Dmax Vs 8100

[04GMC8100HD]

OK, I know this probably going to get ugly, even though I don't want it to, but I have to say what's on my mind.

First, let me start by saying that the comparision is not a fair one. Anytime you pit a N/A engine vs a forced inducted engine there is no contest. Now if you want to add a turbo to the 8100's or take the turbo off the Dmax then you could do some comparing. Both engines are great pieces, it just depends on you preference, I personally don't like diesels and other wouldn't have anything but. I will close by saying again, both egines are great in there own right, I just believe that a comparision should be on level ground.

 

Randy

[Roofer]

I believe it is level ground because they are both stock. If you wanna talk about adding this or that, spend the same amount on each truck adding whatever you want. The diesel will be much, much more powerful. Not to mention, better fuel economy and better resale. I am not saying anything bad about the 8.1 at all, it seems to be a great engine along with the rest of the Vortec line. It always seems to come down to if you can handle the smell and noise of a diesel. In the end they are both great engines.

[04GMC8100HD]

I agree with you that if you can stand the smell and the noise a diesel is for you, but I still say the comparison of a turbocharged anything vs a N/A anything is not a fair comparison stock or not. If not for the turbo diesels would be dead in the water thats why you don't see non turboed diesels anymore. If you want a fair comparison use Dmax vs PSD vs Cummins and 8.1 V8 vs 8.0 V10 vs 6.8 V10, now thats apples to apples and oranges to oranges.

 

Randy

[Roofer]

I see no competition for the 8.1 in gas motors. This is why it is debated with the Dmax so often. The Ford V10 is a flop for a big motor. It is fine, but no comparison to other big blocks. The Dodge V10 is not being used anymore so that is thrown out.

There is no Dmax without a turbo, so there is no way of making a comparison. Stock is stock, no matter how you put it.

Also I must say, the 6.0, 8.1, and Dmax are all offered in 2500HD, and 3500 trucks. This is another reason they are compared.

[Firetiger(MN)]

Nothing better than the smell of a diesel starting in 10° weather. But I was raised on a farm around diesels all my life so I like it.

[422 SS]

I believe it is level ground because they are both stock. If you wanna talk about adding this or that, spend the same amount on each truck adding whatever you want. The diesel will be much, much more powerful. Not to mention, better fuel economy and better resale. I am not saying anything bad about the 8.1 at all, it seems to be a great engine along with the rest of the Vortec line. It always seems to come down to if you can handle the smell and noise of a diesel. In the end they are both great engines.

I agree Roofer.

A so called apples to apples is not possible when comparing gas vs diesel.I feel the turbo equalizes the 100 fewer cubic inches that the diesel has.Diesel smell does'nt bother me personally so I bought one.Having owned both a 8.1 and Duramax truck I can say that the diesel is quicker,a stronger tow rig and gets far better mileage.With a $800.00 programmer the Dmax perform better than a 8.1 truck with 10k worth of modifications.The Dmax is very quiet at 70 mph with the windows up I don't hear anything different than a gas truck.I never smell diesel exhaust either unless I'm standing by the tailpipe.In general I think the people that knock diesels don't know how well they perform nowadays.Who would ever think a stock diesel truck would stomp a stock big block truck in a drag race.Well the Duramax does just that and get far better mileage doing it.I look at it as getting my power adder with a warranty from the factory.I understand the guys that just don't want a diesel,for whatever reason.But no one will ever convince me that a 8.1 is a better engine than a Duramax.

[Truckman031]

Diesels are slow without the Turbo. Since all diesels come with turbos, then I think its fair to compare them to gassers.

[MCourson]

I agree with you that if you can stand the smell and the noise a diesel is for you...

Ok I have heard all this complaint about diesel noise, but of the complainers, who has actually driven a Duramax at highway speeds? There is VERY little difference between it and the gasers. I did a run a few weeks ago. I drove the Duramax down 10 miles of interstate, cruising at 70 with one run to 85. Then I went straight home and got in the Tahoe and did the same test. Yes there is more noise on acceleration, but at highway speeds the only thing you can hear louder on the Duramax is a faint turbo whistle. Now as for the smell, I dont smell it while driving it and only get a whif in the driveway. The only other time is smell it is at the pump, but you smell gas strong at the pump too. (Not to mention gassers are at the pump more. )

[MCourson]

Now as for apples to apples. They are not. When you pay the more $$ for the diesel you get 20 less HP, you get 80ft lbs more torque (at less RPMs too), and you get better fuel mileage. Thats it cut and dry.

[Roofer]

In general I think the people that knock diesels don't know how well they perform nowadays.

 

This is very true. Diesels still have that bad rep. There is a huge difference just from the PSD to a new Dmax. Way less smoke and much quieter.

[04GMC8100HD]

OK guys I never said the Dmax was bad. I like them and yes I have driven several at hwy speeds and know how well they perform, but as far as the turbo making up for the 8.1's extra cubes is funny. You would have to have to have 300 extra cubes to even try to make up for a turbo. Take for example a buick GNX, it will flat destroy must anything twice it's 231 cid and never have to take the valve covers off. Anyway, I've said my peace and I am extremely happy with my truck as I am sure you guys are with yours, and besides we didn't buy our trucks for other people we bought them for ourselves so enjoy.

 

Randy

[MCourson]

Yet another reason we can not effectivly compare the too is that diesel fuel has more potential energy per unit than gas.

[tbyrne]

My fiance's dad is a diehard Dodge guy and he's only owned one gas truck in the last 20 years. The other night he said " a gas motor will make a truck feel like a car but a diesel motor makes a truck".

 

I guess I have "cars" that can tow

 

Tom

 

 

2002 8.1 Silverado HD - Comp Cam, TOGs headers, Volant induction, Direct Hits ignition, 8" lift 18" wheels/tires + more

2002 8.1 Suburban -Intercooled Whipple supercharger, TOGs headers, Volant induction, 22" wheels/tires + more - 407hp/558 ft-lb torque at the rear wheels.

[awdvkd]

Why does everybody try to compare these two engines! It is all about application! True each has it down fall, Dmax stinks due to the fuel and the 8.1 get lousy gas mileage. In comparison to the old 454 it gets really good gas mileage. The deisel is not a short trip driver, if you use it that way you will have problems. The deisel has to be driven long enough to warm up. The 8.1 is good for that situation. I drive 4.5 miles each way to work and back every day, it would not be a good situation for the Dmax. I drive less than 12000 miles each year. If I drove 25000+ each year I would own a Dmax. Also I don't give a rats a** how fast it does the 1/4 mile and most owner don't care either. They are looking for good dependable truck that works best for their situation. LOOK FOR THE TRUCK THAT WORKS FOR YOU! Both of these trucks are exceptional in their own classes but they are not the same side by side. It always kills me when people start talking about how fast a 7000 lbs truck is. These are work trucks not drag cars. I own own either of them and be happy.

[gcope63]

I have actually driven both of these trucks a lot lately since we are trying to decide on which truck to buy and to me the 8100 is a lot funner truck to drive.. The 8100 has much better throttle response and seems quicker off the line.. I believe this is caused by the diesel being a turbo charged motor, it takes a little time for the turbo to wind up and produce positive pressure. This may be reduced a little with the LLY variable vain turbo which should allow for quicker spool up. But is would be nicer to cruise by a few more gas stations which is a very nice thing about the Dmax

Both are great motors and both have their uses, it just depends on what you want... As someone said before I not looking for a truck to run quarter miles, I need one that can tow sometimes and get me to work and back and at this time it looks like the 8100 is in the lead, hopefully I will be able to take a look at the LLY Duramax before I order next month

 

Gary