Diesel --- front engine -vs- rear engine

If you are talking about a FRED class chassis, it is basically a glorified gas chassis, with a diesel stuck in it. Not much of an advantage. Typically will not have air ride, and the engine is up where you have to listen to it. You take a hit on power and less torque at the drive wheels. Its not an idea that makes a lot of sense, unless you plan to put a million miles on it and can't afford a good sized pusher.

Dare I say its a lot like comparing a Harley to a Goldwing.

Like this one.

There are quite a few front engine large diesels starting to appear out there. I think most of them are technically Class C's, but they are just as big and just as expensive as the Class A DP's. The ones I have looked at usually have hanger decks in the back. The one I really wanted had a huge lift gate in the back. It was designed to load heavy stuff like Harley's. The hanger was big enough for two Harleys all safely tucked away inside. My wife vetoed the idea.

Yep, but they are totally different animals. Plus many differences between different models. I would say that diesel pushers are usually bigger, smoother riding and quieter inside. Many are built on bus or bus-like chassis. Front engine diesels can be quite big but are often smaller, more compact, turn tighter, built on truck derived chassis, ride worse, can't tow as much, are noisier on the road. Rear engine would be more likely to have air brakes, front engine more likely to have hydraulic brakes (can make a difference with driver's license, as can combined weight of the rig and any towed vehicle). Where I am I need a commercial license with an air brake condition to drive my bus and trailer.

Just my take.

Brian