Serious Trucks. for Serious Truckers. Western Star Advantages

Highway Competitive Comparison Guide

Cover

Serious trucks. For serious truckers. Western Star Advantages

WS-Comparsion_Booklet-8-sleeper-11-4-08.indd 1 12/3/08 8:43:53 AM This study and document was completed by a third party company and is intended for the exclusive use of Western Star dealer personnel. The information and conclusions contained in this booklet relating to competitive products are believed to be accurate at the time of analysis and publication, but do not necessarily apply to other similar competitive vehicles containing different specifications and/or later dates of manufacture. While every effort was made to provide accurate and realistic comparisons, differently specified vehicles or vehicles manufactured subsequent to publication could yield different results.

WS/MC-B-298 12/15/08 KCM101

WS-Comparsion_Booklet-8-sleeper-11-4-08.indd 2 12/3/08 8:43:58 AM Introduction: Competitive Comparison Guide—Highway

The purpose of this guide is to provide Western Star Sales Professionals with an easy-to-use reference tool when comparing the Western Star 4900EX to the Kenworth W900L and the Peterbilt 389 extended hood products. The guide follows the traditional Western Star walk- around format to make it easier for you to showcase the advantages of the Western Star 4900EX with your valued customers. Good selling.

WS-Comparsion_Booklet-8-sleeper-11-4-08.indd 3 12/3/08 8:44:01 AM Exterior: cab

Western Star Kenworth Peterbilt 4900ex W900L 389

WESTERN STAR ADVANTAGES • Durable high-strength cab for quiet, comfortable ride • Rivetless construction for extended wear • Broad cab construction—over 10" wider than competitive models at A and B pillars • Move from cab to sleeper easily— flat floor, generous headroom (See sleeper section for more detail)

82" Ultra High Roof Stratosphere Sleeper 72" AeroCab Aerodyne Sleeper 70" Ultracab Unibilt Sleeper

B A

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CONSTRUCTION Cab material • Conventional-style • Aluminum cab with fiberglass roof • All aluminum • Durable, quiet galvanealed steel • Huck-bolted • Huck-bolted • Double-walled, spot-welded, stamped • Exposed rivets may loosen over time • Exposed rivets may loosen over time • Flexible, malleable, won’t crack • Semi-monocoque • Frameless mono-body style EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS A. A to A pillar 79.5" 64" 63" B. B to B pillar 82.25" 72" 72" BBOS (bumper to back of sleeper) 206" (82" sleeper) 192" (72" sleeper) 201" (70" sleeper) Wheelbase 265" 264" 267" FIREWALL Features • Reinforced • Wires inaccessible • Wires inaccessible • Easy maintenance due to wire accessibility EXTERIOR PAINT Durability • 17-stage e-coat process • One color Imron exterior paint is standard • Dupont single stage non-metallic • 350 degree curing process paint, one color cab/hood is standard • One color white PPG single stage is standard Floor • Offers lightweight composite floor • Aluminum • Aluminum • Steel is standard

WS-Comparsion_Booklet-8-sleeper-11-4-08.indd 5 12/3/08 8:44:06 AM Exterior: Hood, Bumper, grille and Other Components

Western Star Kenworth Peterbilt 4900ex W900l 389

WESTERN STAR ADVANTAGES • Hood features blade alignment closure for increased stability • Individually replaceable bars in grille to minimize repair and costs • More exhaust routing options

Replaceable vertical grille bars Non-replaceable grille bars Non-replaceable grille bars

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BUMPER Standard • 16" steel plate, painted with chip guard • Straight aluminum channel with • Steel, chromed natural finish HOOD Standard hood • Fiberglass hood with stainless steel • Straight, wide UnitglasTM hood with • Aluminum hood fender filler panel grille and shell Hood features • Spring assisted, 90 degree tilt • Spring assisted, 90 degree tilt • Spring assisted, 90 degree tilt • “No doghouse” design allows for better engine accessibility • Adjustable with floating pins and knife adjusters Closure • Blade alignment • Tubular alignment • Tubular alignment Grille • Hood-mounted aluminum • Oversized aluminum • Oversized aluminum • Individually replaceable vertical bars • Internal or attachable bug screen • Internal or attachable bug screen EXHAUST Standard • Chrome or stainless steel top of stack with • Stack and pipe located next to step • Minimal shielding on passenger ceramic coating to help dissipate heat could be a safety concern side could be a safety concern • Many routing options • Diffuser at the top of stack overheats • Zero clearance between passenger and whistles at high speed door swing and exhaust shield • No routing options • Diffuser at the top of stack overheats and whistles at high speed • No routing options

