Curious, can you justify the added hit for the diesel compared to fuel economy ? Seems that diesel fuel is now more than reg. gas at many pumps...isn't the 5.7 a good unit to pull with as well ?? Just asking !!
That's a good question. The variables in the equation are so variable that it is hard to compute. The cost of diesel as a percentage relative to regular unleaded gas varies widely.
Today in my area, Diesel =$3.40/gal ; Regular Unleaded gas =$ 2.65/gal
That means that at 20mpg for the gas truck, fuel cost = $0.133/mile.
For the 24 mpg diesel truck, fuel cost = $0.142/mile
----Gas wins
Earlier this year it calculated like this. diesel =$3.80/gal ; Regular Unleaded gas = $3.40/gal
That means that at 20mpg for the gas truck, fuel cost = $0.17/mile.
For the 24 mpg diesel truck, fuel cost = $0.158/mile
----Diesel wins
I bought my truck for it's hauling capability which, I think is higher for the diesel than the gas engine, if comparing similar running cost. The torque rating is much higher. If just using the truck for very occasional hauling or light hauling, then the gas version is probably the better $/mile value.