Diesel vs. Gas Trucks: Which is better?

If you’re looking for a super-duty rig, you may be weighing your options between a gasoline and diesel truck.  Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so the best choice depends on your specific needs.  While gasoline and diesel are similar types of fuel, there are some striking differences between how their engines work:

  • Combustion Process. Both use internal combustion with rapid explosions to create mechanical energy, but how the explosions occur is different.  The spark plugs ignite a mixture of fuel and compressed air in a gasoline engine.  In a diesel engine, the air is compressed so much that it heats up, and then when the fuel hits the air, it explodes.
  • Fuel injection. Gasoline engines use either a port injection system or a carburetor to mix fuel and air together.  On the other hand, diesel engines inject fuel directly into the cylinder holding the hot air.
  • Power. Diesel and gasoline engines perform very differently in terms of horsepower and torque.  Horsepower measures overall power (think horses pulling a wagon), while torque is quick power to get going (think how fast the horses can launch from a standing position to get the wagon rolling.)
    • Gasoline: More horsepower, less torque
    • Diesel: More torque, less horsepower
  • Fuel economy. Diesel engines tend to perform more efficiently, resulting in greater fuel efficiency than gasoline engines.  The key to diesel’s performance is not mixing the fuel and air but injecting the hot, compressed air with diesel to create combustion.  Diesel fuel is denser and has a higher energy density, adding to its better fuel economy.
  • Maintenance. Diesel engines don’t have spark plugs, so less can go wrong.  Most owners find that diesel engines have a longer lifespan (measured by mileage) than gasoline engines.  Yet, diesel mechanics can be more challenging to find when they require maintenance and typically charge more.

With those considerations in mind, you need to look at how you’ll use the truck to figure out which will be best for the job.  Here are a few examples:

Gasoline is better Diesel is better
  •  Will you be carrying a heavy payload in the truck bed?
X – Lighter trucks handle heavy payloads better, and gasoline-powered trucks are lighter than diesel equivalents.
  •  Do you need to fuel up regularly and often away from major interstates?
X – Gasoline fuel is more readily available than diesel.
  •  Are you concerned about maintenance?
X – Diesel engines are easier to maintain, but you may want to see how easy it is to find a diesel mechanic in your area before you commit.
  •  Will you be driving long distances?
X – Gasoline engines will give you more horsepower over the distance.  It’s easier to pass other vehicles with a gasoline engine.
  •  Will you be towing a travel trailer?
X – Diesel engines get better gas mileage, and greater torque gives them more power to pull trailers up steep inclines.

Once you decide on a new truck, ensure it’s road-ready with new drill-less mudflaps from DuraFlap.

A quality set of mudflaps is essential to protecting your truck.  Our patented drill-less mudflaps are simple to install and are made to fit the most popular truck models on the market.  We can even custom manufacture a set to fit your modified truck.  We’ll work with you to determine the best mudflaps for your particular needs.

DuraFlap drill-less Mudflaps for Ford, Chevy, Dodge, GMC, Hummer, RV and lifted trucks.

While you’re outfitting your truck with new drill-less mudflaps, why not take a few minutes to add your personality to it, too?  Our online catalog of artwork includes over 100 options to personalize your mudflaps, including a Bass Fish, a Coyote Howling, and a Jolly Roger.”  If you don’t see what you’re looking for, that’s ok–we can create a custom design just for you.

Visit our website or call us at 541-245-9148 to get started today!

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