WS-Comparsion_Booklet-8-sleeper-11-4-08.indd 7 12/3/08 8:44:07 AM Exterior: Windshield and Windows

Western Star Kenworth Peterbilt 4900ex W900l 389

WESTERN STAR ADVANTAGES • Windshield is taller and wider than competitive models, affording greater visibility

2-piece windshield

1-piece windshield 2-piece windshield 1-piece windshield 2-piece windshield

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WINDSHIELD Construction • Two-piece curved bonded is standard • One-piece with curved glass is standard • Flat glass • Rope-in is optional • Two-piece, roped in optional • Two-piece Height of glass 25" 21" 20.25" Upper and lower width N/A 58" N/A of windshield (1 pc.) Upper width of windshield (2 pc.) 31.75" N/A 29.75" Lower width of windshield (2 pc.) 34" N/A 28" Width between 2 pc. glass 3" N/A 1.75" Total glass area 1,578 sq. in. 1,218 sq. in. 1,169 sq. in. WIPERS Length of wiper blade 19.5" 18" 18"

Notes:

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sight line of

–

MEASUREMENT LINE

H Distance from bumper to 3 ft. high object

G A B Viewing Location Measurement Criteria: F

• Driver’s seat located 34" from center of fuel pedal to inside of seat back E • Distance from cab floor to driver’s eye 48" C • Distance measured from bumper to 3 ft. object D

WS-Comparsion_Booklet-8-sleeper-11-4-08.indd 10 12/3/08 8:44:10 AM Western Star Kenworth Peterbilt 4900ex w900l 389

MEASURED VISIBILITY A. Left side—far edge of glass 32" 40" -9" B. Left side—closest point near dash 21" 29" 23" C. Straight ahead view 97.5" 166" 139" D. View over center of hood 148.5" 243" 155" E. View over right-hand corner 118" 169" 181" F. View at wiper blade 106.5" 143" 144" G. Right side—closest point near dash 43" 66" 24" H. Right side—far edge of glass -46" 65" -15" WINDOWS Side windows • Manual both sides standard • RH power window controls standard • RH power window controls standard • RH or dual power optional

Notes:

WS-Comparsion_Booklet-8-sleeper-11-4-08.indd 11 12/3/08 8:44:10 AM Exterior: Doors

Western Star Kenworth Peterbilt 4900ex W900l 389

WESTERN STAR ADVANTAGES B B • Vastly larger door opening than competitive models for B increased comfort while entering and exiting cab

A A A

C/D C/D C/D

WS-Comparsion_Booklet-8-sleeper-11-4-08.indd 12 12/3/08 8:44:11 AM Western Star Kenworth Peterbilt 4900ex w900l 389

CONSTRUCTION Material • Steel • Aluminum • Aluminum • Double-sealed • Single gasket seal • Single gasket seal • Door latch gasket • No door latch gasket • No door latch gasket DIMENSIONS A. Driver’s side height 56" 52" 53" (dimension to outside of door) B. Driver’s side width 39" 33" 34" (dimension to outside of door) C. Driver’s side latch to strike plate 39" 33" 29" D. Driver’s side latch to first obstacle 41" 32.5" 18.5"

Notes:

WS-Comparsion_Booklet-8-sleeper-11-4-08.indd 13 12/3/08 8:44:11 AM Exterior: Doors continued

Western Star Kenworth Peterbilt 4900ex W900l 389

WESTERN STAR ADVANTAGES • Concealed steel hinges are not susceptible to weather and wear like competitive models’ hinges • Double-sealed doors keep noise, wind and cold outside

