cons are obvious, especially in how they function on Bessemer roads. However, if you are curious about the technical differences between these two types of engines, read below:

• Engine Type: Both gas and diesel power trains are internal combustion engines. This means they both burn fuel within the engine to turn it into energy.
• Air-to-Fuel Ratio: The air-to-fuel ratio differs between gas and diesel engines. Gas engines compress air and fuel at a 10:1 ratio, on average, while diesel engines compress air and fuel at a ratio between 15:1 and 25:1. A higher compression ratio correlates with hotter cylinders. This is why diesel engines don’t require spark plugs.
• Efficiency: The efficiency of an engine depends on the range between the hottest and coldest temperatures within the engine. Higher compression ratios equal hotter temperatures, so usually there is a smaller difference between minimum and maximum temperatures. This is why diesel engines have better fuel economy.

Compare a Diesel vs. Gas Truck in Person!

Compare diesel vs. gas trucks in person at our dealership in Hoover. Contact us with any questions you may have, or to arrange an appointment for a test drive. Be sure to check our new vehicle specials as well to see if you can get a great deal on your next truck!