Differences Between Big & Small Trucks

Compact trucks used to have four cylinder engines, but now they predominately have V6 engines.  If you're looking for more power, then a full-size truck will get you a bigger engine and more towing capacity.  Whether you decide to purchase a compact or full-size truck will depend upon how you intend to use it.

Larger Trucks Have Bigger, More Powerful Engines

Larger trucks have powerful engines that are more powerful than compact and midsize trucks.  Although most compact trucks now have a V6 engine, there are some midsize pickup trucks equipped with a V8 engine.  Because of the difference in the engine sizes of the trucks, smaller trucks will only tow less than 8,000 pounds while a larger truck can tow over 10,000 pounds.  If you don't need to haul thousands of pounds of payload or tow more than a ton, then a compact or midsize truck will provide you with better maneuverability and smoother handling.

Small Trucks Get Better Gas Mileage than Larger Trucks

Because of their smaller engines, a lightweight truck will get better gas mileage than a larger truck.  As a general rule, the more cylinders an engine has, the worse fuel mileage it gets. Therefore, a large V-8 equipped truck will have substantially worse gas mileage than a lightweight V-4 truck.

Smaller Trucks Cost Less

Smaller trucks not only get better gas mileage than larger trucks, which saves you fuel costs throughout the year, but they also cost less money to purchase.  Because of their lower costs, insurance is generally lower than a large size truck.  A larger truck will also have a higher annual operating cost compared to a smaller truck.