Double-seal door Single-seal door Single-seal door

WS-Comparsion_Booklet-8-sleeper-11-4-08.indd 14 12/3/08 8:44:13 AM Western Star Kenworth Peterbilt 4900ex w900l 389

HINGES Construction • High-strength, forged steel hinges • Stainless steel piano hinges • Stainless steel piano hinges • Enclosed for a flush exterior surface • Exposed to elements • Exposed to elements • Proper alignment and long life • Susceptible to wear • Susceptible to wear • Adjustable • Guide plates required on lower • Guide plates required on lower doorframe doorframe • Non-adjustable • Non-adjustable DRIVER SIDE STEPS First step 19.5" 17.5" 15.5" Second step 17.5" 17.5" 16.5" Cab entry 13.5" 16.5" 16.5" RIGHT DOOR Visibility window • RH visability window with Fresnel lens • RH visability window, no lens • RH visability window, no lens

Notes:

WS-Comparsion_Booklet-8-sleeper-11-4-08.indd 15 12/3/08 8:44:13 AM Exterior: Mirrors and Headlights

Western Star Kenworth Peterbilt 4900ex W900l 389

WESTERN STAR ADVANTAGES • Western Star’s broader cab allows for shorter, sturdier mirror brackets that minimize vibration • Concealed mirror wiring reduces potential damage and exposure • Optional cab-mounted mirrors for reduced vibration and noise

WS-Comparsion_Booklet-8-sleeper-11-4-08.indd 16 12/3/08 8:44:14 AM Western Star Kenworth Peterbilt 4900ex w900l 389

MIRRORS Size and type • Dual stainless door-mounted • Prutsman • Stainless steel rear-view mirrors mirrors standard • Dual 7" x 16" • 7" x 16" • 7" x 16" • Includes 7.5" RH convex mirror • Convex mirror over RH door • Includes 7.5" RH convex mirror and below each rear-view mirror Mounting • Door mounted standard • LH, RH fixed • Wider brackets vibrate • Cab mounted optional • Wider brackets vibrate and loosen over time • Concealed wiring and loosen over time • Exposed wiring • Cab-mounted • Exposed wiring Heat • Optional • Standard • Optional Electric • Two types available • Two types available • Two types available HEADLIGHTS Standard • Dual, rectangular • Dual, rectangular • Single, pod mounted • Halogen • Halogen • Halogen • Hood integrated • Hood integrated

Notes:

WS-Comparsion_Booklet-8-sleeper-11-4-08.indd 17 12/3/08 8:44:14 AM interior: Dash, Steering Wheel and Foot Controls

Western Star Kenworth Peterbilt 4900ex W900l 389

WESTERN STAR ADVANTAGES • Luxurious, comfortable interior with quality finishes and real wood cabinetry • More spacious than competitive models due to “no doghouse” design • Convenient serviceability due to the hinged dash • Steering wheel travel exceeds that of competitive models

WS-Comparsion_Booklet-8-sleeper-11-4-08.indd 18 12/3/08 8:44:15 AM Western Star Kenworth Peterbilt 4900EX w900l 389

DASH Gauges • Black bezel, back-lit, high quality gauges • Chrome bezel, back-lit gauges, ergonomic • Satin burlwood instrument panel made in Switzerland, ergonomic layout, dash controls, automotive-style dash, with back-lit, black bezel gauges, dome-style lense to reduce glare flat lense ergonomic dash controls, • Stainless or gold bezel optional automotive-style dash, flat lense Multiplexing options • Full customization of gauge locations • Limited customization of gauge location • Limited customization of gauge available—can be easily adjusted by driver location • Easy to repair/replace due to easy access dash Behind-dash access • Dash has hinge across bottom and exposed • No exposed screws or hinge • No exposed screws or hinge screws for easier serviceability

Notes:

WS-Comparsion_Booklet-8-sleeper-11-4-08.indd 19 12/3/08 8:44:15 AM interior: Dash, Steering Wheel and Foot Controls continued

Western Star Kenworth Peterbilt 4900ex W900l 389

WESTERN STAR ADVANTAGES • Generous foot well with suspended pedals for added safety

Kenworth and Peterbilt floor-mounted brake pedal susceptible to interference from dropped objects on floor

