Should I Buy a Gasoline or Diesel Truck?

Truck Road transport is an indispensable means of transport in the modern economy, playing an important role in transporting goods.

According to the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA), the truck market currently accounts for 25% of the total commercial vehicle market share.

Trucks are divided into two main categories based on the fuel used: gasoline truck , and diesel truck. Gasoline trucks use internal combustion engines, igniting the gasoline-air mixture with an electric spark from a spark plug. Meanwhile, diesel trucks operate on the principle of air compression, without the need for spark plugs.

Gasoline trucks have many advantages such as fast acceleration, smooth operation, easy starting in cold weather, low cost and cleaner emissions. However, this type of vehicle also has many disadvantages, such as high operating costs, low power and torque, short engine life, along with the constant fluctuation of fuel prices.

Diesel trucks are popular in the commercial transport industry due to their superior fuel economy, high capacity and durability. However, high investment and maintenance costs and emissions are limitations that need to be carefully considered.

Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, suitable for different purposes.

• Diesel trucks are suitable for transporting heavy goods, long distances and are more fuel efficient in the long run.
• Gasoline trucks are suitable for urban, short-distance transport with lower initial investment costs.

In the context of increasing transportation demand and increasing pressure on environmental protection, choosing the right type of truck is extremely important.

This article will provide you with useful information about the advantages and disadvantages of petrol and diesel trucks, as well as factors to consider when choosing between these two fuels, from which to make the right choice. Follow now.

What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Gasoline Trucks?

Gasoline trucks have the advantages of superior acceleration, smooth operation, easy starting in cold weather, low cost and cleaner emissions. The main disadvantages are high operating costs, low power and torque, short engine life and constant fluctuations in fuel prices.

1. What are the advantages of gasoline trucks?

Gasoline trucks have the outstanding advantages of fast acceleration, smooth operation, easy starting in cold weather, lower cost and cleaner emissions than diesel trucks.

• Faster acceleration: Petrol engines are generally lighter and have faster acceleration, which is very suitable for urban traffic conditions where frequent stops and starts are required. 15-20% better than diesel in the speed range of 0-60km/h.
• Smooth operation: Gasoline trucks typically run smoother with less vibration, providing a more comfortable driving experience for the operator.
• Quick start in cold weather conditions: The spark plug ignition system of gasoline engines helps the vehicle start more easily in low temperature conditions, saving time and increasing work efficiency.
• Lower Cost: Gasoline trucks typically have a lower initial cost than diesel trucks, making them more affordable for small businesses or those just starting out in the trucking business.
• Cleaner emissions: Gasoline engines typically emit fewer particulates than diesel engines, reducing environmental pollution by up to 25% and easily meeting emissions standards.

2. What are the disadvantages of gasoline trucks?

Gasoline trucks have disadvantages such as high operating costs, lower power and torque, shorter engine life along with constant fluctuations in fuel prices.

• High operating costs: Compared to diesel engines, gasoline engines consume more fuel per distance, resulting in significantly higher operating costs. Especially for transport businesses with large workloads, fuel costs account for a significant portion of total operating costs.
• Power and torque: Gasoline engines typically have less power and torque than diesel engines, especially at low rpm. This makes it difficult for gasoline trucks to haul heavy loads, climb hills, or pull trailers.
• Engine life: Gasoline engines typically have a shorter lifespan than diesel engines, requiring more frequent maintenance and replacement of components, resulting in higher maintenance costs.
• Fuel prices are volatile: Gasoline prices tend to fluctuate more than diesel prices, making financial planning and operating cost forecasting difficult.

What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Diesel Trucks?

Although diesel trucks have many outstanding advantages such as fuel economy, strong capacity and high durability, high initial investment costs, high maintenance costs and environmental pollution are factors that users need to consider carefully before deciding.

1. What are the advantages of diesel trucks?

Diesel trucks have many advantages such as fuel economy, large capacity, torque, stable operation, low maintenance cost, good power reserve and high resale value, so they are popular choices in the commercial transportation industry.

