Diesel vs. Gas Trucks

A lot of Houston and Channelview drivers have asked us around the same topic. That being: Diesel vs. gas trucks pros and cons. It seems this is one of the most common things we’re asked, “Diesel vs. gas trucks” or “Gas vs. diesel truck” come up at least once or twice a week.

At Big Star Buick GMC, we’ve decided to answer all your questions related to the diesel vs. gas truck debate. Our short guide below spotlights the benefits offered by each and what you can benefit from. Read on to learn more and call us at (281) 245-0298 or online when you’re ready!

Diesel vs. Gas Trucks Pros and Cons

In understanding the choice between gas vs. diesel truck models, this is the best way is to explore everything about them. That way, in considering diesel vs. gas truck options, you can find what works best for your budget and your needs.

Reasons to Choose a Diesel Truck

• Torque & Towing: Diesel trucks can often generate more torque than their gas-powered counterparts. At the same time, they’ll also be able to tow heavier loads in comparison to similarly sized gas-powered engines. Often, many view them favorably as work trucks and transport vehicles.

• Fuel Economy: For many reasons, diesel engines will often be more efficient in general than gas-powered engines. While diesel fuel may be more experience, some drivers view diesel as better since it’ll reduce the number of stops when you’re traveling to Deer Park or %%target_city_6%%.

• Longevity: Over the years, both vehicle studies and even anecdotal reports from drivers spotlight that diesel engines can last longer in general than gas engines. The reason being is they employ a simpler construction and stronger engine blocks. A very well-built and well-maintained diesel engine can power your travels for up to 500,000 miles.

Reasons to Choose a Gas Truck

• Acceleration & Horsepower: While diesel engines may offer more torque, the truth is that horsepower and acceleration is what matters. Gas-powered trucks are often better at getting up to speed and passing other vehicles. 

• More Fueling Stations: Not every gas station offers diesel fuel, so a driver who considers a gas-powered truck is going to spend far less time worrying about filling up near Channelview.

• Lower Maintenance Costs: As diesel engines don’t use spark plugs because they often feature a simpler design, many drivers believe they’re easier to maintain. In truth, as diesel engines will use heavy-duty and hard-to-find parts, any service appointments and repairs will be far more costly.

Technical Comparison: Gas & Diesel Engines

Now that we’ve summed up the diesel vs. gas trucks pros and cons, you’re probably wondering what’s the big difference. What are the real differences between diesel vs. gas trucks? Let’s compare and find out:

• Gas and diesel engines are internal combustion engines, this means that fuel will be turned into energy inside the engine. The opposite form is an external combustion engine, where heat is produced in one location and routed to the engine elsewhere.
• Gas trucks will often compress air and fuel at a ratio of 10:1. Diesel trucks can compress their own air/fuel mixture at a rate between 15:1 and 25:1. As this leads to a much hotter cylinder, diesel fuel is self-igniting and often will not need a spark plug.
• Most engine efficiency is determined by the relative difference between its maximum hot and cold temperatures. Higher compression ratios will lead to a smaller min-max temperature difference, leading to what we see in the greater fuel economy of a diesel engine.

Compare a Diesel vs. Gas Truck in Person in Baytown!

Whether you’re considering gas or diesel trucks around Baytown, Big Star Buick GMC is here to help. View through our truck inventories and consider one of our new vehicle specials to save some money. If you have more questions, including whether to buy or lease, we have articles about this. Find your diesel or gas-powered truck with Big Star Buick GMC. See you shortly!