RAM 1500 EcoDiesel sets new record for MPG
EPA Rated at 20 city / 28 hwy / 23 combined LINKY
Forum Discussion
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!!
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!!
