Table of Contents
Our Verdict
It is best to go with a Scania truck instead of a Peterbilt. This is because:
- Scania trucks boast a more innovative and efficient design, featuring a shorter hood, a smaller grille, and LED headlights. It also comes with advanced technology such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision warning systems. Truck drivers appreciate the aerodynamic and sleek appearance of Scania trucks, along with the safety and convenience features offerings
- Scania trucks have their own Scania engines, which frequently receive praise for their fuel efficiency, reliability, and durability. Certain Scania models feature V8 engines capable of producing up to 730 horsepower, whereas the most potent Peterbilt model features a 590 horsepower engine. Some truck drivers prefer the high performance and low fuel consumption of Scania trucks, as well as the quality and longevity of its engines.
- Scania trucks enjoy widespread popularity in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America, where they are the preferred choice for fleet owners and drivers who prioritize efficiency, safety, and performance. Truck drivers may appreciate the global presence and reputation of Scania trucks, as well as the availability and accessibility of their service network.
Peterbilt is also a highly admired truck for its distinctive and classic look, with a long hood, large grille, and round headlights. Powerful engines, and its long and rich history of 84 years.
So, what do you want? Comfort, style, and power that Peterbilt trucks boast of, or efficiency, safety, and performance that come with Scania trucks?
Consider the base of your operations. Scania has a strong presence in Europe and other global markets, while Peterbilt focuses on the North American market. Choose the brand that aligns with your geographic region.
The choice is yours, but Scania provides you with greater benefits.
Why Choose Peterbilt Trucks
Who Peterbilt Truck Is Best For
Consider Peterbilt trucks if you
- Value comfort, style, and power.
- Enjoy driving a classic and customized truck with a strong and robust engine.
- Prefer to operate in North America, where Peterbilt trucks are more popular and available.
>>>MORE: Peterbilt Trucks Review
Who Peterbilt Truck Is Not Right For
Don’t go for Peterbilt truck if you:
- Value efficiency, safety, and performance.
- Appreciate driving a truck with high fuel consumption, low safety features, and outdated design.
- Operate in Europe, Asia, Africa, or South America, where Peterbilt trucks are of lesser preference and accessibility
Why Choose Scania Trucks
Who Scania Truck Is Best For
Consider using Scania trucks if you:
- Place value on efficiency, safety, and performance.
- Love driving a modern and sleek truck with a fuel-efficient and reliable engine.
- Prefer to operate in Europe, Asia, Africa, or South America, where Scania trucks are more prevalent and easily accessible.
Who Scania Truck Is Not Right For
Look for alternatives to Scania Trucks if you:
- Prefer a truck that provides style and power.
- Don’t enjoy driving a truck with low horsepower, a small grille, and LED headlights.
- Prefer to operate in North America, where Scania trucks are less popular and available.
Main Differences
Ideal For
If your work requires transporting heavy or oversized loads across long distances, especially in North America. Peterbilt is ideal for you. It’s your perfect truck as a truck driver if want to express your personality and style through your truck, as you can customize it with various accessories and paint jobs. Or are you a truck enthusiast who appreciates the history and culture of American trucking? Then go for the Peterbilt truck.
Scania trucks are your go-to truck for delivering goods or services in urban or rural areas, especially in Europe, Asia, Africa, or South America. It also suits you best as a truck driver if you want to save money and reduce your environmental impact, as it has high fuel efficiency and low emissions. Scania truck also provides safety and comfort due to its advanced technology and economic design.
Pricing
The pricing of both Peterbilt and Scania trucks varies based on several factors, including the model, configuration, features, and regional market conditions. Here are approximate price ranges for both brands in different regions.
In the United States, new Peterbilt semi-trucks costs between $160,000 and more, even going upwards of $300,000. A new 2022 Peterbilt 579 sells for approximately $160,000, and a Peterbilt 389 costs about $250,000. Used Peterbilt trucks for sale in the US range from $22,900 to $61,900, depending on the model, year, mileage, and condition. Scania trucks are not very common in the US market, but some used Scania trucks for sale in the US costs about $22,900.
In India, the price range of Scania Truck starts at ₹50.00 Lakh for the most economic model in its lineup, the R500 V8 Puller. The most expensive Truck in Scania lineup is the R500, which costs ₹64.00 Lakh. Scania also offers tipper and trailer models in India. Peterbilt trucks are not widely available for sale in India, but some imported models costs about ₹1.77 Crore for the Model 579 and ₹2.08 Crore for the Model 389.
