Diesel vs. Gas Engines: What Every Truck Owner Needs to Know

diesel vs. gas engines. two trucks on the beach. Sierra Blanca Motors.

Explore Your Truck Options with Sierra Blanca Motors

Shopping for a new truck may mean test-driving a lot of options – including diesel vs. gas engines. While both types have benefits, your best engine choice is likely going to depend on your driving habits, vehicle budget, and general expectations around durability.

Sierra Blanca Motors, a prime destination for trucks near Ruidoso, NM, can help you find that perfect fit, whether you need a new hard-working hauler or a fuel-efficient family vehicle. We carry diesel and gas-powered models, along with expert insights into how to buy trucks that you will absolutely love driving.

Performance Differences for Diesel and Gas Engines

If you’re only looking at typical heavy-duty applications like hauling some equipment, diesel is a stronger contender than gas. Diesel engines provide significantly more torque to get you moving than their gas counterparts. If the battle is between diesel vs. gas for towing, diesel wins hands-down.

However, if you don’t need extra “get up and go,” a gas engine offers smoother and faster acceleration. If you’re looking for a truck for light-duty applications or to transport the family, a gas engine provides plenty of torque and power.

That said, the engineering and construction of diesel engines also tend to make them more durable.

Understanding Fuel Efficiency Diesel vs. Gas

When comparing fuel efficiency in diesel vs. gas engines, diesel tends to come out the winner in terms of MPG. Diesel engines produce greater power with fewer cylinders, burning through significantly less fuel.

If you have a lengthy commute or tow things regularly, you may adore your new diesel truck’s extra efficiency. However, if you don’t drive many miles and mostly stick to highways or low-traffic roads, you might not see substantial savings from a diesel. You might have also noticed that diesel prices fluctuate more than gas prices, and not all fuel stations in Ruidoso offer it.

Towing and Hauling Considerations

If you’re hauling your heavy equipment onto a job site, there’s no question about your engine type: pick diesel over gas. Diesel engines shoulder much heavier loads than comparable gas engines, thanks to their high torque output. Considering this capacity, along with fuel economy, diesel makes an ideal choice for work trucks and transportation vehicles.

For example, if you’re towing a travel trailer to higher elevations for camping, a diesel engine will get you there more reliably. A diesel engine doesn’t require the same high RPMs as a gas engine to produce enough power to climb hills, so you will see better gas mileage and less strain on the mechanisms.

For everyday driving, gas engines’ comfortable, versatile rides can still compete.

Maintenance and Long-Term Ownership Costs

Of course, there’s one important area in the debate between diesel vs. gas engines where gas decidedly comes out on top: maintenance and cost of ownership.

Not only do gas engines cost less upfront, but they cost less to maintain and repair over their lifespan. Diesel engines need more maintenance (like diesel exhaust fluid) and specialized parts and services, which come with a higher price tag.

That said, the exceptional durability, performance, and longevity of diesel engines help them retain their value. This can translate into a higher resale value than a gas-powered truck. There are certainly additional factors that contribute to resale price, but knowing that diesel engines hold their value can be a factor in the decision-making process.

Find Your Perfect Truck at Sierra Blanca Motors

If you’re shopping for a new truck, visit Sierra Blanca Motors for the largest selection of models from leading names. As the top source for trucks near Ruidoso, NM, we offer expert guidance on diesel vs. gas engines, trim models, and customizations to ensure you get the perfect truck for your needs.

Start your journey to getting a new truck today by visiting Sierra Blanca Motors to explore our inventory of powerful and fuel-efficient new and pre-owned trucks. Schedule a test drive, and we’ll help you find just what you’re looking for.