Diesel vs. Gas: Which Silverado HD Powertrain Is Right for You?

When you have a heavy-duty truck on your mind, chances are you’ve considered a Chevy Silverado. Not only are these trucks perfectly at home on the job site, but they’re also ready and raring to go on the trails, and anywhere else your travels happen to take you. If you’re searching for trucks for sale in Birmingham, Edwards Chevrolet Downtown can help, especially when the mighty Silverado arsenal has piqued your interest. Like a true Chevy, the Silverado HD lineup can be configured to suit your requirements on the road and beyond, so when it comes to powertrain options, should you opt for the diesel or gas Silverado HD? Well, it all depends on your unique needs behind the wheel, so let us help you figure out what engine will work best for you.

Towing & Payload

Working hard on the construction site or towing a heavy camper out to Oak Mountain calls for a vehicle that can handle cumbersome loads, which is where both the gas and diesel engines in the Silverado HD selection impress. The Silverado 2500 HD and 3500 HD come standard with a 6.6L V8 engine paired with a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission. This engine setup allows the Silverado 2500 HD to tow up to 18,700 lbs and accommodate up to 3,689 lbs of payload, while the Silverado 3500 HD is able to tow up to 19,080 lbs and take on a maximum of 7,234 lbs of payload. This makes it easy to complete tough tasks on the construction site or bring home a huge load of materials from the hardware store.

Now, if you require more power, the available 6.6L Duramax turbo-diesel V8 will absolutely deliver this to you. It, too, is paired with a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission, and when it’s hooked up to the Silverado 2500 HD, it’s able to pull up to 22,500 lbs and haul up to 3,615 lbs of payload. When the Silverado 3500 HD is armed with this powerful diesel, it’s able to accommodate an astounding 36,000 lbs of towing power and offer a maximum payload rating of 6,638 lbs. The point is, when you require more power out of either of the Silverado HD models, the Duramax diesel will deliver this to you.

Horsepower & Torque

So, how do these powertrains feel while they’re working hard on the job site or rumbling down I-65 on their way to yet another adventure? Well, this has a lot to do with the amount of horsepower and torque that each engine delivers to the ride. Take the standard gas-powered V8, for example, as this engine pushes forward with 401 horses at the ready, allowing for a quick and engaging ride that will make your time on the road more enjoyable for you and your crewmates. Plus, with 464 lb-ft of torque, you get the power you need to be able to accommodate heavy loads without issue. The gas-powered Silverado HD trucks offer a skilled and agile ride, with ample strength to take on challenging endeavors, whether on the worksite or adventuring at Red Mountain Park.

When you want a little bit more power in your ride, the Duramax diesel will offer this to you, able to supply you with 470 hp to enhance the journey and add more thrills to your experience on the road and beyond. With an astounding 975 lb-ft of torque moving you forward, it’s no wonder why the diesel powertrain found in the Silverado HD inventory can accommodate such heavy loads with ease. Although both powertrains are exceptional, if you require maximum strength, the diesel option is your best bet.

Benefits and Limitations of Each

Benefits of Diesel Engines

Now that we know what type of power and capability you get with each powertrain, why choose one over the other? Well, if you demand more out of your ride, whether you’re towing and hauling for work or hitting the Birmingham highways in search of adventure, a diesel will supply you with the level of power you need. In addition to more power, diesel engines are better on fuel than their gas-powered counterparts, which allows you to extend the time between fill-ups. They also give off fewer CO2 emissions per gallon of fuel compared to gas-powered vehicles, which is something that is a big focal point when it comes to traveling these days.

Another benefit of driving a diesel truck is the fact that it holds its value. When you’re ready to trade in your truck for a newer model, diesel trucks tend to fetch higher trade-in values than their gas-powered competitors. They also require less frequent maintenance, due to the fact that they do not have a spark plug ignition system, which makes diesels easier to maintain. This is good news for busy travelers who don’t have the extra time to dedicate to sitting around a service center.

Limitations of Diesel Engines

Diesel-powered vehicles tend to cost a bit more than gas vehicles but remember; you get to take advantage of plenty of perks along the way, like less frequent maintenance and fewer stops by the gas station. When you do need to bring them in for maintenance, though, they may end up costing you a bit more than a gas-powered truck will because of the specialized parts that make up these types of engines. This is also the case with fueling up since diesel costs more than gas per gallon.

Benefits of Gas Engines

Gas engines tend to be the standard for many travelers. They’re easy to maintain, cheaper upfront, and deliver a fair amount of power, especially when they’re placed inside tough trucks like the Silverado HD models. Gas is cheaper than diesel, so filling up costs you less money, and gas-powered trucks are also very durable and hold up over time. They’re better for the environment as well, emitting fewer harmful pollutants, like sulfur dioxide, and when it comes to ride quality, they offer a pleasant experience behind the wheel that appeals to many Birmingham travelers.

Limitations of Gas Engines

Compared to diesel, gas engines are not as fuel efficient. They also require more frequent maintenance; however, these services tend to be cheaper than diesel engine maintenance. They’re also not as powerful as diesel engines, exhibiting lower tow ratings and slower acceleration. Although you’re able to fetch a favorable resale value when you own a gas-powered truck, you can’t compete with a diesel as far as trade-in values are concerned.

Diesel or Gas for Your Silverado HD

When you look at the numbers, it seems pretty cut and dry, but as you probably know, it comes down to more than just stats. Although diesel engines are incredibly powerful, efficient, and valuable, they cost more to fill up and maintain. Despite the fact that gas engines are cheaper to maintain, cheaper to fuel up, and more affordable up front, they aren’t as powerful, especially when it comes to towing and hauling. They also don’t fetch impressively high trade-in values like you’ll find with diesel-powered vehicles.

In the end, it’s all about preference. If you’re searching for a dutiful workmate, one that will be able to take on daunting tasks without issue, a diesel-powered Silverado HD model might be perfect for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking to take advantage of savings while also enjoying impeccable power, a gas-powered Silverado HD will work for your needs. No matter where you happen to be working, traveling, or adventuring in Birmingham, rest assured that the Silverado HD arsenal is ready to maximize your time in the driver’s seat. When it comes to extraordinary engines, the Silverado HD trucks offer you a selection of powertrains that are recognized as some of the best in the industry.