In Malaysia, Scania trucks are more popular and available than Peterbilt trucks. Scania offers five models of trucks in Malaysia: Crewcab, L-Series, V8, P-Series, and XT. The prices of these models are not listed on the official website, but they may vary depending on the specifications and features. Peterbilt trucks are not officially available for sale in Malaysia, but some imported models go for about RM 300,000 to RM 400,000.
Scania offers six models of trucks in Europe: L-series, P-series, G-series, R-series, S-series, and Crewcab. The official website does not show the costs for these models., but they may depend on the configuration and power source. Peterbilt trucks are not very common in Europe, but some used models sells for about €11,500 to €53,900, depending on the model, year, mileage, and condition.
Accounting Integration
Peterbilt trucks utilize PACCAR Financial Services (PFS), a global provider of finance and leasing services for Peterbilt and other PACCAR brands. PFS also integrates with PACCAR Parts, a global distributor of truck parts and accessories for Peterbilt and other PACCAR brands.
Scania trucks make use of Scania Financial Services (SFS), a global provider of finance and insurance solutions for Scania and other Volkswagen Group brands. SFS also integrates with Scania Parts, a global supplier of truck parts and services for Scania and other Volkswagen Group brands.
Standout Features
Peterbilt trucks provide you with comfort, style, and power. You drive a classic and customized truck with a strong and robust engine that can handle any road condition or terrain. You also enjoy the history and culture of American trucking, as well as the popularity and availability of Peterbilt trucks in North America.
Scania trucks offer you with efficiency, safety, and performance. You drive a modern and sleek truck with a fuel-efficient and reliable engine that can deliver high performance and low emissions. You also appreciate the safety and convenience features of Scania trucks, as well as the global presence and reputation of Scania trucks in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America.
Standout Features
Peterbilt Trucks
Customization
Peterbilt is famous for offering a wide range of customization options. Customers can select from various cab styles, sleeper configurations, interior materials, and exterior designs to tailor the truck to their specific requirements and branding.
Advanced Safety Features
Peterbilt trucks come with safety features like the Bendix Wingman Fusion system, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and collision mitigation technology.
Comfort and Driver-Focused Design
Peterbilt cabs focuses on driver comfort, featuring ergonomic seating, a spacious interior, and amenities like refrigerators and entertainment systems in sleeper cabs.
PACCAR Engines
Peterbilt trucks often feature PACCAR engines, popular for their performance and reliability. PACCAR MX engines, in particular, are commonly used in Peterbilt models.
Advanced Technology
Peterbilt incorporates advanced technology into its trucks, including infotainment systems, touchscreen displays, and navigation options, making the driving experience more enjoyable and efficient.
Fuel Efficiency Solutions
Peterbilt offers fuel-efficient technologies such as the SmartTire Pressure Monitoring System, which helps optimize tire pressure for improved fuel economy.
Electric and Hybrid Options
Like Scania, Peterbilt explores electric and hybrid technologies to provide eco-friendly alternatives for you if you love to reduce your carbon footprint.
>>>PRO TIPS: Scania Trucks Review
Scania Trucks Standout Features
Fuel Efficiency
Scania focuses on fuel efficiency. It offers technologies like Scania Opticruise, a predictive cruise control system that optimizes gear shifting for improved fuel economy.
Connectivity
Scania’s trucks have advanced connectivity features. Scania Fleet Management and Scania Connect provide real-time data on vehicle performance, driver behavior, and maintenance needs, helping fleet managers optimize operations.
Alternative Fuels
Scania has sustainable transportation solutions, including natural gas and biofuel-powered engines. They also have electric and hybrid options for reduced emissions and environmental impact.
Driver Assistance Systems
Scania trucks have various driver assistance systems, including lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and advanced emergency braking, enhancing safety and reducing the risk of accidents.
Cabin Comfort
Scania cabs are popular for their spacious and ergonomic design, providing a comfortable environment for drivers during long hauls. They offer various cab configurations to suit different needs.
Scania V8 Engines
Scania’s V8 engines have a stellar reputation for their strength and efficiency. They can generate up to 730 hp, which is significantly more than the 590 hp engine in the most potent Peterbilt model. These engines are often preferred for heavy-duty and long-distance transportation.
Scania Driver Support
Scania offers a suite of driver support features, such as Scania Driver Coaching and Scania Driver Training, to help improve driver skills, safety, and fuel efficiency.
