While working here in southern Arizona, I've had the opportunity to run a couple diesel units. Having always worked out of a sedan I was surprise to be assigned to run some fairly rugged territory in some pretty nifty trucks.

Have been working out of a Ford Super Duty extended cab with the PowerStroke diesel or a Dodge extended cab with the Cummins Turbo (both 4WD models).

I think I like the Ford better. The V engine is quieter at speed and at idle, acceleration is pretty dang swift and it seems to ride nicer overall. The Dodge is one noisy beast at idle and only has a rythmic drum at highway speed. Turbo lag on the Dodge is very noticeable (and the autobox shifts funny).

Have had both rides beyond the century mark for extended periods. Have had no problem catching up to my victims in either truck. Best part of the diesel rigs is the fuel mileage. I have been averaging 400-500 miles a day on patrol and have not had to top up the tank at all during a 10 hour shift (averaging somewhere around 18-19 MPG). If these were gassers, or I was running a sedan, I'd have to gas up at least once.

On the down side, if I was working midnights and needed to "sneak" up on someone, there is no way in the world I'd be able to.

Just felt like sharing.

__________________
Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.