Yes they have the same pulling capability. They will go the same speed over the same terrain. The gas will do it at a higher rpm and consume more fuel.
I seriously don't buy it that a diesel engine is any longer lasting or more reliable for the engines they put in a light duty truck. The engines they put in light duty pickups are not the same they put in class 8 trucks, container ships, locomotives, bulldozers, or any other commercial application. Just because the engine in a class 8 truck lasts a certain number of miles doesn't mean because it uses the same type of fuel, the light duty pickup engine will do the same.
The diesel heads of this site regularly do the folks who come on here looking for advice a disservice. They tell them they need a diesel, so the person goes and spends 9k more for the diesel being assured they need it and it will last forever. When it will last no better and a gas engine will do the job also.
Just a few minutes ago a diesel owner made a post that his diesel truck only lasted 100k and he was led to believe they lasted a long time. Could have probably saved himself enough cash on that diesel purchase that even if he got a gas engine and even if it failed he could have bought a new engine.
