When will it end
How much more powerful can new trucks get? I mean seriously it can't continue like it is with new engines doubling in power over the last 15-20 years. My kid will be driving a 1000hp daily driver and ...
Forum Discussion
While all three are generally using the same modern technology, they have few very distinct differences that set them apart in regards to fuel economy and performance.
One being compression ratio which as you know engines with a higher compression ration generally tend to get better fuel economy with all things being the same. In that case, the Cummins has the most with 17.3:1 followed by the Powerstroke with 16.2:1 and finally the Duramax with 16.0:1. Interestingly, this compression ratio spread matched up perfectly with PUTC's last diesel truck comparison. Unloaded the Cummins came in ahead at 19.2 mpg unloaded, the Ford being almost 1 mpg behind at 18.2 mpg, and the Duramax slightly behind the Ford at 18.1 mpg. Loaded numbers was the same order and the same spread.
Then there are the turbochargers and how there compressor maps are tuned. I know the HE351VE turbo on the Cummins is designed toward low rpm efficiency not for big power numbers. At higher rpms, it starts to loose its breath and efficiency. Slap a different turbo on it and you will be in business up to 700 hp when you start running out of fuel and are in need of more fueling. I haven't seen the compressor maps of the other two, but they seem to be designed for higher rpm power.
There is also the different fuel rail pressures of each, but I think they are high enough in all three now that it doesn't really make much of a difference.
These are just my thoughts from what I have seen.
One being compression ratio which as you know engines with a higher compression ration generally tend to get better fuel economy with all things being the same. In that case, the Cummins has the most with 17.3:1 followed by the Powerstroke with 16.2:1 and finally the Duramax with 16.0:1. Interestingly, this compression ratio spread matched up perfectly with PUTC's last diesel truck comparison. Unloaded the Cummins came in ahead at 19.2 mpg unloaded, the Ford being almost 1 mpg behind at 18.2 mpg, and the Duramax slightly behind the Ford at 18.1 mpg. Loaded numbers was the same order and the same spread.
Then there are the turbochargers and how there compressor maps are tuned. I know the HE351VE turbo on the Cummins is designed toward low rpm efficiency not for big power numbers. At higher rpms, it starts to loose its breath and efficiency. Slap a different turbo on it and you will be in business up to 700 hp when you start running out of fuel and are in need of more fueling. I haven't seen the compressor maps of the other two, but they seem to be designed for higher rpm power.
There is also the different fuel rail pressures of each, but I think they are high enough in all three now that it doesn't really make much of a difference.
These are just my thoughts from what I have seen.
