Diesel Vs. Gas Trucks

2024 RAM 2500 parked in garage
Diesel Trucks

vs.

Gas Trucks
Internal Combustion

Engine Type

Internal Combustion
Advantage

Efficiency

Disadvantage
Disadvantage

Maintenance Costs

Advantage
Disadvantage

Acceleration

Advantage
Advantage

Torque / Towing Power

Disadvantage
No

Requires Spark Plugs

Yes

Most trucks come with both diesel and gasoline options. What are the pros and cons of diesel vs. gas trucks? Flower Motor Company has a handy guide to settle the differences clearly and concisely. 

Your next step is to come from Ridgway to Montrose to get behind the wheel of your favorite RAM truck. Once you’re done, our courteous professionals will help you find the finance solution that suits your needs.

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 Delta.
  • 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 Telluride.
  • 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. In fact, since diesel engines employ heavy-duty and sometimes hard-to-find parts, service appointments and repairs can often 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.

Explore Diesel vs. Gas Trucks at Flower Motor Company

No matter what your choice is when comparing diesel vs. gas trucks, you can find the perfect model at Flower Motor Company. We’ve got a great selection of RAM trucks on our lot, but we can also help you custom-order a personalized vehicle if you prefer. Apply for financing to get pre-approved or value your trade with us for an easy upgrade.

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