search
Get Started
search

swap_horiz EMD GP38-2 Alternatives

Looking for alternatives to EMD GP38-2? Compare the top Locomotive options ranked by our AI scoring system.

You're looking at alternatives to:
EMD GP38-2

EMD GP38-2

The EMD GP38-2 is a common diesel-electric locomotive manufactured by General Motors Diesel (EMD) between 1972 and 1986. It’s notable for its robust design and reliability within freight service, particularly among major US railroads. This four-axle road switcher is frequently used for hauling goods...

8.8 Great

apps Top EMD GP38-2 Alternatives

The top alternative to EMD GP38-2 in 2026 is EMD SD40-2 with a score of 9.5/10, followed by Electro-Motive Diesel FT (9.4) and EMD FT (9.0).

1
EMD SD40-2

EMD SD40-2

The EMD SD40-2 is a widely used American six-axle diesel-electric locomotive manufactured by General Motors’ Electro-Mot...

Ubiquitous Diesel Freight Emd
9.5 Brilliant
2
Electro-Motive Diesel FT

Electro-Motive Diesel FT

The Electro-Motive Corporation FT was a diesel-electric freight locomotive introduced in 1939. Built as an A-B semi-perm...

American Diesel Freight Emd
9.4 Excellent
3
EMD FT

EMD FT

The EMD FT was a pioneering diesel-electric locomotive built by General Motors’ Electro-Motive Division. Notably, it rep...

Pioneer Diesel Freight Emd
9.0 Excellent
4
EMD GP7

EMD GP7

The EMD GP7 is a classic American diesel-electric locomotive built by General Motors’ Electro-Motive Division. Notable f...

Classic Diesel Mixed Traffic Emd
8.9 Great
5
EMD GP9

EMD GP9

The EMD GP9 is a renowned American diesel-electric locomotive built by General Motors’ Electro-Motive Division. Notably,...

Classic Diesel Mixed Traffic Emd
8.9 Great
6
EMD SD70ACe

EMD SD70ACe

The EMD SD70ACe is a modern six-axle diesel-electric locomotive manufactured by General Motors Diesel (EMD). Introduced...

Modern Diesel Freight Emd
8.7 Great
7
EMD GP40

EMD GP40

The EMD GP40 is a four-axle diesel-electric locomotive built by the Electro-Motive Division (EMD) of General Motors betw...

Diesel Freight Emd Road Switcher
8.4 Great
8
British Rail Class 66

British Rail Class 66

The British Rail Class 66 is a six-axle diesel-electric freight locomotive designed by General Motors Electro-Motive Div...

Ubiquitous UK Diesel Freight
8.3 Great
9
EMD SD70M-2

EMD SD70M-2

The EMD SD70M-2 is a six-axle diesel-electric freight locomotive manufactured by Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD). Introduced...

Diesel Freight Union Pacific Emd
8.3 Great
10
EMD SD45

EMD SD45

General Motors Electro-Motive Division 3,600-horsepower diesel-electric locomotive produced from 1965 to 1971, powered b...

Diesel Freight Emd Six Axle
8.2 Great
11
Alco RS-2

Alco RS-2

The Alco RS-2 is a four-axle B-B diesel-electric road switcher locomotive manufactured by the American Locomotive Compan...

Classic Diesel Freight Road Switcher
8.0 Great
12
Alco RS-3

Alco RS-3

The Alco RS-3 is a four-axle diesel-electric road-switcher locomotive manufactured by the American Locomotive Company (A...

American Diesel Freight Road Switcher
8.0 Great
13
Indian Railways WDG-4

Indian Railways WDG-4

The Indian Railways WDG-4 is a heavy freight diesel-electric locomotive built using technology from Electro-Motive Diese...

Diesel Freight Indian Railways Emd
7.9 Good
14
EMD GP60

EMD GP60

The EMD GP60 is a four-axle, B-B wheel arrangement diesel-electric road-switcher locomotive produced by General Motors E...

High Power Diesel Freight Emd
7.8 Good
15
EMD SD60

EMD SD60

The EMD SD60 is a six-axle diesel-electric freight locomotive manufactured by the Electro-Motive Division of General Mot...

Diesel Freight Microprocessor Emd
7.8 Good
16
Australian Pacific National GT46C-ACe

Australian Pacific National GT46C-ACe

The EMD GT46C-ACe is a heavy-haul diesel-electric locomotive operated by Australian freight company Pacific National. It...

Australian Diesel Freight Emd
7.8 Good
17
EMD GP50

EMD GP50

The EMD GP50 is a four-axle diesel-electric road-switcher built by General Motors' Electro-Motive Division from 1980 to...

Turbocharged Diesel Freight Emd
7.6 Good
18
EMD GP35

EMD GP35

The EMD GP35 is a four-axle diesel-electric road-switcher locomotive produced by the Electro-Motive Division of General...

