5.9 vs 5.7

[4x4master]

Im looking at a 2002 ram 1500 5.9 or a 2004 ram 1500 5.7. What will handle better? Pros and cons to each engine? Thanks

 

[usaf2006]

I think the majority of votes will be for the 5.7. I'm assuming both are auto trans and 4x4. Hemis will net you more power, but IMO mods are more expensive. 5.9 (360)s are pretty cheap and easy to work on. I miss my old '95 5.9 w/ 5spd. What do you plan on doing with the truck? The 02 should be solid front axle, but I'm not sure about the 04. What's the mileage, etc of each? Is there you're leaning towards?

 

[HemiLonestar]

Im looking at a 2002 ram 1500 5.9 or a 2004 ram 1500 5.7. What will handle better? Pros and cons to each engine? Thanks

I think the majority of votes will be for the 5.7. I'm assuming both are auto trans and 4x4. Hemis will net you more power, but IMO mods are more expensive. 5.9 (360)s are pretty cheap and easy to work on. I miss my old '95 5.9 w/ 5spd. What do you plan on doing with the truck? The 02 should be solid front axle, but I'm not sure about the 04. What's the mileage, etc of each? Is there you're leaning towards?

Is either a reg cab or quad cab? Interior wise and underneath they are the same truck with IFS. 02 is the first year for the 3rd gen body. Engine and trans are different. You will most likely be happier with the hemi between the power and mileage (if you can keep your foot out of it). The 5.9 is a good engine, better low end grunt, but I haven't heard a plethora of good things about the 46RE hooked to it (though if you start modifying a 5.7 the 545RFE's don't seem to last particularly long, so keep it stock lol).

 

[Trenton]

I would say the hemi all day long the 5.9 is fuel thirsty compared to the 5.7 also I would really think about 2500 over 1500 with a truck that old and if your thinking of larger tires lift kits or off road mods a worn out IFS is real expensive to bring back into good running order and even more to mod it. And if your a DIY person 2500 is easy compared to 1500. Just my 2cents

 

[xb1230]

I think the majority of votes will be for the 5.7. I'm assuming both are auto trans and 4x4. Hemis will net you more power, but IMO mods are more expensive. ...

I agree the majority will be for the Hemi, and mods will be expensive based on what and IF you intend to mod the truck.

... 5.9 (360)s are pretty cheap and easy to work on. ...

... You will most likely be happier with the hemi between the power and mileage (if you can keep your foot out of it). ...

I would say the hemi all day long the 5.9 is fuel thirsty compared to the 5.7

Again all depends on what and if you intend to mod, but the 5.9 will more of a Gas guzzler than the 5.7...

What do you plan on doing with the truck? ...

That I believe is one of the key questions...

... The 02 should be solid front axle, but I'm not sure about the 04. ...

The '02 1500 is not a solid Axle. Only 2500 and up have solid axle on 3rd gens.

At the end of the day, you should listen to your gut feeling on the state of the truck. Do a test drive in both, check under the vehicle for leaks, rust and other visually assessable issues. The better the underside, the more chances are the previous owner maintained the truck well and cared for it.

The '04, regardless of the Hemi will also offer more capabilities in regards to tuning with a programmer than the '02 will.

So if both truck are very similar in price and state, just for that last item I would choose the '04.

My 2 cents

 

[BULL55]

Agree with the 5.7 HEMI I was never interested in the 5.9 because they loved gas and were not as powerful as the 5.7 engines.

 

[hotkarl]

5.9 is a great dependable motor.
The Hemi is, well, a Hemi.
5.9 is old school technology but very mod - able if you need more power. Both have pros/cons but both are great motors overall.