A Ram 1500 without a Hemi?

[tbird71]

 

[Klute]

Just got my 3rd RAM 1500 Hemi (2002,2011 & 2019 5th gen). First, it's your money, get what you want and fits your budget. It's not the question now, it 's the future. IF in 3-4 years are you going to kick yourself for NOT getting the Hemi (or any option)? Then consider resale. When searching for used 1500's I personally only included 8 cylinders. If/when you go to sell, it may hurt you not only the resale amount but potential buyers. Of course, if you plan to keep it for a long time (like me) it probably won't make much of a difference with resale or trade.

 

[tbird71]

NICE Stinger, Shotcaller!

 

[HvyDuty]

I own both and can probably give the best advice between the two. I have 42000 miles on my 2018 Hemi and 51000 miles on my 2017 V6. If you want effortless power at any speed below 85, Hemi 8spd with 3.92 hands down. I sometimes worry about wrapping my rear driveshaft or rear axle when hooking up on a hard launch. I can feel the chassis flex. It can be intoxicating. Mine is a 4x4 crew so a 4x2 quad or reg cab hemi 3.92 must be an absolute rocket.

The fun comes with a price though, I lifted mine with 2.1" bilstein front struts and 1" rear spacer. Best highway mpg I've seen with it is about 19.5 on stock tires. Around town about 14-15 mpg.

My V6 crew cab 4x2 has the 3.55 gears. It is no slouch either. Around town, I feel no real lack for power. It will tow and advertised 7550 lbs. I have no doubt the chassis can handle that and who races while towing anyway? Highway is different though you know its a V6 especially with a headwind.

MPG on the V6 is significantly better. I get 19 around town not trying and have seen 26 on the highway. This Ram has a rear tonneau cover and the wheel to wheel steps. If you decide to get a V6 definitely get the 3.55 gears.

 

[ShotCaller]

NICE Stinger, Shotcaller!

Thanks...

 

[dRAMbuie]

Hi everyone. So I'm having a dilemma in making a decision. Not sure if I need advice or just need to vent. Anyway, so I'm going to be getting my first truck soon. Now I've been a mopar guy all my life as far as classic cars go. I've had a '67 Dodge Dart, a '68 Plymouth Satellite, and a '72 Duster. But this will be my first truck ever and I know it's going to be a shock with gas cost and whatnot since my current car gets 32 mpg. Now if it was any other brand I would not hesitate to get a 6 cylinder but I feel it's almost sacrilegious not to get a hemi in a Ram. Just to make it clear, I have no current need or future plans to tow anything.
So there is my quandary; either I risk almost certain ridicule and get a Ram with a v6 or I deal with the higher cost of lower mpg and get a hemi. Anyone want to chime in? Have at it.

As others have said, it really comes down to what is right for you.

I will only say this... I've never heard anyone with a Hemi say they wish they'd gotten the V6.
In the same way, I've never heard anyone with the 3.92 gears say they wish they had 3.21's.

The opposite scenario has played out time and again in these forums over the years.

 

[Gene gleason]

I bought a 2019 ram classic 1500 with the V6 engine . After 5 straight Dodge Durango’s most with the hemi, I wanted a change . All i need it for is transportation and occasionally using the bed . Although it is a pretty basic model, my wife commented on how comfortable it is and how easily it drove . She drives a luxury suv. Mileage in consistently in the 21-22 mpg . So I’m happy with it and that’s what counts

 

[jagu366]

Don't know if is still in production, but have you considered the 4.7? Mine gets between 22-24 highway. Just went to Gainesville this weekend, 90 all the way, loaded with sofa bed, 4 persons, dog and stuff, and got about 19 mph. Coming back, made 20 mpg, again 90 all the way to west palm beach. 4x4.

 

[Ram480]

This is my ram Reg Cab2017 V6 ! Love it ! Drove it off the lot 2 years have not looked back yet . Of course iv done minor mods mostly appearance but overall it’s quick I left a hemi quad cab in my rear view the other day surprised myself lol

 

[HvyDuty]

I think the reason they don't/didn't offer the 3.92 on the V6 (other than a heavy Rebel) is because it would be too close to a Hemi with 3.21. I bet a reg cab 3.92 V6 could easily keep up with a Hemi crew 4x4 with 3.21.

