I was struggling with the same choice earlier this year. I had made up my mind that gas was the way to go. Love my Chevy truck with the 8.1 and thought why spend the money on the MB. Test drover several ford v-10 and was happy with them. Then I drove a new Solera 24R with the MB and never looked back. Love the way it drives and handles, most of all love the room up front and ease of gtting to the back. Very happy with our choice and wanted the smaller unit. Like I said if I had not driven the MB I would be driving the Ford V-10. Glad I took the MB for the test drive, for us it is worth the extra money.
Good Luck
BadBob