Diesels engines are generally noisy due to this high detonation pressure. Diesels are built a lot tougher due to this detonation also. Stronger internal parts, larger oil and coolant capacities,etc. Getting 250,000 miles from a diesel without any repairs is normal. Diesels cannot rev as high as a gas engine due to higher reciprocating mass.
Diesel engines make a truck sound tough.
On newer engines for heavy trucks, such as Caterpillar's 3406E, You can buy a truck with a 325 horsepower engine. Down the road you decide it doesn't have enough power. You leave with 400 horses, nothing mechanical done to the engine.