rexlion wrote:
Thanks to all for your insights. I wanted to make sure I would not be giving up any hill climbing ability if I get the 5.7 instead of the diesel. I think I have that answer now. Why the hill climb criterion? Well, even the Pentastar V6 will tow my trailer just fine on the level; it has pretty similar HP and TQ to my current Highlander V6. But with the Highlander, last summer I hit some headwinds going west through Utah (I-70) that made me say "no more V6 for me"... I was grinding up some of those grades at 40 mph in 2nd gear, and the tranny was getting hot. Many a trip I've poked along on the hills at slow speeds and told myself how I was proving that it could be done. Well, been there and done that and I sure am tired of it.
Why the hemi instead of the diesel? I have always wanted to get a diesel, but despite that I now see more disadvantages than advantages for my situation. (Note, your situation may be vastly different!)
1. I want the lifetime max care extended service contract... NOT available on the diesel vehicle.
2. Diesel fuel costs more than gasoline, and with more diesels coming out this will only get worse.
3. This diesel engine wants special low-ash synthetic not currently carried in stores. $9/quart is a good internet price for this stuff!
4. Initial cost of the engine would be an extra $1200.
5. Diesel will have less engine braking on downhill grades than gasser.
6. I want to offroad a bit. I know of 3 GC diesel owners who have had DEF injectors break off underneath from high snow, mud, rocks or whatever. Apparently the injectors aren't protected by a skid plate.
7. $120 oil change for diesel vs. $40 for V8.
8. There's that first bit of turbo lag, which would take some getting used to.
9. Most of my driving will be towing a small trailer around the metro, with 12-18 stops per day at various school buildings as I make route deliveries. I'm not sure how well this driving pattern will interface with the regenerations needed. It could be difficult to get and keep the exhaust hot enough. I can't gamble with my work vehicle and see IF it will be a problem or not.
Of course, most of these are very, very small factors to me. But in the aggregate, they add up. The real biggie for me is the unavailable lifetime coverage, since I want to keep this Jeep for 15-20 years and such a contract could save me many thousands of $$$ over its lifetime.
And for me, the diesel mpg advantage doesn't play out that well (which surprised me when I ran the numbers). I could possibly save about $500/year in fuel IF the diesel mpg really panned out. Once I subtract a couple hundred for expensive oil changes, I figure the savings just aren't there. Again, my situation is not typical, so YMMV.
Also take into account what mountains you are pulling in. Naturally aspirated motors will lose power while force-induction motors typically maintain power levels. Found that out with my F-150. Sadly, the ecoboost is your only forced-induction choice for gas-powered full size trucks. I wish more makes would play the forced-induction gas-engine game as well. Personally, if there was a 400hp forced-induction gas motor, I don't know if I'd own my Cummins-powered RAM.