WS-Comparsion_Booklet-8-sleeper-11-4-08.indd 20 12/3/08 8:44:18 AM Western Star Kenworth Peterbilt 4900EX w900l 389

STEERING WHEEL Telescopic steering wheel travel 4.25" 2.75" 2.75" Wheel design • 20", 2-spoke standard for better • 18", 4-spoke standard • 18" soft touch wheel standard gauge visibility • Automotive style • Automotive style • 18" option, 20", leather and wood wrap options Steering shaft • Spline placed inside the cab by reversing • Spline exposed under the hood • Spline exposed under the hood the shaft U-joints • Two joints • Three joints • Three joints FOOT CONTROLS Foot well • Suspended clutch and brake for • Clutch suspended, brake floor mounted • Floor mounted added safety • Only 4" of space between clutch and door, • Integrated “dead” pedal • Generous space in the foot well driver must rest foot under clutch • Foot well lighting • Lighting in door • Right foot has nowhere to go due • Integrated “dead” pedal to center console • Under dash floor lighting • Integrated “dead” pedal Doghouse • Generous leg room on right side • Limited right side space due • Limited right side space to doghouse protrusion due to doghouse protrusion

WS-Comparsion_Booklet-8-sleeper-11-4-08.indd 21 12/3/08 8:44:18 AM interior: Driving Space

WESTERN STAR ADVANTAGES • The most spacious cab available K with measurements exceeding F those of competitive models I/J in most categories • Generous leg and belly room G/H for drivers of all sizes • Wide center aisle D/E • Generous left side—arm not pressed against window • No doghouse design

B/C A

WS-Comparsion_Booklet-8-sleeper-11-4-08.indd 22 12/3/08 8:44:18 AM Western Star Kenworth Peterbilt 4900EX w900l 389

LEG, ELBOW AND BELLY ROOM A. Center of fuel pedal to seat base 22" 17.5" 18.75" B. Center of fuel pedal to front 11.75" 13" 10.25" of seat—forward C. Center of fuel pedal to front 20.5" 20" 17.75" of seat—back D. Dashboard to front of seat 2" 12.75" 19.25" cushion—seat forward E. Dashboard to front of seat 11.5" due to wing dash 16.75" 14.75" cushion—seat back F. Distance between seat backs 27" 15.75" 17" at mid-back level G. “A” pillar to “A” pillar—upper 67.25" 57.5" 58.25" measurement at headliner H. “A” pillar to “A” pillar—lower 71.5" 57" 57.25" measurement at dash I. Cab width at shoulder level—glass 80" 68" 66" J. Cab width at hip level 75.5" 62.5" 61.5" K. “B” to “B” pillar at mid level 73" 60.5" 65.5" (top of dash height)

WS-Comparsion_Booklet-8-sleeper-11-4-08.indd 23 12/3/08 8:44:18 AM interior: Climate Control, Seats and Interior

Western Star Kenworth Peterbilt 4900ex W900l 389

WESTERN STAR ADVANTAGES • Offers the greatest degree of forward and back seat travel to comfortably accommodate every driver • HVAC controls ergonomically located higher on dash for ease of operation

WS-Comparsion_Booklet-8-sleeper-11-4-08.indd 24 12/3/08 8:44:19 AM Western Star Kenworth Peterbilt 4900EX w900l 389

SEATS Driver • Bostrom Talledega 915 High Back Air • Air Cushion Plus is standard • Peterbilt UltraRide is standard Suspension is standard Passenger • Bostrom High Back Non-Suspension is standard • Kenworth steel toolbox, plus two-tone • Peterbilt UltraRide with storage • 2-man passenger seat available seat with foam padding compartment SEAT TRAVEL Seat travel—forward and back 8.75" 7" 7.5" Seat travel—up and down 6" 6.25" 6.5" SEAT SIZE Front of seat cushion to back 21.75" 21" 21" of seat at 90°—total depth Width of seat cushion 21.25" 21.5" 21" STANDARD INTERIOR Cab interior • Dakota Gray • Splendor • ProBilt HVAC Standard • Heater/defroster/air conditioning; • Heater/defroster/air conditioning; • Combination fresh air heater/ cab with radiator mounted condenser cab with radiator-mounted condenser air conditioner in cab with radiator-mounted condenser Controls • Ergonomically located higher • Located in leg space • Ergonomically located higher

