Diesel vs. Gas Truck

When you’re talking durability and longevity, diesel engines come out on top. They are known to last hundreds of thousands of miles. Because diesels are made using stronger engine blocks and internals, they can handle higher compression ratios than your average gas engine. Explore the basic mechanics of diesel engines to get a better understanding of why this is.

Of course, whether that matters depends on how much you use the vehicle around Cumberland, and it’s worth keeping in mind that maintenance on a diesel will cost more. The cost of owning a diesel truck vs. gas is going to grow as repairs are required.

Capability, Off-Roading, and Efficiency

Considering a diesel or gas truck for the daily driver means bringing efficiency scores into the mix. Diesel engines deliver exceptional mpg ratings — keep that in mind if you’ll be making regular commutes from Rice Lake to Hayward. That said, it can be harder to find diesel fuel than gasoline.

As for capability, a diesel will generally work best for towing while gas trucks will usually offer higher payload ratings. If you’re going to head off-road, gas trucks should appeal since they rev faster and redline higher.

FAQs About Diesel vs. Gas Trucks Answered

• Is a diesel truck good for a daily driver?: Diesel trucks make great daily drivers, especially if you have easy access to diesel fuel nearby and are looking for a truck that’s torquier than its gas counterparts.
• Is driving a diesel truck better than gas?: Diesel fuel often costs more than gasoline fuel. Then again, diesel vehicles often get better gas mileage than gas vehicles. So it depends.
• Are diesel trucks more expensive to maintain?: Diesel trucks can be more expensive to repair when you do need to get repairs done, but they often have simpler engine and powertrain systems also that break down less often, which can make costs overall costs comparable in reality.
• Is it worth getting a diesel truck?: Yes! If you want a truck that offers ample towing and hauling capability and torquey performance, then a diesel truck is well worth looking into.
• Is diesel more expensive than gas?: If you’re talking about just the fuel cost alone, then yes, diesel is generally more expensive than gas by $1/gallon or more.

Should I Buy a Diesel or Gas Truck?

If you’re going to be driving long distances or using your truck for heavy-duty towing on a regular basis, a diesel truck should suit.

If you plan to go off-roading, head into less populated areas, or carry heavier items in your cargo bed, the typical gas engine might be the way to go. There’s also a wider range of gas models, which highlights the diesel’s role as a specialty machine.