Gas vs Diesel: Which Truck to Buy?

There are a variety of factors that make diesel trucks attractive for new drivers and drivers who’ve already been behind the wheel of a diesel-powered vehicle in the past. There have been quality diesel engines around for many years, making the purchase of a used diesel truck a viable option for someone who’s learning the ropes. There are a few things to consider when shopping for used diesel trucks for sale, and it’s easy to get lost in the weeds when researching the differences. For a better understanding of the benefits of a diesel truck, we’ve compiled a go-to guide on why these trucks are an excellent choice for work trucks and for daily driving.

What’s the Difference Between Gas and Diesel?

When you’re shopping for a new or used truck, it’s common to find yourself asking if you should shop for gas or diesel engines. Many of today’s automakers design their trucks with the option for either. Gas and diesel engines can be vastly different, offering different power, efficiency, capabilities, and pricing. They vary further when you consider that these differences extend to midsize, full-size, and heavy-duty pickup trucks. Plenty of truck drivers will debate gas versus diesel on preference alone. However, in order to determine if one is better than the other, you must first understand how each engine type functions and why it may or may not be beneficial to your needs.

We’ve all seen the diesel pump at the gas station. Gas stations take great care to make sure drivers can distinguish between gas and diesel. If you put diesel in a gas vehicle or vice versa, you can do permanent damage to your engine. That’s why the diesel pump is painted a bright green and distinctly labeled. While both diesel and gasoline engines are forms of internal combustion, they have some key differences in how they operate.

In a gasoline engine, the fuel mixes with air before being compressed by the pistons and ignited by the spark plugs. This creates the explosions in your cylinders that transfer power out of the engine and into other parts of the drivetrain. However, in a diesel engine, there are no spark plugs. Instead, the fuel and air mixture is simply compressed until it self-combusts. This use of combustion ignition creates a powerful explosion that’s ultimately more efficient. This is why we see large commercial vehicles and semi-trucks using diesel over gasoline.

Advantages of Diesel

The reason we usually see diesel engines in larger trucks rather than smaller sedans is that they excel at hauling heavy loads. They are more efficient and cleaner than their gas-powered competition. According to the United States Department of Energy, diesel engines get anywhere from 20% to 35% further on a single gallon of fuel than their gasoline counterparts.

Diesel fuel contains about 10% to 15% more energy than gas and maintains its efficiency better than gas when you start adding payload and towing. This makes diesel engines far more desirable for commercial use, saving money for anyone whose business relies on transporting large loads. This difference may not be felt as much in a light-duty pickup, but it will be noticeable in heavy-duty trucks. As diesel technology improves, these figures will only get better.

The superior efficiency means diesel engines can also be more environmentally friendly than gasoline engines. Newer diesel engines include emissions-control features designed to help to reduce pollutants. These engines are held to similar emissions standards as their gasoline counterparts, but thanks to their better efficiency, they’re helping truck operators cut down on overall fuel costs and emissions.

Another major benefit of diesel trucks is their longevity. It’s not uncommon for diesel trucks to last for hundreds of thousands of miles. Diesel engines are designed to operate at much lower RPMs than gasoline engines, reducing wear during heavy use. The stronger engine block needed to contain their higher compression ratios is also less likely to break down early due to wear and tear.

When it comes to towing capacity, diesel is always better. Thanks to the diesel engine’s ability to deliver lots of torque at low RPMs, your fuel mileage will go much farther on a diesel. When you’re towing long distances, this is a particularly important consideration. The more weight you tow, the more you’ll notice the glaring advantage of the diesel.

Many diesel vehicles, especially large commercial trucks, come with an integrated exhaust brake. This form of braking helps control larger trucks, particularly when descending steep hills or navigating heavy traffic. Integrated exhaust brakes reduce the likelihood of overheating your brakes by utilizing back pressure from the exhaust to slow down the engine. It also helps long-term maintenance costs by reducing wear and tear.

Disadvantages of Diesel

Diesel trucks have several benefits for drivers. However, everyone should consider their needs before buying a new or used diesel truck. While diesel is significantly better for towing, gas can be better for payload. Because a diesel engine is much heavier and larger than a gasoline engine, the diesel option often weighs down a truck and eats into the payload. This means trucks with gasoline engines often have higher payload ratings than their diesel counterparts.

The low RPM range of a diesel engine plays a role in making diesel trucks not as optimal for performance applications. Because a diesel engine doesn’t rev as high, it will not produce as much horsepower as a gasoline engine, which can make a truck feel sluggish. Gas engines reach higher RPMs faster, making it easier to maneuver and accelerate. If your main priority is performance, you might want to opt for a gasoline truck.

Is Diesel Right For You?

Diesel and gasoline engines are quite different. When it comes to figuring out which one is right for you, it’s crucial to assess your needs and go from there. If you are shopping for a truck for towing, efficiency, and longevity, the diesel engine is a no-brainer. Diesel engines are more fuel efficient, costing you less at the pump and taking you further on the same amount of fuel. It’s no wonder large commercial vehicles are all diesel, saving companies millions of dollars yearly on large hauls across long distances. Because diesel engines are designed to work hard, diesel trucks are a great choice for anyone investing in a vehicle that lasts for a long time. Yearly improvements to diesel technology point towards a future with even better mileage and cleaner emissions.

Shoppers should think carefully about what they really need in a truck. Not everyone needs the towing capacity and power of a diesel. If you’re shopping for a smaller, light-duty truck for daily driving and simply don’t foresee ever towing significant weight, diesel may not be for you. However, a diesel engine will offer many benefits if you use your truck for long commutes and heavy towing. Investing in a larger diesel truck will save you money over time in fuel and maintenance. If you’re shopping for a work companion or personal truck that can tow, the diesel option is your best bet. Now that you understand the difference, you can make an educated decision that’s right for you.