Diesel vs. Gas Trucks

2024 GMC Sierra HD
Diesel Trucks

vs.

Gas Trucks
Internal Combustion

Engine Type

Internal Combustion
Advantage

Efficiency

Disdvantage
Disadvantage

Maintenance Costs

Advantage
Disadvantage

Acceleration

Advantage
Advantage

Torque / Towing Power

Disadvantage
No

Requires Spark Plugs

Yes

Many Manchester drivers want to know, “What are the pros and cons of choosing a gas vs. diesel truck?” In the following guide, Tulley Buick GMC will compare diesel vs. gas trucks and spotlight which option is better for your Nashua driving needs. Learn more below and start the process by applying for financing from the comfort of your home.

Diesel vs. Gas Trucks – Pros and Cons

So, which truck is better suited to your lifestyle and budget? Since both gas and diesel trucks have their benefits, we’ve highlighted the reasons to choose each option in greater detail:

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 transport vehicles and work trucks for growing Salem, MA-area businesses.
  • 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 Chelmsford, MA.
  • 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 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 Manchester.
  • 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. 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.

Compare a Gas vs. Diesel Truck in Person!

Now that you’ve read our diesel vs. gas truck comparison, why not experience them at Tulley Buick GMC? Call (603) 589-1108 or contact us online to schedule an appointment at our Nashua dealership. You can also use our online calculator to estimate your monthly payments before agreeing to a finance or lease plan that works. Experience diesel and gas trucks near Manchester with Tulley Buick GMC!

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