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

Many Normal drivers want to know: What are the pros and cons of choosing a diesel vs. gas truck? Whether you have your sights set on a Silverado or a Colorado, you have some fuel options, including a choice between 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks — and Leman's Chevrolet City Llc can help you decide. We’ve put together a short guide on the benefits offered by each, so you can find the new truck, or even used model like the used Chevy Colorado, that will tackle every challenge that arises on your daily drives.

Reasons to Choose a Diesel Truck

• Torque and Towing – Diesel trucks often generate considerably more torque than their gas-powered counterparts. As a result, they can handle heavier loads, making them the ideal work truck as well as transport vehicle.
• Fuel Economy – Diesel engines tend to be more efficient than gas engines. Even though diesel fuel can sometimes be more expensive, many drivers prefer diesel because it reduces the number of stops they’ll need to make to refuel when they’re traveling out past Springfield.
• Longevity – Anecdotal and scientific evidence suggests that diesel engines can last much, much longer than gas engines, partly because they employ a simpler construction and stronger engine blocks. A well-maintained diesel engine can power your travels for more than 500,000 miles.

Reasons to Choose a Gas Truck

• Acceleration and Horsepower – While diesel engines tend to offer more torque, for many drivers what matters most is a vehicle’s horsepower and acceleration specs. 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 Springfield.
• Lower Maintenance Costs – Since diesel engines do not have spark plugs, and generally employ a simpler design, many drivers expect them to be cheaper to maintain. In fact, since diesel engines employ heavy-duty and sometimes hard-to-find parts, service appointments and repairs can often be pricier.

Technical Comparison: Gas and Diesel Engines

• Both gas and diesel engines are internal combustion engines, which simply 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 tend to 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. This means diesel fuel is self-igniting and doesn’t require the use of a spark plug.
• Higher compression ratios allow for a smaller min-max temperature difference, which accounts, in part, for the diesel engine’s greater fuel economy.

Compare a Diesel vs. Gas Truck In Person!

At Leman's Chevrolet City Llc, you can find both gas and diesel trucks to enhance your work commutes in Decatur. Browse our inventory of new models, look through our new vehicle specials to help you save more, and apply for financing today to get on the road in a new truck today! Contact Leman's Chevrolet City Llc with any questions.

Looking for something smaller? Let us help you decide between a coupe and a sedan.