Mercedes-Benz Actros vs Peterbilt 579
The Mercedes-Benz Actros is ahead on: bigger fuel tank. The Peterbilt 579 is ahead on: more power, more torque, narrower to transport.
Below, every figure both makers publish sits side by side, with the Mercedes-Benz Actros and the Peterbilt 579 drawn to the same scale from their dimension drawings.
At a glance
Bold is the machine ahead on each figure, with its lead.
| Figure | Mercedes-Benz Actros | Peterbilt 579 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross powerHigher is better | 290 kW | 451 kW+56% |
| Max torqueHigher is better | 1,900 Nm | 2,779 Nm+46% |
| Fuel tankHigher is better | 860 L+51% | 568 L |
| Overall widthLower is better | 2.5 m | 2.388 m+4% |
All specifications
Every figure the makers publish. Search for one, or show only those that differ.
Dimensions
Overall length6.925 mNot published
Overall width2.5 m2.388 mTop view, excluding mirrors
Overall height (cab roof)3.527 mtotal height incl. air intakeNot published
Wheelbase3.3 mfront axle to first rear axleNot published
Tandem axle spacing1.35 mNot published
Front overhang1.5 m1.234 m
Rear overhang0.75 mframe overhang behind last axleNot published
Fifth wheel lead1.25 mahead of rear-axle centre (code H1N)Not published
Frame height at front1.016 mladen; 1.107 m unladenNot published
Frame height at rear1.022 mladen; 1.094 m unladenNot published
Ground clearance0.312 mat rear; 0.317 m at frontNot published
Front track2.058 mNot published
Rear track1.804 mNot published
Turning circle18.2 mNot published
Bumper to back of cab (BBC)Not published3.15 m124 in BBC; SBFA
Front of frame to front axleNot published0.795 mFOF
Front axle to back of cabNot published1.882 mFAX to BOC
Cab height above frameNot published2.052 mFrom bottom of frame rail
Cab floor height above frameNot published0.406 mFrom bottom of frame rail
Width over mirrorsNot published3.063 mFront view
Bumper to back of cab (118 in BBC variant)Not published2.997 m579-118 SBFA
Front axle to back of cab (118 in BBC variant)Not published1.732 m579-118 SBFA; FAX to BOC
Sleeper roof height above frame (44 in low roof)Not published2.126 m
Sleeper roof height above frame (58 in low roof)Not published2.172 m
Sleeper roof height above frame (58 in high roof)Not published2.586 m
Sleeper roof height above frame (72 in high roof)Not published2.586 m
Sleeper roof height above frame (80 in high roof)Not published2.637 m
Sleeper length (44 in sleeper)Not published0.914 m
Sleeper length (58 in sleeper)Not published1.219 m
Sleeper length (72 in sleeper)Not published1.6 m
Sleeper length (80 in sleeper)Not published1.753 m
Cab-to-sleeper opening height (low roof)Not published1.245 mDimension A, walkthrough opening
Cab-to-sleeper opening width (low roof)Not published1.73 mDimension B, walkthrough opening
Cab-to-sleeper opening height (high roof)Not published1.689 mDimension A, walkthrough opening
Cab-to-sleeper opening width (high roof)Not published1.73 mDimension B, walkthrough opening
Sleeper headroom (80 in UltraLoft)Not published2.438 m
Sleeper storage volume (80 in UltraLoft)Not published1.98 m³
Weight
Kerb weight9,363 kgNot published
GVW33,000 kgNot published
GCW68,000 kgmanufacturer's gross combination massNot published
Front axle load8,000 kgmanufacturer's ratingNot published
Rear axle load26,000 kgtandem, manufacturer's ratingNot published
Fifth-wheel load13,764 kgrear-axle payload at permissible massNot published
Front axle capacityNot published6,622 kg
Rear axle capacityNot published20,865 kg
Front axle capacity (minimum option)Not published5,443 kg
Rear axle capacity (minimum option)Not published9,525 kg
Rear tandem axle rating (PACCAR DX-40)Not published18,144 kgTandem GAWR
Max gross combination weight (PACCAR DX-40 axle)Not published36,287 kgAxle GCW limit
Max operating weight (PACCAR MX-13 engine)Not published63,503 kg
Max operating weight (PACCAR MX-11 engine)Not published49,895 kgEngine maximum operating weight
Max gross combination weight (PACCAR TX-12 transmission)Not published49,895 kgStandard TX-12 limit
Max gross combination weight (PACCAR TX-12 PRO transmission)Not published31,751 kg
Max operating weight (PACCAR TX-18 transmission)Not published63,503 kg
Engine dry weight (PACCAR MX-13)Not published1,134 kg
Engine dry weight (PACCAR MX-11)Not published998 kg
Engine
Engine modelMercedes-Benz OM 460, inline 6PACCAR MX-13, PACCAR MX-11, Cummins X15, Cummins X15N, Cummins ISX12N, Cummins L9N
EmissionsEuro IIINot published
Cylinders6Not published