American General Purpose Diesel Freight
7.6 Good
19
Canadian Pacific SD40-2F

Canadian Pacific SD40-2F

The Canadian Pacific SD40-2F is a distinct model of diesel-electric freight locomotive built by General Motors' Electro-...

Canadian Diesel Freight Emd
7.5 Good
20
EMD SD60M

EMD SD60M

Introduced in 1989, the EMD SD60M is an American six-axle diesel-electric freight locomotive built by General Motors Ele...

American Diesel Freight Emd
7.4 Good

summarize Quick Comparison Summary

Alternative Score vs EMD GP38-2 Action
EMD SD40-2
EMD SD40-2
Locomotive Ubiquitous Diesel Freight
9.5 Brilliant +0.7 Compare
Electro-Motive Diesel FT
Electro-Motive Diesel FT
Locomotive American Diesel Freight
9.4 Excellent +0.6 Compare
EMD FT
EMD FT
Locomotive Pioneer Diesel Freight
9.0 Excellent +0.2 Compare
EMD GP7
EMD GP7
Locomotive Classic Diesel Mixed Traffic
8.9 Great +0.1 Compare
EMD GP9
EMD GP9
Locomotive Classic Diesel Mixed Traffic
8.9 Great +0.1 Compare
EMD SD70ACe
EMD SD70ACe
Locomotive Modern Diesel Freight
8.7 Great -0.1 Compare
EMD GP40
EMD GP40
Locomotive Diesel Freight Emd
8.4 Great -0.4 Compare
British Rail Class 66
British Rail Class 66
Locomotive Ubiquitous UK Diesel
8.3 Great -0.5 Compare
EMD SD70M-2
EMD SD70M-2
Locomotive Diesel Freight Union Pacific
8.3 Great -0.5 Compare
EMD SD45
EMD SD45
Locomotive Diesel Freight Emd
8.2 Great -0.6 Compare

See all Locomotive ranked by score

emoji_events View Full Locomotive Rankings

help Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best alternatives to EMD GP38-2?
The top alternatives to EMD GP38-2 in 2026 include EMD SD40-2, Electro-Motive Diesel FT, EMD FT, EMD GP7, EMD GP9. Each offers unique features and is objectively scored on Lunoo to help you compare.
How does EMD GP38-2 compare to its competitors?
Our AI-powered comparison system analyzes features, pricing, user reviews, and expert opinions to provide objective scores. EMD GP38-2 scores 8.8/10. Click any alternative above to see a detailed side-by-side comparison.
Is EMD GP38-2 worth it in 2026?
EMD GP38-2 scores 8.8/10 on Lunoo, making it a highly-rated option in the Locomotive category. However, alternatives like EMD SD40-2 may better suit specific needs.
What is the best free alternative to EMD GP38-2?
Several alternatives to EMD GP38-2 offer free plans or free tiers. Check the alternatives listed above and visit their websites to compare pricing and free options.
Why should I switch from EMD GP38-2?
Common reasons users look for EMD GP38-2 alternatives include pricing, specific feature gaps, better integration needs, or simply exploring newer options. Our objective scoring helps you compare without bias.
How many alternatives to EMD GP38-2 are there?
Lunoo currently lists 20 scored alternatives to EMD GP38-2 in the Locomotive category, ranked by our AI-powered evaluation system.
Which EMD GP38-2 alternative has the highest rating?
EMD SD40-2 currently holds the highest rating among EMD GP38-2 alternatives with a score of 9.5/10.
Can I use EMD SD40-2 instead of EMD GP38-2?
EMD SD40-2 is one of the top-rated alternatives to EMD GP38-2. While they serve similar purposes in the Locomotive space, each has distinct strengths. Use our comparison tool above for a detailed side-by-side analysis.
What is the cheapest alternative to EMD GP38-2?
Pricing varies among EMD GP38-2 alternatives. We recommend checking each alternative's website for current pricing. Many options in the Locomotive category offer free tiers or competitive pricing.
How are EMD GP38-2 alternatives ranked on Lunoo?
Lunoo uses an AI-powered scoring system that analyzes category fit, feature coverage, pricing signals, public reception, recency, and value to provide 0 to 10 scores. Rankings are updated continuously.
EMD GP38-2 vs EMD SD40-2: which is better?
EMD GP38-2 scores 8.8/10 while EMD SD40-2 scores 9.5/10 on Lunoo. The best choice depends on your specific needs. Use our detailed comparison tool for a full breakdown.
EMD GP38-2 vs Electro-Motive Diesel FT: which is better?
EMD GP38-2 scores 8.8/10 while Electro-Motive Diesel FT scores 9.4/10 on Lunoo. The best choice depends on your specific needs. Use our detailed comparison tool for a full breakdown.
EMD GP38-2 vs EMD FT: which is better?
EMD GP38-2 scores 8.8/10 while EMD FT scores 9.0/10 on Lunoo. The best choice depends on your specific needs. Use our detailed comparison tool for a full breakdown.

Compare Items

See how they stack up against each other

Comparing
VS
Select 1 more item to compare