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

Wondering about the difference between diesel vs. gas trucks? It’s an important consideration as the towing and hauling capabilities are directly influenced by the type of engine your pickup truck is equipped with. Find out which will best serve your Kendall-area driving needs in this diesel vs. gas truck comparison from Planet Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM, then visit us in Miami to explore our new RAM inventory today!

Diesel vs. Gas Trucks Pros and Cons

Reasons to Choose a Diesel Truck

• Torque & Towing – Diesel trucks are known for generating considerably more torque than their gas-powered counterparts. This means that they can often tow heavier loads which makes them a great choice if you are looking for a strong work truck or transport vehicle. Check out the diesel and gas-powered RAM 1500 towing capacity and the RAM 2500 towing capacity.

• Fuel Economy – Even though diesel fuel can sometimes be more expensive, many drivers prefer diesel because it is more fuel efficient.

• Longevity – Diesel engines can last much longer than gas engines, partly because they employ a simpler construction and stronger engine blocks. A well-maintained diesel engine can deliver robust performance for more than 500,000 miles.

Reasons to Choose a Gas Truck

• Acceleration & Horsepower – While diesel engines tend to offer more torque, gas-powered trucks are generally better at getting up to speed and passing other cars.

• More Fueling Stations – Not every gas station offers diesel fuel, so drivers who choose a gasoline-powered truck are going to spend less time worrying about where to find their next fill-up near Hialeah.

• Lower Maintenance Costs – Since diesel engines do not have spark plugs, and generally employ a simpler design, you might expect them to be cheaper to maintain. However, diesel engines employ heavy-duty and sometimes hard-to-find parts, so maintenance service and repairs can often be pricier.

Technical Comparison: Gas & Diesel Engines

Now that we’ve reviewed the pros and cons of diesel vs. gas trucks, let’s take a look at the specifications of each engine type. Keep the following in mind when comparing your options:

• Both gas and diesel engines are internal combustion engines, which means that fuel is turned into energy inside the engine itself. The opposite would be an external combustion engine, where heat is produced in one location and routed to the engine, elsewhere.

• Gas trucks typically compress air and fuel at a ratio of roughly 10:1. Diesel trucks compress their own air/fuel mixture at a rate between 15:1 and 25:1. Since diesel fuel is self-igniting and often does not require a spark plug, the result is a much hotter cylinder.

• The engine efficiency is determined in part by the relative difference between its maximum hot and cold temperatures. Higher compression ratios allow for a smaller min-max temperature difference, which is part of the reason why a diesel engine provides greater fuel economy.

Compare a Diesel vs. Gas Truck in Person at Planet Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM!

Whether you are shopping for a gas or diesel truck, Planet Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM is the place to go. We offer a wide variety of commercial vehicles such as the heavy-duty RAM 3500 and RAM ProMaster van, and with our new vehicle specials, you can find some of the best deals in the Miami Lakes area. Feel free to give us a call at if you have any questions.