Kenworth W900L vs. Kenworth T680 Fuel Efficiency
General Truck Repair
When you are looking forward to purchasing a new heavy-duty truck, Kenworth W900L and Kenworth T680 are two of the most prominent options that you’ll come across. While keeping that in mind, you will need to figure out the best option for your specific use. In this article, we will compare the two models to betterhelp you understand the best option.
What is the Kenworth T680 all about?
Kenworth Chief Engineer Joe Adams said that "raising the bar" is associated with the brand Kenworth when it comes to aerodynamics. "It's what Kenworth has been recognized for since 1985 when we debuted the Kenworth T600, the industry's first genuinely aerodynamic truck." "We've never lost sight of our goal of constant development," Adams added.
This history continues with the Kenworth T680 Next Generation. "Our design innovations save up to 6%* on a T680 Next Gen outfitted with a 76-inch sleeper and EPA 2021 PACCAR MX-13 engine compared to a T680 with EPA 2017 PACCAR MX-13 engine," Adams added.
Kenworth used aerodynamic simulations to build each component of the T680 NextGen as part of the overall system to improve fuel economy even further, with findings confirmed by wind tunnel testing.
The crew also took the air in a different path during examination and verification — beneath the chassis rather than just around the vehicle. "We chose the technique of managing the air beneath the vehicle, which worked wonderfully," Adams said. "The hood and bumper have been modified to bring airflow closer to the cab and minimize turbulence. The hood is eight inches shorter than it was before. The restyled, aerodynamic bumper maintains the iconic Kenworth T680's approach angle and ground clearance."
The bumper's profile has been altered to deflect air through the wheel apertures, increasing aerodynamics. The innovative air dam design directs and regulates airflow under the chassis while protecting the cooling module. It has an offset radar that allows for a sturdy license plate holder in the middle.
According to Adams, Kenworth also designed a unique ducting system inside the hood structure. It has an air-actuated passive flap that runs from the underbody to the outer body. It streamlines air circulation by opening and closing behind the fender, dependent on air pressure and wind conditions.
Kenworth also improved its fairings. "It begins with under cab chassis fairings that regulate airflow off the hood and taller steps for better cab entry," Adams noted. "The fairings are impact-resistant, and feature rolled edges for a cleaner appearance. If a repair is required, the innovative connection technique we devised makes fairing replacement quicker and faster."
Kenworth W900L
The W900L from Kenworth has been around since before the turn of the century, so it's had plenty of time to establish itself as a classic. It is known for being one of the most custimizable trucks on the market and the W900L is the extended (long) hood model. The W900L is one of the most popular Kenworth models and is often the truck of choice for owner-operators.
The W900 is a product of its period, with a more current style than the W900L. Compare today's half-ton pickup vehicles to those during the Y2K crisis. At an event which commemorated heritage of the W900 and the debut of the next generation of the W900L,Kenworth’s General Manager Mike Dozier stated "The W900 has been in our product lineup for 57 years." "That elevated the stakes and made it much more critical for us to get the next version of the W900 correct."
Comparison: What is the best?
The Kenworth T680 and the Kenworth W900L are excellent choices for a new class 8 truck for your fleet. Both are excellent choices, and the best one depends entirely on your needs. We'll compare and contrast the two heavy-duty vehicles to help you determine which is best for your requirements.
Similarities
Class 8 trucks include the Kenworth T680 and Kenworth W900L. While the outward appearance may vary, both vehicles are equipped with the same Paccar MX-13 12.9-liter engine and Paccar 12-speed automatic gearbox. They're constructed on the same frame and feature the same factory tires.
Fuel efficiency of both these heavy-duty trucks are pretty much the same. Both trucks offer a fuel efficiency of around 7.9 miles per gallon. This is a pretty decent figure for a heavy-duty truck. While keeping this in mind, you may think about purchasing one of these trucks. No matter what you buy, there is no significant change in fuel efficiency. You can focus on other differences and buy the right heavy-duty truck for your specific needs.
Differences
What distinguishes these two heavy-duty vehicles, given their many similarities? When comparing these two models, the first thing you'll notice is the hood design. The hood of the Kenworth T680 is designed to maximize airflow for maximum fuel economy and aerodynamics. The hood design of the Kenworth W900L allows for a set-back front axle layout, which provides a sturdy and secure base for tough-duty applications like forestry and construction.
The way these vehicles may be specified for specific purposes is another key distinction. The Kenworth W900L is the best vehicle for vocational use, with multiplexed switches and better PTO capabilities. With adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, collision prevention, and side object recognition technologies, the Kenworth T680 is better suited to linehaul/highway operations.
Final words - T680 vs. W900L
Which of these two class 8 trucks should you choose for your fleet? It all depends on your specific application. Highway fleet owners prefer the Kenworth T680 because of its aerodynamic shape and driver-friendly features. The Kenworth W900L is an excellent choice for fleets that need dump trucks, cement mixers, loggers, or lowboys.
