Diesel vs. Gas Trucks

Elk River drivers often wonder about the difference between diesel vs. gas trucks, pros and cons, and which one is the best option for their Ford vehicle. The team at Cornerstone Ford is here to help! Take a look at our guide on the benefits offered by diesel and gas trucks, so you can make an informed decision.

Diesel vs. Gas Trucks Pros and Cons

Below is our detailed diesel vs. gas trucks pros, and cons list. If you have any questions or would like additional information, don't hesitate to reach out to our team.

Why Choose a Diesel Truck?

• Torque and Towing – Diesel trucks generate more torque than gas-powered versions, allowing them to tow heavier loads with ease. This is why they are well-respected work trucks and transport vehicles.
• Fuel Economy – Diesel engines tend to be more efficient when compared to gas engines. While they’re more expensive, drivers tend to prefer them because they don't have to stop as often to refuel when traveling around the Anoka area.
• Longevity – Anecdotal and scientific evidence hints that diesel engines could last longer than other similar gas engines because they use an easier construction and more powerful engine blocks. A well-maintained diesel engine can last more than 500,000 miles.

Why Choose a Gas Truck?

• Acceleration and Horsepower – Even though diesel engines offer more torque, many drivers prefer stronger horsepower and acceleration. Gas-powered trucks are sometimes better at getting up to speed and passing other vehicles on the road, as you can see in this Ford Ranger vs. Chevy Colorado comparison.
• More Fueling Stations – You won't find diesel fuel at every gas station, which is why drivers of gas-powered vehicles don't worry as much about where the next gas station is, regardless of whether you need premium or regular fuel. 
• Lower Maintenance Costs – Since diesel engines do not have spark plugs and have a simpler design, many think maintaining them is more affordable. With diesel engines being heavy-duty and having harder-to-find parts, service appointments and repairs can get costly.

Technical Comparison: Gas vs. Diesel Truck Engines

Are you also curious about why the differences are so pronounced? Take a look at the tidbits below:

• Both are internal combustion engines, which means the fuel is turned into energy inside of the engine. The opposite is an external combustion engine, where heat is produced elsewhere and then routed to the engine. Gas trucks sometimes compress air and fuel at a ratio of about 10:1. Diesel trucks compress their own air/fuel mixture at a rate between 15:1 and 25:1. Because this results in a hotter cylinder, diesel fuel is self-igniting and sometimes won't need a spark plug.
• An engine's efficiency is determined by the relative difference of its maximum cold and hot temperatures. With higher compression ratios, you get a smaller min-max temperature difference, which accounts for the diesel engine's more exceptional fuel economy.

Compare a Diesel vs. Gas Truck at Cornerstone Ford!

At Cornerstone Ford, we offer both gas and diesel trucks to Rogers and Elk River drivers. Once you have an idea about which setup is right for you, you've compared our vehicles against the competition like the Ford Raptor vs. RAM Rebel, and after you’ve explored why Ford is better than Chevy, take a look at our new vehicle inventory and begin the next steps to your vehicle purchase! We offer a wide variety of pickup trucks from Ford and Chevrolet, and our finance team is ready to help create the best financial plan for you.