FL Classic XL versus Peterbilt 379

Looks, that's all a 379 has over the FL.

 

I've never driven an older Classic XL, only the Century/Columbia/Cascadia, I'm told the XL's held up better over time.
That badge on the front of the Pete's sure is pretty though !

 

87 Pete 359 Polar MC312 by 315wheelbase posted Jul 18, 2015 at 1:04 PM

Having owned one Freightliner (never again) and the 5 new Petes,
359, (3)379s and a 389 no comparison to the quality difference and most important the resale value,, From the frame, suspension and cab and sleeper my peterbilts were no question better trucks and I bought my first new Pete a 87 359 extended hood for a lower price compared to a new freightliner with a smaller engine and less options at the time.
1987 Pete 359, NTC 475, 15spd 5000gal 1987 Polar MC312
Bought both truck and trailer off the lot in Nov 1986

 

In all fairness, in 87 Freightliner was still a premium o/o truck. Their interior and other options were superior to most other makes. I have the build sheet for dad's '75 and his '80 FL cabovers that he ordered. The options and how they would build a truck would blow the mind of the guys that click a few options on the computer these days. And then came 1988 and the introduction of the FLD, and, well, so long to Freightliner. Lol.

 

I have a 2000 fl classic xl. With a Detroit. From a business perspective its an excellent truck. From a drivers perspective ...I'm sorry but I'd rather a 379/89 .. This truck is ok to drive but the ride is nothing compared to a big hood pete ... I also like the skinny cab and mid roof sleeper much better than this condo. Just the whole truck, from every angle, the pete is more appealing than the fl.

 

Here's an example from today. Going north on 97 in wa north from 90 up to wenatchee. I am empty and a big hood pete with roll tite passes me going up the hill. He's doing 65-75 and not even slowing down for the 45-50 mph curves. I could not catch him if I wanted to. And his buddy was stuck behind me and was right on my ### until they took 2 east and I took 2 west.

That low air leaf suspension is very good for handling and also rides real nice. You ever driven a 379/389?

 

I don't know. Its all designed by pete and patented I'm sure. Maybe they refuse to allow it to ever be put on anything but their own product