Diesel vs. Gas Trucks: Pros and Cons

Have you wondered about the differences between diesel vs. gas trucks? Then read on. National Auto Plaza is going to breakdown the diesel vs. gas truck pros and cons to help you decide which type of drivetrain is right for your needs. Of course, nothing will give you a clearer view of which type of truck is right for you than a test drive at either of our Sandy or National Auto Plaza locations. Read our guide, and then fill out a pre-approval to get the process started.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Diesel vs. Gas Trucks

Reasons to Choose a Diesel Truck

• Torque & Towing – Diesel trucks rack up higher torque numbers than gas trucks, which means you’ll be able to tow heftier loads through Salt Lake City.
• Fuel Economy – Although they feature greater towing capacity, diesel trucks actually tend to be more fuel-efficient.
• Longevity – Both consumer and scientific research has concluded that diesel engines last much longer than gas engines. A well-maintained diesel engine can keep for upwards of 500,000 miles on Draper streets.

Reasons to Choose a Gas Truck

• Acceleration & Horsepower – While diesel engines offer greater torque and towing, gas trucks offer greater horsepower—your truck will feel a little speedier than a diesel.
• More Fueling Stations – Not every gas station offers diesel fuel, so you won’t have to spend as much time planning ahead for refueling in South Salt Lake.
• Lower Maintenance Costs – Diesel engines employ more expensive and harder to find parts, so repairs will often be a little pricier.

Technical Comparison: Diesel vs. Gas Trucks

Now that West Valley drivers know about the diesel vs. gas trucks pros and cons from a practical standpoint, it’s time to take a look at their design differences:

• Both diesel and gas engines combust fuel inside of the engine.
• Gas trucks compress fuel and air at a 10:1 ratio. Diesel trucks, however, do this at a rate between 15:1 and 25:1. What does this mean in layman’s terms? Diesel is self-igniting and doesn’t require a spark plug to combust.
• Why are diesel engines more fuel-efficient? Higher compression ratios allow for a smaller min-max temperature difference, which accounts for stronger fuel specs.

Compare the Diesel vs. Gas Truck Pros and Cons in Person!

The best way to learn the differences between diesel vs. gas trucks is to test drive both at a National Auto Plaza location. We’ll happily show you our selection of used RAM trucks, used Ford trucks, used GMC trucks, and used Chevy trucks. You’ll have plenty of options no matter your budget. If you have any questions about the car buying experience, be sure to check out car buying tips for informative guides about how to negotiate for a great deal.