Ram 1500 diesel review

wilber1 wrote:

In the same gear, more torque at the engine means more torque at the wheels.

I wrote:

What I can't understand is why you think they'll be in the same gear.

wilber1 wrote:

They won't be in the same gear, that's the whole point. ...any time less than 230 HP is required, the diesel will be able to run in a taller gear than the Hemi.

Yes, of course, and I've not disputed this. What I've disputed is that engine torque is everything.

wilber1 wrote:

My point has always been that the RPM range where an engine produces its power is very important when it comes to how a vehicle drives. It's not only just about how much power it is capable of putting to the ground.

Sure, and I've agreed with that all along. What I disagree with is the article's statement that peak engine torque is what gets the work done, and when you said the statement was right, I disagreed with you.

So we do agree that higher engine torque allows you to run lower RPMs, and therefore a higher gear. And to that I say so what? I have an automatic transmission, and when the truck needs more power, it selects the gear for me. I don't have to do anything other than set the cruise control no matter what engine I have.

As I said earlier, those with downshiftaphobia will like the diesel better. Those who are content to let their automatic transmissions do what they were designed to do won't care as much. As always, it comes down to economy, longevity, and personal preference -- not peak engine torque as the article said.

-- Rob