Diesel vs. Gas Trucks: Which Is Right for You?

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

Are you on the fence between a diesel truck and a gas-powered competitor? Compare diesel vs. gas trucks in depth with the Thys Automotive Family, and you’ll have no trouble making the right decision for your Toledo and Marshalltown job sites.

Diesel vs. Gas Trucks Pros and Cons

Why You Should Choose a Diesel Truck:

  • Torque and Towing – Diesel trucks tend to generate more towing power than competitors with comparable gas-powered engines. This is because they usually offer more torque!
  • Fuel Economy – Diesel fuel can be more expensive, but diesel trucks are usually more efficient than gas-powered trucks. If you want to go longer in between fill-ups, you might prefer diesel to gas!
  • Longevity – In the experience of many drivers, diesel engines tend to last a lot longer than gas engines. If you’re getting all of your necessary services, a diesel engine may even last for 500,000 miles or more!

Why You Should Choose a Gas Truck:

  • Acceleration and Horsepower – If you want to accelerate quickly on the highways near Cedar Rapids, you might prefer a gas-powered truck. These engines tend to offer more horsepower.
  • More Fueling Stations – Trying and failing to find a filling station can be stressful. Gas stations which sell gasoline are just about everywhere. Locations which offer diesel fuel tend to be somewhat fewer and farther between.
  • Lower Maintenance Costs – Diesel engines do not have spark plugs, but since their parts are heavier and harder to replace, maintenance costs tend to be slightly more expensive for diesel models. Choose a gas-powered truck if you’re looking for greater service savings.

Still not convinced one way or the other? Contact us to set up a test drive, and compare diesel vs. gas trucks in person!

What Are the Differences Between Gas and Diesel Engines?

How do gas and diesel engines actually differ? Here’s what you should keep in mind while considering the diesel vs. gas truck pros and cons:

  • Both engines are technically internal combustion engines, which means that fuel is converted into energy inside of the mechanism itself. An external combustion engine is one in which energy is produced in one location, and subsequently routed to the engine.
  • Although precise compression ratios will vary, most gas engines compress fuel at a ratio of 10.0:1. Diesel trucks compress the air/fuel mixture even further, at a ratio of 15.0 or even 25.0:1. The result is a much hotter internal space, which is why most diesel engines don’t need conventional spark plugs.
  • Higher compression ratios have one other significant effect: They make diesel engines more efficient. The efficiency of any engine is determined in part by the difference between the minimum and maximum temperatures in each cycle.

Find the Perfect Truck with the Thys Automotive Family!

Gas and diesel trucks for sale near Toledo. Still not sure of which model to choose? Compare the towing power of the RAM 1500 to the towing power of the Chevy Silverado 1500. Thys Automotive Family is proud to carry both of these powerful trucks and many more!

Talk to an expert on our finance team for advice on how to get started.

Thys Automotive Family 41.8857049, -92.2809576.