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Peterbilt 389 vs Peterbilt 579

The Peterbilt 579 is ahead on: narrower to transport.

Below, every figure both makers publish sits side by side, with the Peterbilt 389 and the Peterbilt 579 drawn to the same scale from their dimension drawings.

  1. Peterbilt · truck

    Peterbilt 389

    Full specsPDF

  2. Peterbilt · truck

    Peterbilt 579

    Full specsPDF

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At a glance

Bold is the machine ahead on each figure, with its lead.

FigurePeterbilt 389Peterbilt 579
Overall widthLower is better2.408 m2.388 m+1%

All specifications

Every figure the makers publish. Search for one, or show only those that differ.

Dimensions

Bumper to back of cab (BBC)3.343 m389-131 (131 in hood)3.15 m124 in BBC; SBFA
Front overhang0.787 m1.234 m
Front axle to back of cab2.555 mFAB1.882 mFAX to BOC
Front of frame to front axle0.498 m0.795 mFOF
Cab height above frame2.017 mFrom bottom of frame rail2.052 mFrom bottom of frame rail
Overall width2.408 mTop view2.388 mTop view, excluding mirrors
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

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 modelNot publishedPACCAR MX-13, PACCAR MX-11, Cummins X15, Cummins X15N, Cummins ISX12N, Cummins L9N
Gross powerNot published451 kW (605 hp)Cummins X15, top rating
Max torqueNot published2,779 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

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

Capacities

Fuel tankNot published568 L
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: Peterbilt Heavy Duty Body Builder Manual, March 2015 Rev A, Figure 3-1 Model 389-131 overall dimensions · 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.

0 m1 m2 m3 m4 m5 m6 m7 m
Peterbilt 389Peterbilt 579Same scale, front edges and ground lined up.

Peterbilt 389 vs Peterbilt 579: questions

Which is narrower to transport, the Peterbilt 389 or Peterbilt 579?

The Peterbilt 579: Peterbilt 389 2.408 m, Peterbilt 579 2.388 m (overall width), a 1% 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.

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