Walkdog wrote:
ksss wrote:
I think they found the sweet spot on the hp/Tq spec. It is enough to keep 1/2 ton towing people happy and should return at or near or just over 30 mpg empty. The mpg is huge in this market, this is really where Nissan/Cummins dropped the ball. You cant deliver sub HD power but achieve the same mpg as the HD set for near same money. Nobody is buying that combo. Bring the power down so you can keep the chassis and powertrain lighter but still capable and deliver killer mpg. Hopefully they stay out of the sub 1500 pound payload area and all will be good.
I think Nissan was looking at the towing experience. A heavier truck equals a way better driving experience.
I don't disagree that a heavier truck helps with the towing experience. However......
So I am interested in a Cummins/Nissan if: I am willing endure 15-16 mpg (no better than anyones HD truck), low payload capacity, and about 60% of the power of an HD truck. The price difference is not far from an HD diesel. Although they drop their shorts at year end when they are trying to get them off the lot, at least here. Are these issues worth buying a 1500 that just weighs more? I kinda doubt it, the Nissan XD sales numbers support the idea that they missed the mark with this pickup.
The lesson to be learned here is dont over spec the half ton. Ram and FORD in my mind found a great compromise on power and capacity. GM sounds to be in the same ball park as the other two with a 3.0 inline diesel. You cant be all things to all people. It was discussed at length here when the specs came out on the Nissan. I think we got it right. It is playing out as predicted. Great warranty however, will say they got that right.
