🚛 Gas vs Diesel Calculator
Should you buy a gas or diesel truck? Compare fuel efficiency, fuel prices, and maintenance costs to see which engine saves you more over time.
Gas vs Diesel: Which is Better?
The choice between gas and diesel often comes down to how you use the vehicle. For heavy towing and high-mileage highway driving, diesel's efficiency and torque are hard to beat. However, for short commutes and light-duty use, the lower upfront cost and cheaper maintenance of a gasoline engine often win out.
The Payback Period
Because diesel engines typically cost $5,000 to $10,000 more upfront, you need to drive enough miles for the fuel savings to "pay back" that initial investment. If you only drive 10,000 miles a year, it might take 15 years to break even!
Maintenance Costs
Diesel engines require more oil, more expensive filters, and specialized components like Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) and DEF systems that can be costly to repair.
Resale Value
Diesel trucks historically hold their value much better than their gasoline counterparts, often retaining thousands more in value after 5-10 years.
Fuel Price Volatility
Diesel prices can fluctuate independently of gasoline. When diesel is significantly more expensive than gas, the efficiency advantage is diminished.