Pros and Cons
Peterbilt Trucks
Pros
- Offers customization
- Incorporates advanced safety features
- Prioritizes comfort
- Provides availability in North America
- Hold value, which is beneficial for long-term ownership.
Cons
- Has limited global presence
- Has potentially higher maintenance costs
- Does not place emphasize environmental impact
Scania Trucks
Pros
- Delivers fuel efficiency
- Incorporates advanced technology
- Champions environmental responsibility
- Maintains a global presence
- Prioritizes driver comfort
- Retains value, which is advantageous for long-term investments.
Cons
- Offers limited availability in North America
- Entails potentially higher upfront costs
- Provides limited customization
Customer Reviews
On Edmunds, Forbes Wheels and Smart Trucking, there is no numeric rating for Peterbilt truck or Scania truck but rather a descriptive rating based on size and capability. Peterbilt trucks are classified as large trucks, while Scania trucks are classified as midsize trucks. According to Smart Trucking, Peterbilt and Scania trucks are both better than the rest of the truck brands in the market, but for different reasons. Peterbilt trucks have accolades for classic and customized look, powerful and robust engines, and long and rich history. Scania trucks receive admiration for innovative and efficient design, their fuel-efficient and reliable engines, and their global presence and reputation.
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Competitors
You are free to check out any of these competitors:
Caterpillar
Caterpillar is an American company known for manufacturing construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives. In the heavy-duty truck segment, Caterpillar competes with both Peterbilt and Scania, particularly in the North American market. Caterpillar trucks are recognized for their durability, performance, and versatility.
Volvo Group
Volvo Group is a Swedish company that produces various automotive products, including trucks, buses, construction equipment, and marine and industrial engines. It operates in the same industry as Scania and is part of the Volkswagen Group. Volvo Group competes with Scania in multiple markets, offering innovative and efficient trucks with high safety and environmental standards. In North America, Volvo Group also competes with Peterbilt, offering powerful and reliable trucks with advanced technology and design.
DAF Trucks
DAF Trucks is a Dutch company that manufactures trucks and engines and is part of the Volkswagen Group, alongside Scania and Volvo Group. DAF Trucks competes with Scania in the European market, where they both provide high-quality and fuel-efficient trucks with modern design and features. In North America, DAF Trucks competes with Peterbilt, offering robust and durable trucks with strong engines and performance.
Pro Tips
Here are some pro tips that help you choose what is best for you:
- Consider your budget and needs: Both Peterbilt and Scania trucks are expensive, but they also offer different options and features to suit different needs and preferences. Peterbilt trucks tend to be more expensive than Scania trucks, both in terms of purchase price and maintenance costs. However, Peterbilt trucks also tend to offer more comfort, style, and power than Scania trucks. Scania trucks tend to be more efficient, safe, and performant than Peterbilt trucks, but they also tend to have fewer customization options and space than Peterbilt trucks. Compare the features and specifications of different Peterbilt and Scania models.
- Consider your location and market: Both Peterbilt and Scania trucks have their own loyal fan base and reputation in the trucking industry, but they also have different markets and regions where they are more popular and available. Peterbilt trucks are mainly sold in North America, where they are popular among owner-operators and long-haul drivers who value comfort, style, and power. However, they may face difficulties in operating in other regions, where they are less preferred and accessible. Scania trucks are widely sold in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America, where they are preferred by fleet owners and drivers who value efficiency, safety, and performance . However, they are less popular in North America, where they face stiff competition from other brands. Consider the availability and accessibility of both brands in your location and market before making a decision.
- Consider your personal preference and opinion: Both Peterbilt and Scania trucks have their own pros and cons, depending on what you are looking for in a truck. Some truck drivers may prefer Peterbilt trucks for their classic look and strong engine, while others may prefer Scania trucks for their modern design and fuel economy. Ultimately, the best truck for you is the one that meets your needs and preferences.
Recap
Peterbilt and Scania have a reputation for producing quality trucks, and each has its own strengths and characteristics. The choice between Peterbilt and Scania trucks depends on various factors, including your specific needs, regional preferences, and personal preferences.
Consider factors like the type of haulage you do, the terrain you operate in, fuel costs, maintenance needs, and local regulations when making your decision. Additionally, test-driving and comparing specific models from both manufacturers helps you make an informed choice that aligns with your business goals.