FL Classic XL versus Peterbilt 379

Actually Pete took the lead suspension design from Volvo. They both ride very good, but the Pete feels a little better as far as sticking to the ground. The Pete is the better truck IMO.

 

I was asked the difference in driving a 386 Pete verses a Western Star, both of which I owned and drove.

I told him the 386 handled more like a Ford Mustang and the Western Star like a Lincoln town car. Both handled well but differently.

As far as the difference in a Freightliner verses a Peterbilt. They are truly NOT in the same class. Peterbilt is far superior. I have owned and driven several of each. I may even buy another Freightliner. Still, there is no comparison in the quality.

 

25 or 30 years ago I'd say FL and Peterbilt were on a level playing field. Now FL seems to have become the mass produced budget truck. I recently got to take a look inside a 2015 Peterbilt 389 and was a bit disappointed to see there's no wood trim or long toggle switches. It looks almost like a car inside.

 

My boss would not own a Pete because of wiring issues. We have a shop too and see a lot of trucks through there. We have a fleet of Kenworths. I have to agree on the room in a KW, it is a toss of a coin if you get one with enough leg room not to be cramped. There are 2 trucks in our fleet that I can comfortably drive and I am short. I have the need to occasionally straighten my legs and in the other trucks there is no room.

Now give me a Western Star any day of the week.

 

I dont know. When I ride in my Volvo in West Virginia mountains I am scared to go 62 in curves, but these long nose Petes fly by me at 75. I never drove one, but I really want to, just to experience a truck with less body roll

 

Volvo is designed to feel like it is going to roll before it really will. The Pete feels like it is sticking to the ground, but when it starts to go over it is to late for any corrective action.

 

Find yourself a nice old Marmon 57p and never look back

 

If I had a Shaker, that would be the one I'd want. Hood, flat top, small sleeper, all business. That's actually the most common Shaker in northern Canada and the Territories. The only thing I do in a truck is drive and sleep. If I'm going to do a 34, I grab a motel. So why do I need a big sleeper. Well, the only thing I hate about the small sleepers is how freakin cold the AC can get in the bunk. Makes my bones hurt.