The Ford Super Duty is powered by diesel engines
For almost a century the fight for supremacy in the internal combustion engine world has been waged between petrol and diesel motors. For much of this time gasoline engines were the most popular, but in recent years diesels have made big gains particularly in the truck and 4x4 markets. So what advantages (and disadvantages) does a diesel offer over its gas powered equivalent?
Diesel Engines: Adding Fuel to the Debate
The initial upfront costs favor gas powered vehicles, with diesels traditionally being slightly more expensive than their counterparts. But after the initial purchase you’ll be constantly saving money with a diesel motor. Diesel vehicles get better fuel mileage than gas guzzlers, and this adds up to a considerable savings when you’re talking about a thirsty truck or 4x4. If you’re industrious enough to make your own biodiesel fuel from used cooking oil, a gallon will cost you cents instead of dollars. Ka-ching!
Who’s Got the Power?
Diesels pack plenty of power
Diesels deliver far more torque than gasoline engines, which makes them ideal for off-road action where grip and pulling power are more important than outright top speed. A standard diesel will never win a 1/4 mile drag race against a sportscar, but race the pair up a steep hill and the gutsy diesel will come out on top – literally! If you still feel you need more from a diesel then adding a more powerful turbo or performance exhaust system will make your diesel give a sportscar a run for its money on the tarmac as well as on the dirt.
Diesel Engines Go the Distance
Diesels are heavier than petrol engines which can be more of a benefit than a hindrance. The reason for this weight is that a diesel engine has a far higher compression rate than that of a gas motor, and beefing up the engine to withstand these forces makes a diesel virtually bulletproof. A well maintained diesel will still be going strong long after a gas engine has been consigned to the junkyard. High performing air intakes and filters will help keep a diesel engine healthy for many years.
The new RAM 1500 EcoDiesel V6 will go on sale in 2014
This longevity also means you won’t have to buy a new ride every few years, but even if you do, you’ll get a much better trade-in price thanks to that diesel reliability. A heavier engine also means a stronger chassis to support it, so your diesel 4x4 is all the more rugged and suited for the off-road environment.
Even the old argument that diesels won’t start in cold weather is thing of the past. Modern diesel fuels are not as prone to waxing (or gelling) as they once were, so today’s diesel engines are far more capable of starting even on the coldest of winter mornings.
Old and New Diesels are Still Winning
In fact diesels are becoming so popular within the off-road community thanks to their rugged reliability, ease of maintenance and torquey performance, that many people are fitting old diesel motors into their trucks and 4x4s when the gas engines give out. An engine that never seems to break?... Tempting!
By John Bone
Posted on August 15th, 2013