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

When shopping for a new truck at Olathe Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, you will be faced with comparing diesel vs. gas trucks to determine which offers the performance, efficiency, and strength you need on the Overland Park-area roads and job sites. Learn more about each powertrain option in this guide from the experts at our dealership in Olathe.

Diesel vs. Gas Trucks: Pros and Cons

Benefits of Diesel Trucks

• Torque and Towing: Diesel trucks typically produce much more torque than gas-powered trucks, which in turn results in heftier towing capacities. Take the 2021 RAM 2500 towing capacity as an example.
• Fuel Economy: You will likely drive longer between fuel fill-ups in the Gardner area when you’re at the wheel of a diesel truck, due to superior efficiency.
• Longevity: Experts note that diesel engines tend to last longer, not only because they are more simply constructed, but also because they have stronger engine blocks.

Benefits of Gas Trucks

• Acceleration and Horsepower: Whereas diesel trucks come out ahead in terms of torque, gas trucks generate more horsepower, and they also deliver better acceleration.
• Gas Stations: Every gas station provides regular fuel, but the same can’t be said for diesel fuel. As such, it certainly is convenient to drive a gas truck.
• Maintenance Costs: Just because diesel engines employ a simpler design doesn’t mean that they are cheaper to service. Actually, gas engines prove less costly to maintain, because parts and labor are easier to come by.

Technical Comparison: Diesel vs. Gas Truck

When you compare a diesel vs. gas truck, it’s clear there are pros and cons for each setup, especially in terms of how they will serve you on the Lenexa roads. There are some technical similarities and differences between these two engines to note, as well.

• Engine Type: The internal combustion engine classification encompasses both gas and diesel powertrains. This means they both turn fuel into energy within the engine itself.
• Air-to-Fuel Ratio: Gas engines compress air and fuel at a 10:1 ratio, on average, while diesel engines compress air and fuel at a ratio between 15:1 and 25:1. Higher compression ratios indicate hotter cylinders, which is why diesel engines don’t require spark plugs.
• Efficiency: Efficiency largely depends on the difference between the maximum hot and cold temperatures within the engine. Since higher compression ratios equal hotter temperatures, there is a smaller difference between minimum and maximum temperatures. This, in turn, results in greater fuel economy returns from diesel engines.

Diesel vs. Gas Truck: RAM Options

At Olathe Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, we sell both diesel and gas RAM trucks within our new inventory. Whether you choose the RAM 1500, the RAM 2500, or the RAM 3500, you will have your choice between gas and diesel engine options, depending on your preferences. And while RAM warranties and roadside assistance for both gas and diesel engines last for 5 years, there is a distinction in mileage. Expect coverage for up to 100,000 miles if you drive a diesel truck, as compared with 60,000 miles if you drive a gas truck around Springhill.

Compare a Diesel vs. Gas Truck in Person!

Still comparing the diesel vs. gas trucks pros and cons? Turn to Olathe Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram for additional guidance! Get in touch with any questions you may have, and rely on our service department for recommendations on how to care for your gas or diesel truck. Whatever you need, we are here for you!