WS-Comparsion_Booklet-8-sleeper-11-4-08.indd 25 12/3/08 8:44:19 AM interior: Sleeper

Western Star Kenworth Peterbilt 4900ex W900l 389

WESTERN STAR ADVANTAGES • Tallest interior in the bunk area • Deepest sleeper area • Can stand up in the cab and walk to the sleeper • Room for more amenities in the sleeper

82" Ultra High Roof Stratosphere Sleeper 72" AeroCab Aerodyne Sleeper 70" Ultracab Unibilt Sleeper

WS-Comparsion_Booklet-8-sleeper-11-4-08.indd 26 12/3/08 8:44:20 AM Western Star Kenworth Peterbilt 4900EX w900l 389

Sleeper space Floor to bottom of overhead storage 53" 51.5" 53" Floor to headliner—front edge of seat 64" 59.25" 62.5" Floor to ceiling at “B” pillar 79.25" 72" 63.5" Floor to ceiling in front of bunk 90" 84" 78.5" Floor to top of lower bunk 21" 18.25" 15.5" Lower bunk to top of upper bunk 47" 33" 31.5" Upper bunk to ceiling at sleeper back 29" 27" 24.5" Lower bunk to ceiling 76" 60" 57.5" Distance from back of seat to back wall 76.5" 62" 71" of sleeper—seat back Distance from back of seat to back wall 86.5" 69.75" 79.25" of sleeper—seat forward Total height at rear of sleeper 97" 78.25" 71.5" Sleeper depth from fuel pedal to back wall 120" 103.75" 110.5" INTERIOR Storage Total interior storage volume 418 cu. ft. 374.5 cu. ft. 363 cu. ft. Total storage volume 56.27 cu. ft. 29.23 cu. ft. 55.46 cu. ft.

WS-Comparsion_Booklet-8-sleeper-11-4-08.indd 27 12/3/08 8:44:20 AM interior: Sleeper continued

Western Star Kenworth Peterbilt 4900ex W900l 389

WESTERN STAR ADVANTAGES • Largest sleeper in the industry • Tallest access door • Lightest sleeper in the industry

82" Ultra High Roof Stratosphere Sleeper 72" AeroCab Aerodyne Sleeper 70" Ultracab Unibilt Sleeper

WS-Comparsion_Booklet-8-sleeper-11-4-08.indd 28 12/3/08 8:44:24 AM Western Star Kenworth Peterbilt 4900EX w900l 389

BAGGAGE DOOR Baggage door: inside door 17.25" 25" 18.75" opening height Baggage door: inside door 25" 15" 26.5" opening width Access DOOR Access door: inside door opening height 37.75" 33" 17.25" Access door: inside door opening width 25" 25" 29" FLOOR BETWEEN CAB and SLEEPER Surface • Flat surface • Step down • Step down SLEEPER WEIGHT Weight • Lightest sleeper in industry • Aluminum structure, tubular framed • Aluminum structure, tubular framed due to aluminum/composite honeycomb construction CONVERSION Ease of conversion • Day cab conversion option • Day cab conversion option • Day cab conversion option

WS-Comparsion_Booklet-8-sleeper-11-4-08.indd 29 12/3/08 8:44:24 AM chassis

Western Star Kenworth Peterbilt 4900ex W900l 389

WESTERN STAR ADVANTAGES • Recessed fasteners on frame rail prevent trailer damage • Shot-peened construction and tubular cross structure for greater strength and durability • P-clamps prevent excessive wear on wires Recessed fasteners on frame rail Recessed fasteners on frame rail Exposed fasteners on frame rail • Wide track axle provides exceptional turning capability

WS-Comparsion_Booklet-8-sleeper-11-4-08.indd 30 12/3/08 8:44:28 AM Western Star Kenworth Peterbilt 4900EX w900l 389