• Fuel Efficiency: With high compression ratios and efficient fuel combustion, diesel trucks typically consume less fuel than equivalent gasoline vehicles over the same distance.
• Increased competitiveness: Fuel savings reduce transportation costs, allowing transportation businesses to compete better in the market.
• In terms of power and torque: Diesel trucks are capable of producing high torque at low engine speeds, which is especially useful when transporting heavy loads or pulling trailers. For example, an average diesel truck can produce 500 to 1000 Nm of torque, while a comparable gasoline truck only produces around 300 to 600 Nm.
• Stable operation: Diesel engine provides stable and continuous power, helping the vehicle operate smoothly and durably in harsh working conditions.
• High durability: Thanks to its sturdy structure and good resistance to heat and pressure, diesel engines have a significantly longer life than gasoline engines.
• Reduced maintenance costs: Long life reduces the frequency of maintenance and repairs, thereby reducing operating costs. A well-maintained diesel engine can operate for about 400,000 to 1,000,000 km before needing an overhaul, while a gasoline engine typically only lasts about 200,000 to 400,000 km.
• Reserve power: Diesel engines typically have greater reserve power than gasoline engines, allowing the vehicle to operate safely under overload conditions.
• High resale value: Due to their durability and reliable performance, diesel trucks typically have a higher resale value than their gasoline counterparts.

2. What are the disadvantages of diesel trucks?

High investment costs, large maintenance costs and emission issues are significant limitations that users need to consider carefully before making a decision.

• Higher initial costs: Due to their complex construction and high-quality materials required, diesel trucks typically cost 10-30% more to purchase than comparable gasoline vehicles. This can create an investment barrier for small businesses or those just starting out in the trucking business.
• High maintenance and repair costs: In terms of maintenance, diesel trucks are typically more expensive and require more complex engineering. High-pressure fuel injection systems and diesel particulate filters (DPFs) are examples of diesel-specific components that require regular maintenance by professional technicians. The cost of replacing these components can be significantly higher than their gasoline counterparts.
• Toxic Emissions: Although modern technology has significantly reduced emissions, diesel engines still tend to emit more particulate matter and nitrogen oxides (NOx) than gasoline engines.

Detailed Comparison Between Gasoline and Diesel Trucks

To get a comprehensive look at the differences between gasoline and diesel trucks, let's compare them in detail on many important aspects:

Should I Buy a Gasoline or Diesel Truck?

You should buy a diesel truck if you need to transport heavy goods over long distances, save fuel and have high durability. You should buy a gasoline truck if you need to transport short distances in urban areas, invest less and operate more smoothly.

The final decision should be based on a calculation of the total cost of ownership (including the purchase price of the vehicle, fuel, maintenance) and the buyer's specific usage characteristics.

1. When should you choose a diesel truck?

Diesel trucks are superior in certain situations, especially when performance and long-term operating costs are key. Here are some situations where you should consider diesel trucks:

• Carrying heavy loads or towing trailers: Powerful, high-torque diesel engine makes it easy to operate when fully loaded.
• Long distance travel: More fuel efficient than gasoline, reducing operating costs.
• Long-term cost advantage: Although the initial purchase price is higher, the operating and maintenance costs are lower in the long run.
• Multi-terrain operation: Durable engine, suitable for many types of terrain.

2. When should you choose a gasoline truck?

Gasoline trucks are often outclassed by diesel trucks when it comes to heavy-duty, long-haul haulage. However, there are certain situations where gasoline trucks are the better choice, offering many practical benefits. Here are some situations where you should consider gasoline trucks:

• Running in the city, short distance: Flexible, fast acceleration, suitable for urban traffic.
• Limited car buying budget: Initial car price is usually lower than diesel car.
• Like smooth driving, good acceleration: Gasoline engine runs smoother and more powerful.
• Areas with strict emission regulations: Gasoline vehicles typically emit less (depending on standards).

Additionally, you should also consider other factors such as how often you use your vehicle, the terrain you operate in, and access to professional maintenance services for the vehicle you choose.

3. Real life example

To make a final decision, you should calculate the total cost of ownership (TCO) for both vehicles over their expected lifespan, including the cost of the vehicle, fuel, maintenance, insurance, and resale value.

For example, let's say you plan to keep your car for 5 years, averaging 50,000 km/year:

Diesel trucks:

• Purchase price: 800 million VND.
• Fuel cost (9 liters/100km): 225 million VND/year.
• Maintenance: 30 million VND/year TCO 5 years = 800 + (225 + 30) x 5 = 2,075 million VND.

