[speeder]

Originally Posted by kaisen

Diesels are very expensive right now. Illogically so. A 2001-2003 Diesel Excursion (the "good" one with the 7.3L) is $10,000 more than an otherwise comparable 2001-2003 Suburban 8.1L. Fred mentioned that his diesel gets about 30% better fuel economy than his gassers did. That's about the same anecdotal info you'll find all over the net (20-40%). At that rate it would take more than ten years to offset the initial purchase price. The same exact people who would jump all over a hybrid gas-electric (or, heaven forbid, pure EV) with that same logic somehow defend the diesel's outrageous purchase price. Hypocritical, I think.

It would take 10 years for the diesel to pay for itself if you are going to own each one for 10 years and then drive them into a lake. In the real world, where people keep trucks for a few years and then sell them, you would get most or all of the increased cost back on resale and the only difference would be the money you had tied-up in the equipment while you owned it. I've more than gotten my money back on both of the diesel PU trucks I've owned, they were esentially free with all fuel burned free as well. Try that on an 8 liter gas truck that you drive x-country a couple times and then sell and let me know how it goes.

Between the depreciation and difficulty in selling a HD gas truck, (you really have to give them away), and the massive monthly fuel bill if you tow and/or put miles on it, it's an expensive and joyless ownership experience. Driving a nice diesel is a joy in comparison and makes a lot more financial sense if you can afford the initial outlay and don't over-pay like an idiot for it. Torque #s are the only #s that matter on a truck. Diesel engines have deceptively low HP ratings, I'm surprised that you mention them as a comparison.

A very powerful semi engine with 1000 lbs. of torque might only have 350 HP. A Formula one engine has 750 HP. Which one do you think will pull a load of steel beams in a fully-loaded semi over a mountain better? The F-1 engine would probably not be able to move the truck empty on level ground. An extreme example to make my point, I know, but you know all too well that torque #s are the only ones that matter.

There is not a tractor-trailer, train, ship or heavy construction machine in the world with a gasoline engine, AFAIK. Diesels are the far superior type of engine for moving heavy weight. More torque and a massive difference in efficiency.