FRAMES Fasteners on the tapered • Recessed fasteners on ramping for tractor • Exposed fasteners • Exposed fasteners edge of frame rail applications to prevent trailer damage Durability • Shot-peened to strengthen metal • Not shot-peened • Not shot-peened after holes/bolts inserted • Huck-bolted • Huck-bolted • Bolted (grade 8) CROSS MEMBERS Construction • Tubular cross structure and C-channel • C-channel • C-channel CHASSIS WIRING Wiring • Utilizes P-clamps (brass/rubber) and bundle • No P-clamps • No P-clamps covers to keep wires away from rail and to • Wiring and plumbing bundled together avoid chaffing and mounted high in frame • Welded stand-offs for air piping and electrical • Optional air piping down one rail and wiring down the other for easy maintenance

Notes:

WS-Comparsion_Booklet-8-sleeper-11-4-08.indd 31 12/3/08 8:44:29 AM under hood

Western Star Kenworth Peterbilt 4900ex W900l 389

WESTERN STAR ADVANTAGES • The largest radiator capacity in the industry • Copper brass radiator core is more durable than competitors’ aluminum • Secure underslung fuel tank mounting system offers added safety Detroit Diesel Series 60 (shown above) Cummins ISX (shown above) Cummins ISX (shown above)

WS-Comparsion_Booklet-8-sleeper-11-4-08.indd 32 12/3/08 8:44:31 AM Western Star Kenworth Peterbilt 4900EX w900l 389

RADIATOR Capacity • Up to 1875 sq. in. frontal area • Up to 1430 sq. in. • Up to 1669 sq. in. Core • Aluminum is standard • Bolted aluminum and susceptible • Bolted aluminum and susceptible • Optional copper brass radiator core to damage from vibration to damage from vibration is ideal for severe duty applications • Resistant to rust and vibration ENGINE Capacity • Up to 625 hp • Up to 600 hp • Up to 600 hp Mounting • Nodal mount rear engine support off • Engine to frame • Engine to frame transmission to frame—less vibration and harmonics FUEL TANKS Size • 23" and 25" available • One 100 gallon, 24.5" diameter aluminum • 20", 23" and 26" available • One 100 gallon aluminum standard tank standard • Two 100 gallon 26" diameter • 50 to 190 gallon available aluminum fuel tanks standard Bands • Standard 4" fuel tank bands • 2" straps prone to slippage • 2" stainless steel straps prone to in rough road conditions slippage in rough road conditions Brackets • Underslung “J” brackets hold tank • Strap-mounted bracket suspends tank, • Strap-mounted bracket suspends tank drops if strap breaks tank, tank drops if strap breaks

WS-Comparsion_Booklet-8-sleeper-11-4-08.indd 33 12/3/08 8:44:31 AM Under hood: serviceability

Western Star Kenworth Peterbilt 4900ex W900l 389

WESTERN STAR ADVANTAGES • Convenient breaker/fuse box location • Hinged dash allows for convenient, quick access • More under bunk storage due to HVAC location • Power distribution box puts fuses, relays and breakers in one location

WS-Comparsion_Booklet-8-sleeper-11-4-08.indd 34 12/3/08 8:44:34 AM Western Star Kenworth Peterbilt 4900EX w900l 389

CAB Mounting • Higher than KW or Pete for easier access • Cab mounted close to frame reduces • Cab mounted close to frame reduces to engine and cooling systems, top-of- access to engine and cooling systems, access to engine and cooling systems, transmission service—better visibility air manifold, top-of-transmission service air manifold, top-of-transmission service BATTERY Box • Non-polished diamond plate aluminum • Aluminum battery box, polymer cover, • Aluminum battery box with non-slip cover, LH under cab standard LH under cab step mounted LH under cab • Other mounting options available Equipment • 12-volt maintenance-free batteries • 12-volt maintenance-free batteries • 12-volt dual-purpose batteries FUSE BOX Location • Located left of glove box behind panel, • Located behind clutch pedal, driver must • Located behind clutch pedal, driver removes with four Phillip screws from inside stand outside of truck to access, area is dark must stand outside of truck to access, cab while seated on the passenger seat and unlit area is dark and unlit DASH Access • Hinged dash with exposed screws provide • No exposed screws or hinge • No exposed screws or hinge easy access x

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