Part 2: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]
[Intro] [3/4-Ton Unloaded] [3/4-Ton Loaded] [1-Ton Unloaded] [1-Ton Loaded] [F-450] [Diesel v Gas Comparison]

Gas Versus Diesel Comparison

The last page of results is an opportunity to compare the relative performance of the single rear wheel gas pickups against their dual rear wheel diesel counterparts.

Obviously, not an apples to apples comparison (primarily because of weight and rear axle and rear track differences between the 3/4-ton and 1-tons), but it provides some indication of the scenarios where each type of engine excels. You can see the patterns from manufacturer to manufacturer are almost identical, regardless of the truck / engine / transmission combinations.

Pay special attention to how close the engine performance is in the Ford trucks. Both use the same 5-speed transmission with the same gear ratios. The larger displacement 6.8L Ford V10 can be a real power option versus a diesel if the final drive ratio is low enough. This should keep the gas versus diesel debate alive (a $6,295 premium for the Power Stroke oil burner versus the Triton V10 gasser), especially if you're not going to keep a truck long enough to pay off the higher diesel engine option.

Dodge:

Ford:

General Motors:

Here's Part 3, as we grade test all the trucks on 7% and 15% hill climbs, plus more surprises.

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