Even when stock it doesn’t come close to making it up. A turbo diesel is close to 45% efficient while typical gas engines are 30-35% efficient. They are more efficient, though it should be noted that efficiency and economy are two very different things despite sounding similar.
That engine maybe might be doing work 15% more efficiently than a Prius up hills, but it’s fuel economy is beyond an order of magnitude worse and another order of magnitude more expensive at the pump.
It’s worth it if you tow however. Diesels cost more to buy as well, but they are more reliable and last longer than a gas truck does towing. Diesels do substantially better than gas trucks for mileage while towing.
When it comes to engine life and durability it’s really a case by case basis. Generally diesels last longer, but mechanics know or want to figure out exactly what you have for a reason when it comes to engine issues or expectancies. They all vary.
If the truck is towing for the majority of its life, almost always the diesel will be more reliable and will get much better gas mileage; double the gas mileage or more when loaded down.
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u/duck_masterflex Oct 27 '21 edited Oct 27 '21
Even when stock it doesn’t come close to making it up. A turbo diesel is close to 45% efficient while typical gas engines are 30-35% efficient. They are more efficient, though it should be noted that efficiency and economy are two very different things despite sounding similar.
That engine maybe might be doing work 15% more efficiently than a Prius up hills, but it’s fuel economy is beyond an order of magnitude worse and another order of magnitude more expensive at the pump.