Gas vs Diesel (I've read the FAQs!!)

Bruce Brown wrote:
Not the Grape Vine, but Rt 26 out of Johnson City, Tn;
2000 V10 gasser MH - brought to it's knees, 30 MPH tops
2003 DP w/ Cat 3126, 330HP/860 TQ - 55 MPH
...
If you're ready for a DP skip the HP number and look at the torque.

I'd like to see you reconcile your statements with the post from Greyhost above. My guess is you have not considered the weight of either coach, or the altitude. An old V10 has serious breathing problems, which will be exacerbated by any kind of altitude. No doubt that is a big factor, so you argument of torque doesn't hold water. (never mind that it defies physics)

docj wrote:
I fully understand that it is the HP to weight ratio that governs how fast you can climb a hill, but the torque of a big block diesel is what makes the driving experience so enjoyable.

This statement probably more accurately describes how one should approach diesel vs gas, or high torque vs high HP. High torque means you don't downshift to achieve maximum engine HP. High HP/low TQ achieves maximum HP by downshifting. HP to weight ratio determines how fast you will go up a hill. The torque rating will tell you how often you downshift to achieve that power.