Engine comparison
Mack MP8 vs Volvo D13: Are They the Same Engine?
No. The Mack MP8 and Volvo D13 are closely related but not the same engine. Both makers list a 13-liter inline-six with the same 5.16 × 6.22 in (131 × 158 mm) bore and stroke and 780 cu in displacement. Both sit in the Volvo Group. But Mack lists a 16:1 compression ratio for the MP8 against 18:1 for the D13. Engine-brake power is at different speeds (500 hp at 2,100 rpm versus 2,200 rpm). The dry weight is different too. They are sibling engines, not one engine with two badges.
Figures taken from the manufacturers' own published documents. Last reviewed September 24, 2026.
MP8 vs D13: side-by-side specs
| Spec | Mack MP8 | Volvo D13 |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 13 L class (780 cu in) | 13 L (780 cu in) |
| Bore × stroke | 5.16 in × 6.22 in (131 mm × 158 mm) | 5.16 in × 6.22 in (131 mm × 158 mm) |
| Configuration | 6-cylinder inline, direct-injection diesel | 6-cylinder inline, direct-injection diesel |
| Compression ratio | 16:1 | 18:1 |
| Engine brake retarding power | 500 hp (372 kW) at 2,100 rpm | 500 hp (372 kW) at 2,200 rpm |
| Dry weight (approx.) | 2,597 lb (1,177 kg) | 2,635 lb (1,195 kg) |
| Power and torque (per our engine reference) | 415–505 hp, 1,460–1,860 lb-ft | 405–455 hp, 1,450–1,850 lb-ft |
| Oil interval on the maker's page | 60,000 / 45,000 / 35,000 mi by duty (MY2011+ with EOS-4.5 oil, 42 L pan) | Not stated on the D13 page reviewed; varies by model year |
| Coolant | Long-life coolant replaced at 1,000,000 mi or 96 months | Not stated on the D13 page reviewed |
| Truck it's sold in | Mack Anthem | Volvo VNL |
| Transmission | Mack mDRIVE | Volvo I-Shift (the only transmission offered behind the D13) |
| Published design life and warranty on the page reviewed | Not stated | Not stated |
Full detail for each engine: Mack MP8 guide and Volvo D13 guide.
What actually decides MP8 vs D13?
We don't name a winner: there's no independent, like-for-like study of fuel economy or reliability for these engines. These are the facts that decide it for a given truck and duty cycle.
- Shared architecture helps with parts thinking, but don't assume interchangeability
- A shared bore, stroke and displacement means the two engines belong to the same family. That is why they're often discussed together. The different compression ratios and brake ratings mean they are separately calibrated and specified engines. So confirm any part against the exact engine model, year and serial number. Don't assume a D13 part fits an MP8.
- The truck decides more than the engine
- The engine comes with a truck. The MP8 is the on-highway engine in the Mack Anthem with the mDRIVE transmission. The D13 is the engine in the Volvo VNL with the I-Shift. If you're cross-shopping these two, you're really comparing two trucks, their dealer networks and their written warranties.
- Injector and aftertreatment issues are reported on both
- Repair-industry sources most often cite injector or injector-cup problems, EGR cooler/valve trouble, turbo wear and DEF/aftertreatment faults on both engines. Earlier model years carry most of the reputation. There's no independent failure-rate data. So treat these as inspection points on a used truck, and check the model year.
Put your interval on a schedule with the maintenance scheduler. Decode warning lights with the fault code lookup. Before you buy a used truck, run the VIN decoder and used truck inspection checklist.
More engine comparisons and guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Mack MP8 the same as a Volvo D13?+
They're closely related but not identical. Both are 13-liter inline-sixes in the Volvo Group with the same listed bore, stroke and displacement. But the compression ratios listed are different (16:1 for the MP8, 18:1 for the D13). Engine-brake power is rated at different speeds, and the dry weights differ. These are related engines, not one engine sold under two names.
Can I use Volvo D13 parts on a Mack MP8?+
Don't assume so. The engines share a family and basic dimensions, but they're specified separately. So check the part number against the exact engine model, model year and serial number with a dealer or parts supplier before buying. Some parts may match and others won't.
Which is better, the MP8 or the D13?+
Neither maker publishes a design-life figure on the pages we reviewed, and there's no independent head-to-head study. So we don't name a winner. Choose based on four things. First, the truck around the engine (Anthem or VNL). Second, the written warranty. Third, the service network near your lanes. Fourth, the specific truck's maintenance history.
How often should I change the oil in each?+
Mack lists 60,000 miles for normal duty (over 6 mpg), 45,000 for heavy duty (over 5 mpg) and 35,000 for severe duty. That is for model year 2011 and newer engines with the 42 L pan and EOS-4.5 oil. Volvo's intervals changed between engine generations. So use Volvo's maintenance-intervals page for your exact model year.
Sources
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Specs, intervals and warranty terms change by model year and configuration. Power and torque ranges are from our engine reference. Confirm exact figures for a specific truck against the manufacturer's current documentation and your written warranty before buying or setting a service schedule.
Free tools for a MP8 vs D13 decision
Decode fault codes, keep service on schedule and check a truck before you buy.
- Diesel Fault Code Lookup (SPN/FMI)Decode the SPN/FMI fault codes this engine reports.
- Preventive Maintenance SchedulerTrack oil and filter intervals by odometer for your duty cycle.
- Breakdown Cost EstimatorEstimate what a breakdown costs in repairs and lost revenue.
- Truck Breakdown TriageIf this engine shows a red lamp or overheats, see if you should stop now.