freightliner classic vs columbia

Why do you NEED to buy a truck? Are you going to drive for C.R. England?

I would advise to not buy a truck fresh out of school. What happens if you don't like it? Get into a few minor incidents and get terminated, etc?

Personally, I would go the company driver route first and get your feet wet before you dive right in. It might just save you a financial nightmare.

 

Based on the model years I would hazard a guess and say the classic *might* get a bit better mileage due to it being pre-egr whereas the columbia will have an EGR motor. Other factors include gearing, tire rolling resistance, aerodynamics of the truck, and engine specs such as horsepower rating and condition.

 

Let me know how either one runs on gas

 

Depending on the engines, the Columbia should still be better on fuel than the Classic.

Martin

 

Another thought, is that you can get the ECM dumped at a shop and the data from that will show fuel averages over the life of the motor. If you can have both trucks dumped (their ECM's that is) you can positively ascertain which has the higher number. While still subject to variables like driving style for instance, you'll still get an overview of how they have done.

 

I still agree with Voyager. If he hasn't been OTR before I would not advise the purchase of a truck so soon.

 

I trained a guy who drove dumps and straight trucks for almost 20-years. OTR was his dream. He lasted a week.

Regarding your question: 3 biggest factors in fuel economy. 1. Driver 2. Tires 3. Aero Dynamics.

Can be equal in the first two but can't make the changes on the Classic to get the 3rd.

Also, a new driver has enough challenges without adding all the extra wheel base of a classic.

I am probably one of the most optimistic guys in this business. I believe with hard work, a good attitude and a ferocious appetite for knowledge a guy can go far. However, he is at a stage where he doesn't know what he doesn't know. Taking the time to learn to drive will put him much further ahead.