Forum Discussion
Fast Mopar wrote:
AndrewM wrote:
So if your main concern is fuel economy, not in a hurry, and don't tow much more than 5,000#, the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel is the best choice.
I find the comments about being slow and not being in a hurry very interesting. I certainly understand the need for speed, but many here make it sound like the Ecodiesel does not have enough power to get out of its own way.
In 1990 the Chevy 454SS pickup was introduced as a hot half ton, and it was rated at 230 horsepower and 385 ft lb torque, both numbers lower than the Ecodiesel. Yes, I know, things have changed over the last 25 years, but the Chevy 454SS had enough power to get out of its own way.
When I drive around the city in my 201 horsepower Ford Freestar van that weighs 4200 lb, I am usually the first person away from a stop light regardless of who is next to me, and it tows 3500 lb very easily. Most half ton drivers are more concerned about texting or surfing the net while driving instead of being the first one out of the hole when the light changes to green.
There is certainly a market for an efficient light duty diesel pickup that gets great fuel mileage even when you are not intentionally trying to hypermile.
All very valid points. That's what makes this forum great. Point and counter point. And I'll be honest, I'll certainly test drive one when I'm in the market for a new truck. Don't see a big 6.2L being available from any manufacturer when I'm ready to buy again.ib516 wrote:
AndrewM wrote:
The EcoDiesel was the slowest in every performance test - by a lot. With no fuel cost savings compared to the EcoBoost. Why would I want buy the EcoDiesel? What am I missing?
You're missing the fact that most folks don't buy a 1500 series truck to do weekend drag racing. The article does a good job of explaining what real people use a 1500 series truck for. That is:
- Mostly used as a car/family vehicle
- Rarely off road
- Rarely tows more than 7000#
- Rarely needs to carry more than 1000#
- Comfort, features, and mpg are tops for most shoppers
Maybe you misread the mpg numbers in the article? :h
Andrew, I encourage you to actually read the article, not just the boxed figures at the end. It addresses your point very well (as does IB).
In addition to what IB stated, the seat of the pants feel of acceleration is BETTER in the ED than the Chevy in this report. That is consistent with what I have read elsewhere.
The ED is not an idea vehicle for those that want to drag race or tow large trailers regularily. But that is a very small % of the population that needs/wants that in a truck.
If I were buying a 1500 right now (or a mid-size SUV), I would give the ED a very hard look.Lessmore wrote:
AndrewM wrote:
The EcoDiesel was the slowest in every performance test - by a lot. With no fuel cost savings compared to the EcoBoost. Why would I want buy the EcoDiesel? What am I missing?
You're right the Dodge diesel is slower than the Chevy and Ford. Performance figures of the Ram, are 0-60 mph in 8.8 seconds, 1/4 mile in 16.6 seconds. That's not bad, probably a little better than average for the mix of new vehicles out there today.
To me and many others it's more than satisfactory. In a truck I don't need the acceleration of a Top Fuel dragster. I want really good low and mid range torque.
Everybody has different wants.
The math just does not come out on the 1/4 mile time with this truck. A 16.6 time in a truck with 240HP and weighs as much as it does should clock the 1/4 at low 17's; not mid 16's. The 0 to 60 times are way off too for some reason. Someone is cheating somewhere or this truck is an anomaly among anomalies. :h- I am looking for a much bigger truck than the Ram 1500. But in defense of the Eco Diesel I will say that I like the range per tank much more than FE itself.
I don't need to stop every 200 miles. I have driven 1300 miles with only one stop for lunch and one for dinner. That in a Kia Spectra. You can't do that if you are making stops every 200 to 300 miles for fuel.
The eco diesel has about a 750 mile range. This allows you to eat at places other than fuel stops. It means you can shop for cheaper fuel. It means you could travel non stop from Denver to LA. buddyIam wrote:
I am looking for a much bigger truck than the Ram 1500. But in defense of the Eco Diesel I will say that I like the range per tank much more than FE itself.
I don't need to stop every 200 miles. I have driven 1300 miles with only one stop for lunch and one for dinner. That in a Kia Spectra. You can't do that if you are making stops every 200 to 300 miles for fuel.
The eco diesel has about a 750 mile range. This allows you to eat at places other than fuel stops. It means you can shop for cheaper fuel. It means you could travel non stop from Denver to LA.
I have no idea what the range of an ED is, but if 750 miles is accurate, you're a bit over 250 miles away from being able to travel nonstop from Denver to LA.- deleted
- Enjoyed the article... Looks like RAM/Ecodiesel is up for Motor Trend truck of the year.
- That article is about useless. Its not completely apples-to-apples, and there was too many subjective notions inserted by the author(s).
The only thing I got out to the article is the most absurd point that faces the automotive market these days: all trucks were over $53,000. Pure insanity, not worth it. I'll keep buying used. - IdaD
Non stop from Logan, Utah to Durate Ca., ( a suburb of LA), would be more accurate. But not as descriptive as Denver to LA.
Or I could say Salt Lake City to LA with enough fuel left over to travel around a bit looking for cheap fuel for a fill up.
Sorry if my post mislead anyone. - Majorgator,
You are exactly correct. Consider that a Ram 5500 4x4 with 200" CA, Cummins with the heavy duty automatic transmission can be had for 53,735.00. Maybe they are testing incorrectly.
It appears the models they tested should be compared to Cadillac's.
I am looking for a tow/overhead camper vehicle that will remain parked for the most part while I am in town. I am not looking for speed but I want to keep up with freeway traffic. Most of my vacationing/sightseeing etc. will be spent on mountain roads with speed limits from 45 to 55 mph.
The 5500 above has power windows, door locks and anti spin diff. It has air conditioning, tinted windows and radio.
I can not see what else I would need in a vehicle that will spend 50% of it's life spent in my driveway.