Displacement12.8 LNot published
Gross power290 kW (394 hp)at 1,600 rpm451 kW (605 hp)Cummins X15, top rating
Max torque1,900 Nmat 1,100 rpm2,779 NmCummins X15, top rating
Displacement (PACCAR MX-13)Not published12.9 L
Power (PACCAR MX-13)Not published380 kW (510 hp)
Torque (PACCAR MX-13)Not published2,508 Nm
Displacement (PACCAR MX-11)Not published10.8 L
Power (PACCAR MX-11)Not published332 kW (445 hp)
Torque (PACCAR MX-11)Not published2,305 Nm
Displacement (Cummins X15)Not published15 L
Displacement (Cummins X15N)Not published14.5 L
Power (Cummins X15N)Not published373 kW (500 hp)Maximum rating, up to 500 hp
Torque (Cummins X15N)Not published2,508 NmMaximum rating, up to 1,850 lb-ft
Displacement (Cummins ISX12N)Not published11.9 L
Power (Cummins ISX12N)Not published298 kW (400 hp)Maximum rating, up to 400 hp
Torque (Cummins ISX12N)Not published1,966 NmMaximum rating, up to 1,450 lb-ft
Displacement (Cummins L9N)Not published8.9 L
Power (Cummins L9N)Not published239 kW (320 hp)Single rating
Torque (Cummins L9N)Not published1,356 NmSingle rating
Transmission
GearboxG 330-12/11.63-0.77, Mercedes PowerShift 3, 12-speedNot published
ClutchSingle-disc clutchNot published
Rear axle ratioi = 4.143Not published
Rear axlesCrown wheel 300, planetary hub reduction, 2 x 13.4 tNot published
TransmissionNot publishedPACCAR TX-12 PRO automated (engines up to 1,000 lb-ft, GCWR up to 70,000 lb)
Sleeper optionsNot published44 in to 80 in; 80 in UltraLoft
Transmission (PACCAR TX-12)Not published12-speed automated, on-highway fuel efficiency; 2 reverse; max engine 510 hp / 1,850 lb-ft; max GCWR 110,000 lb; system weight 657 lb (298 kg)
Transmission (PACCAR TX-12 PRO)Not published12-speed automated, extreme-duty clutch; max engine 455 hp / 1,700 lb-ft; max GCWR 70,000 lb; system weight 665 lb (302 kg)
Transmission (PACCAR TX-18)Not published18-speed automated, vocational / heavy haul; max engine 510 hp / 1,850 lb-ft; max operating weight 140,000 lb; system weight 808 lb (367 kg)
Transmission (Endurant HD)Not published12-speed automated, on-highway fuel efficiency
Transmission (Endurant XD)Not published18-speed automated, vocational, heavy haul, high performance
Transmission (Eaton FR/RT)Not publishedManual; 9, 10, 11, 13, 15 or 18 speeds
Transmission (Eaton UltraShift PLUS)Not publishedAutomated; 10, 11, 13 or 18 speeds
Drive axle ratio range (PACCAR DX-40)Not published2.47 to 3.70; 1,650 lb-ft straight torque rating, 1,850 lb-ft multi-torque rating
Tyres
Tyres315/80 R 22.5 on 9.00x22.5 rims, front and rearNot published
Service capacities
Fuel tank860 L430 L left + 430 L right568 L
Capacities
Fuel tank (smallest option)Not published151 L
Fuel tank diametersNot published20 in, 23 in or 26 in
DEF tank (small)Not published38.6 L
DEF tank (medium)Not published60.9 L
DEF tank (large)Not published76.1 L
DEF tank (medium aero)Not published52.6 L
DEF tank (large aero)Not published67.8 L
Service intervals
Engine oil and filterNot published120,000 km
Fifth wheelNot published24,000 kmor monthly: inspect, grease
Axle and gearbox first-fill oilNot publishedfirst change at 3,000-5,000 mi (4,800-8,000 km); level check every 15,000 mi (24,000 km)
Sources: Mercedes-Benz Actros 5 3340S 6x4 truck tractor technical specifications, version 01/2020 (Tecnica Industrial, Mozambique) · Peterbilt 2024 Heavy Duty Body Builder Manual, Rev A (May 2024), Figure 3-4 Model 579-124 SBFA overall dimensions
Drawn to scale
Side views measured off each maker's dimension drawing, front edges and ground lined up.
Mercedes-Benz Actros vs Peterbilt 579: questions
Which has more power, the Mercedes-Benz Actros or Peterbilt 579?
The Peterbilt 579: Mercedes-Benz Actros 290 kW (394 hp), Peterbilt 579 451 kW (605 hp) (gross power), a 56% difference.
Which has the bigger fuel tank, the Mercedes-Benz Actros or Peterbilt 579?
The Mercedes-Benz Actros: Mercedes-Benz Actros 860 L, Peterbilt 579 568 L (fuel tank), a 51% difference.
Which is narrower to transport, the Mercedes-Benz Actros or Peterbilt 579?
The Peterbilt 579: Mercedes-Benz Actros 2.5 m, Peterbilt 579 2.388 m (overall width), a 4% difference.
Where do these figures come from?
Each model's own published spec sheet or brochure, linked under the table. Builds differ by market and year, so confirm the figures for a particular machine with its dealer.
Can I rent or buy these machines in the UAE?
Each model's page lists the ones for hire and for sale on EquipmentsFinder now, with typical prices in AED.