 

[eddie046]

If you are a dyed in the wool Mopar guy get the Hemi. You'll never regret ti!

 

[jbowen52]

I've been driving the 1500 with the Pentastar V6 for four years. No regrets at all. I do some light towing, small camper and boats, no problem at all. Plenty of power for highway 22-23 highway MPG regularly. The V6 RAM is an amazing truck. Try it and see.

 

[dls56]

V6 for me. A lot of in town driving, mine has the tow package that doesn't get used. Gear selector is usually in 5 or 6 max. Speeds range from 0-70 mph. seldom more than a couple hundred pounds not including myself being carried. It digs around plenty quick for my purposes. Light and zippy, love it. A hemi would only get me in trouble, lol.

 

[Brianj53]

I had a 1998 F150 with the 4.6 V8, I went from 200HP and four gears to the pentastar with 300HP and eight gears, so it’s plenty of power to me. I’ve never had to put my foot to the floor, so far. A V8 exhaust sounds nice, but these trucks ain’t cheap and I couldn’t justify driving up the price even more for an engine I don’t need. But if you need the towing capacity or you have the extra cash and just want it, what the heck.

 

[Inhocmark]

I've been driving the 1500 with the Pentastar V6 for four years. No regrets at all. I do some light towing, small camper and boats, no problem at all. Plenty of power for highway 22-23 highway MPG regularly. The V6 RAM is an amazing truck. Try it and see.

I agonized but yes, no regrets the the V6. I have this quick merge coming home from work, busy highway and a need to get over 3 lanes from a right hand merge to a left side exit with a distance of ~ 1/2 mile and to do so at a speed that doesn't force the faster left lane to slow to accomodate me. Before buying the truck I was using my Mazda 3 GT (the 2.5L, nice bit of oomph) and using the sport mode to get across the 3 lanes and find that piece of space. The V6 in its first commute yesterday was more than capable to handle the quick up to speed and the move across.

 

[Lucy Girl]

I would get want you want, and need.
Who cares what people think.
Just my thoughts.

Just remember it will be 2 late to regret it later for your pocket book. I’ve had both also but HEMI forever in my RAM. just my thoughts also, good luck.

 

[Tim Garceau]

Just listen to her and watch the needle...

 

[WileECoyote]

I've had 5 RAM's in my lifetime and all were Hemi's except the one I bought this year. I was looking for a new two door RAM and the dealer had three. A Black one with a Hemi, a maroon one with a Hemi and the red one with the V6. I test drove all three and honestly loved the V6 the most. It has 305 HP and does not disappoint. Also, it doesn't sound like a V6 and most dont even recognize it as a V6.

My suggestion would be to test drive both and see what works best for you. In my case the V6 won out and I am now pleasantly surprised to get 21.5 MPG!! My commute is about 11 miles on a 45mph road (mostly flat).

 

[HFSJR]

Had a 2012 regular cab Hemi, best truck I ever owned, should have kept it. Traded that for a 2014 V6 Challenger. Now own a 2018 regular cab V6. Normal driving you can't tell the difference. 300HP V6 will do all you need, mileage is not that big of a difference, both got over 20MPG. For me it was about the price tag, unless you can get a good purchase price, the Hemi will be more. Also maintenance is going to cost more for Hemi, but if you're doing it yourself, you can mitigate most of that. I paid about $20,000 (sticker was $27,000 plus) for the 2012 Hemi, about $25,000 (sticker was $33,000 plus) for the 2018 V6. The 2012 was optioned better, I miss UConnect and steering wheel radio controls. Now that subscription to SiriusXM sub has expired, time to upgrade to Bluetooth enabled radio with Android Auto. Gotta say though, that Hemi badge on the fender was an eye catcher. My son told me he had never been over a hundred miles an hour. Hopped in the 2012 Hemi, hit 100 around a quarter of a mile, at 120 backed off, like going 60mph, these trucks are amazing IMHO!

 

[David_fr]

Life is too short ! Just take the Hemi and enjoy it