Gasoline Truck:

• Purchase price: 650 million VND.
• Fuel cost (13 liters/100km): 325 million VND/year.
• Maintenance: 25 million VND/year TCO 5 years = 650 + (325 + 25) x 5 = 2,400 million VND.

The example given shows that, although a diesel truck has a higher initial cost, after 5 years of use, its total cost of ownership is still lower than that of a gasoline truck.

In short, the choice of buying a gasoline or diesel truck depends on specific usage needs, financial conditions and related factors. You need to carefully consider the pros and cons and calculate the long-term costs before making a final decision.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gasoline and Diesel Trucks

1. Are diesel trucks really more fuel efficient?

Diesel trucks are typically 20-35% more fuel efficient than comparable gasoline vehicles. This is especially true on long trips and when hauling heavy loads.

2. Are gasoline trucks suitable for commercial transport?

Gasoline trucks can be suitable for small or medium-sized commercial transport, especially in urban environments with short distances and moderate loads.

3. How to reduce maintenance costs for diesel trucks?

To reduce maintenance costs for diesel trucks, you need to note:

• Perform regular maintenance on schedule.
• Use genuine spare parts.
• Train drivers on how to operate efficiently.
• Use high quality fuel to reduce engine deposits.

4. Can a gasoline truck pull a heavy trailer?

Gasoline trucks can tow trailers, but typically have a lower towing capacity than a similarly sized diesel truck. For example, a mid-sized gasoline truck can tow a trailer weighing about 3-5 tons, while an equivalent diesel truck can tow 5-7 tons.

5. Can a gasoline truck be converted to diesel or vice versa?

Technically, conversion is possible, but it is often not economically feasible and may run into legal problems. Conversion costs are high and the performance of the vehicle after conversion may not be optimal.

6. Are hybrid trucks a good choice?

Hybrid trucks internal combustion engine (gasoline or diesel) with an electric motor, can provide higher fuel efficiency, especially in urban environments. However, the initial cost is higher and the technology is still in its development stage for heavy-duty trucks.

To learn about car engines, you can read more articles: Compare the 4 most popular car engines.

7. Should I buy a used truck?

Buying a used truck can be an economical option if you consider carefully and accept some risks.

Advantages of buying a used truck:

• Cheaper: This is the biggest advantage. You can save a significant amount of money compared to buying a new car.
• Less depreciation: New cars lose value quickly in the first few years. Used cars are past this stage and depreciate more slowly.
• Suitable for short-term, low-frequency transportation needs: If you only need a vehicle for light, short-distance, infrequent transportation jobs, a used car is an economical choice.

Disadvantages of buying a used truck:

• Quality risks: Used cars can have many potential problems with the engine, chassis, power system… Difficult to check everything without experience.
• Higher maintenance and repair costs: Used cars often require more maintenance and repairs than new cars, resulting in additional costs.
• More fuel consumption: Older cars' engines may not operate as efficiently as new cars, resulting in more fuel consumption.
• Difficulties with documents and origin: Need to check documents carefully to avoid buying cars of unknown origin or fake cars.
• Fewer choices in models and technology: Used cars often have older models and more outdated technology than new cars.

To avoid "losing money and getting nothing" when buying a used car, you should refer to the article: From A to Z Buy used cars and trucks.

8. Reputable address for buying and selling cars and trucks in HCM?

Thanh Phong Auto is a reputable address in Ho Chi Minh City specializing in Buying, selling and consigning used cars diverse genres and is a distributor New Chinese Wuling South Saigon truck in HCM.

When coming to Thanh Phong Auto, customers can be completely assured because the staff will enthusiastically advise and support, helping you choose the car that suits your needs and budget.

In addition to buying and selling cars and trucks, Thanh Phong also specializes in professional car repair and maintenance. 24/7 car rescue, Insurance Consultants,…

With diverse and quality services, Thanh Phong Auto has been affirming its position in the automobile industry in Ho Chi Minh City. It is certain that when using Thanh Phong Auto's services, customers will receive dedicated, professional service, bringing peace of mind and absolute satisfaction.

Contact Thanh Phong Auto now for detailed advice and quality service experience!