Forum Discussion
85 Replies
Terryallan wrote:
ScottG wrote:
What one generation wants is meaningless to the next generation. People used to always want a big block gas engine in tow vehicles. Now very few do.
Maybe people want more towing ability without having to buy a $60,000 truck or live with its harsher ride. It is definitely a price point.
I still want a big motor in my TV. Problem is. No body makes one. About the largest thing you can get is a little 6.2. 379CI. Not a big motor by any standards. I'd love to have a 460CI (7.5L) motor in my F150. If I had my choice.
That would put the front axle over weight! ChrisScottG wrote:
What one generation wants is meaningless to the next generation. People used to always want a big block gas engine in tow vehicles. Now very few do.
Maybe people want more towing ability without having to buy a $60,000 truck or live with its harsher ride. It is definitely a price point.
I still want a big motor in my TV. Problem is. No body makes one. About the largest thing you can get is a little 6.2. 379CI. Not a big motor by any standards. I'd love to have a 460CI (7.5L) motor in my F150. If I had my choice.womps wrote:
As consumers we buy tons of stuff we don't need every year. We will even put these purchases on credit cards and pay big interest for said stuff. I am convinced the Ram diesel will be a success because of our wants.
x2. Same rule applies to buying RV's. No one really needs that 38' 5'er with all the bling. Consumers buy what they want.- As consumers we buy tons of stuff we don't need every year. We will even put these purchases on credit cards and pay big interest for said stuff. I am convinced the Ram diesel will be a success because of our wants.
- Those caught up in the cost/benefit debate loop ignore the realworld of emotional response. I ask you this. There are two, new 1/2 ton pickups on a lot, same make, color, and year. They both have the same drivetrain configuration, MPG, payload, and tow specs. One truck costs $30,000, the other, $45,000 (which has all the fancy trim, interior, and wheels). Which one would you buy? The price difference of $15,000 will buy the average 1/2 ton owner 4 years worth of gas!! The $45,000 truck will haul, pull the same, and have to stop at the same gas stations as the $30,000 truck. Why would anyone buy the $45,000 truck? For those caught up in the intellectual minutia of cost/benefit, how do you quantify this emotional part?
IMO, the AVERAGE person who will buy this truck won't put as much weight on the price of diesel and all the other hoopla mentioned that goes with owning a diesel. All these numbers being thrown around, again ignore one key element, the emotional pull of a product. Assuming the worst case scenario and the Ecodiesel breaks even in terms of cost/benefit, then it still has a big chance of success. Why? Two reasons. One, the "perceived" longevity and economy of a diesel engine to the AVERAGE buyer, and two, the experience of driving a turbo-charged, 24 valve, DOHC, 3.0 liter engine, that has more torque (at HALF the RPM) than a 5.7 Hemi. This same experience is a huge part of the Ecoboost's success. How do you quantify a visceral experience like that with numbers?
Nothing is a given for the Ecodiesel. Success or failure. However, to continually leave out the emotional perspective of a vehicle purchase misses a huge part of the picture. There's a reason many leave it out. All you have to do is watch one episode of Dr. Phil to know why--lol!! - Every single person on here could get by with less truck than they have but choose to own the the one they have. Ram just made another choice and there is nothing wrong with that or buying one to haul air and commute.
bmanning wrote:
National average fuel prices from AAA:
87oct $3.27
premium $3.63
#2 diesel $3.91
20/28/23 burning #2:
19.55 cents/mile city ($3.91/20)
13.96 cents/mile hwy ($3.91/28)
17 cents/mile combined ($3.91/23)
Theoretical truck burning 87oct would need to make 16.73city/23.42hwy/19.24combined
to spend exactly the same on fuel.
So, can be spun different ways but in my mind...
You can get a full-size half-ton with 420ft/lb & plenty of capability while spending about the same as keeping a small or mid-size gasoline SUV fed.
A win for Ram in my book.
Guess it depends on what the owner is using the truck for. Doesn't the Ram gas V6 get a 25MPG highway rating? Only a 3MPG improvement on highway (and of course more torque) in exchange for more expensive fuel (on average) and perhaps more expensive maintaince? Not sure the payoff is there for the average "I only use my truck to haul air and commute 35 miles a day" truck buyer.Seymore wrote:
Be intersting to see if Ford and GM follow now.
Ford is putting all of their eggs in the EcoBoost basket.
The new F150 (2015) has a 2.7L EcoBoost V6 :E.
Haven't heard about GM coming out with anything competitive, other than their 4.3L V6.C Schomer wrote:
Isn't the 3.6 v6 gasser rated 25mpg? I love my diesel for a TV but I doubt if I'd get a diesel when a gasser gets that close for mpg. Craig
That is the point. The Ram Ecodiesel offers better than Hemi torque and better than wimpy gas V6 fuel economy. If someone doesn't want the extra torque, then the gas V6 is fine.
Many diesels exceed their EPA ratings. We shall see how this Ram does.bmanning wrote:
National average fuel prices from AAA:
87oct $3.27
premium $3.63
#2 diesel $3.91
20/28/23 burning #2:
19.55 cents/mile city ($3.91/20)
13.96 cents/mile hwy ($3.91/28)
17 cents/mile combined ($3.91/23)
Wait 6 months and reevaluate. Gasoline will be up to $4 again. Diesel has been $4/gallon for several years. Gas fluctuates throughout the year with highs in May-July and lows Nov-Jan.
I have had a diesel daily driver for almost 2 years. My lifetime average is 38.1mpg with aggressive driving. I love the diesel torque and use it frequently. Comparably, I also drive a 2011 Malibu with 4-cyl and barely get the 22mpg EPA city rating. Despite having 30 more horespower, it is not tuned to my driving style and always in a gear or 3 too low.
Next up for Ram: please work on that half ton payload!
