Considering a RAM

[jtduquette]

Hello,

I am in the market for my first pickup, I am currently looking at a 2014 RAM. However, I am torn between the Pentastar and the 5.7HEMI.

I don't tow often, and when I do it usually around 3000-3500 lbs.

Would I regret not getting the hemi, and would I notice a big fuel difference between the two?

Thanks.

 

[lonewolf2873]

Penstar if mpg is a major concern.
Hemi otherwise. The fuel savings is not that huge of a margin. I did 24mpg on a 400 mile trip freeway with my Hemi.

 

[jbr]

Hello,

I am in the market for my first pickup, I am currently looking at a 2014 RAM. However, I am torn between the Pentastar and the 5.7HEMI.

I don't tow often, and when I do it usually around 3000-3500 lbs.

Would I regret not getting the hemi, and would I notice a big fuel difference between the two?

Thanks.

A little more info.... Plan on putting on bigger tires, lifting/leveling the truck, off roading, daily driver, type of cab preference, any mods planned?

 

[jtduquette]

A little more info.... Plan on putting on bigger tires, lifting/leveling the truck, off roading, daily driver, type of cab preference, any mods planned?

looking at a Quad Cab, would probably not do to many upgrades and would keep it mostly stock. Except for some side steps etc. It would mostly be a daily driver.

 

[Andy578]

looking at a Quad Cab, would probably not do to many upgrades and would keep it mostly stock. Except for some side steps etc. It would mostly be a daily driver.

Pentastar should be fine but you should really test drive both and get a feel for them. the fuel economy really isn't a huge difference on the highway due to MDS but city driving will be much better on the Pentastar. in the end it's you that's gonna be driving it for however long you keep it so you should get what you like most and what you're gonna be comfortable driving

either one you choose i'd suggest getting the 8 speed. keep in mind the 8 speed takes time to adapt to your driving so it will feel kinda bad during the test drive but it gets much better after about a month. also you'll want to consider what axle ratio you want and if you want LSD or not

 

[NYCruiser]

Get the Hemi. Fuel difference isn't that huge, but resale will be.

 

[14hemiexpress]

Hemi 8 speed thats my vote! It'll be 2-3 mpg difference.

 

[ExpressRules]

Test drive the 6 and the 8 in comparable rams (model, optional equipment) and make an informed decision. All you will get from us is personal bias. Your the one that has to drive it.

 

[HemiPower36]

My .02

Hemi w/ 8-speed. 3.92 ratio with 4x4. Pretty much the thirstiest way to build your Ram. But, coming from experience, your truck will be thirsty regardless. And, you have a truck not a Ram built to perform like a Honda Ridgeline.

Or, you can go Honda Ridgeline status with the pentastar, 3.21 4x2.

 

[HemiRoar]

test drive them both, like everyone said. I do promise you that once you get in the hemi truck, whether it suits your needs or not, YOU GON' SMILE

 

[regularcab2500]

go big or go home i hate the idea of sacrificing a ton of performance for 2-3 mpgs..5.7, 3.92 4x4 and 8spd..thats my .02 because i bought a 4.7 ram in 2012 and regretted not getting a hemi so much i went and bought a 2500 with a 6.4 lol

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[jtduquette]

go big or go home i hate the idea of sacrificing a ton of performance for 2-3 mpgs..5.7, 3.92 4x4 and 8spd..thats my .02 because i bought a 4.7 ram in 2012 and regretted not getting a hemi so much i went and bought a 2500 with a 6.4 lol

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That's what I am thinking. Think I might go with the Hemi.

 

[loveracing1988]

That's what I am thinking. Think I might go with the Hemi.

Get the hemi if you plan on towing often, but do not expect the mileage of the pentastar. People on here brag about the mileage their Hemi's being in the low to mid 20's all the time, you might get that on occasion but don't expect it.

 

[neoinarien]

Ecodiesel?

 

[2015er]

If mileage is a consideration go to Fuelly.com and check out real world returns for both the Hemi and the Pentastar. The separation between the two based on the reports found on this site is that the average mileage difference is 3-4 mpg. Depending on how many miles you drive per year that can amount o a difference of about $60-$75 per month or $720 to $900 per year.

I am in the exact same spot as you. I am deciding between the Eco-diesel and the Pentastar and right now I am leaning to the Pentastar. All the bravado expressed here about the Hemi when you come right down to it is pretty thin. The Pentastar 0-60 is about 7.5 sec. and the Hemi is about 6.9 sec. not that much greater. Payload the Hemi is at 1,421 lbs. the Pentastar is at 1,750 lbs. - these are Ram's own numbers from their website look it up. Towing the Hemi is at 8,350 lbs. and the Pentastar is at 7,300 lbs. both using a 3.55 axle and from Ram's website for my needs the difference is not abig deal. So the difference between towing and acceleration is minimal and the Pentastar has better payload numbers.

Lastly, engine sound - I approached the service manager at the my local dealer where I intend to order the truck and he said I can swap out the exhaust system and rear bumper from the Pentastar and install the dual exhaust system complete with the pipes through the rear bumper as a dealer installed modification - no effect to the warranty and the pipes and muffler match right up - he has confirmed this - not my speculation. I have heard you tube videos from people who have made this modification and the exhaust note is exactly the same.

So towing and accleration are slightly better for the Hemi; the Pentastar has better payload numbers and can save on fuel to the tune of about $60-75 per month; and I can get the same sound with a dealer installed exhaust modification before I drive the truck home - HMMMMMM - sign me up for the Pentastar, Laramie, 4x4, quad cab! What's not to like?

 

[regularcab2500]

you clearly dont neeeed a hemi but if you think you may regret not buying one id go with what makes you happiest..personally i dont even like half tons so i really shouldnt even add input..i dont mind the fuel bill because i love the fact its a big block v8 and i know the truck will be capable of anything i need it to do..except seat 4 people lol

i do have to say no one on here has complained about performace from the pentastar even while towing

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[loveracing1988]

you clearly dont neeeed a hemi but if you think you may regret not buying one id go with what makes you happiest..personally i dont even like half tons so i really shouldnt even add input..i dont mind the fuel bill because i love the fact its a big block v8 and i know the truck will be capable of anything i need it to do..except seat 4 people lol

i do have to say no one on here has complained about performace from the pentastar even while towing

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Sorry, even the 6.4 is still a "small block".

 

[Grad12]

I love my pentastar, I've driven the hemi and it is absolutely wicked too! I'm still a big advocate for the pentastar, but mine is a daily driver with weekend warrior tasks and it works great. I get great mileage all the time (so far) in comparison to the hemi which is occasional.

I find good pickup off the start (because of the 8 speed) and still a great ride.

But sacrifices: I don't have the sound or take off of the hemi and if I want to tow a big camper, I shouldn't.

Good luck and let us know.

 

[regularcab2500]

Sorry, even the 6.4 is still a "small block".

technically it is a "long block" i believe...and i figured if the chevy 6.0 and ford 6.2 are commonly refered to as big blocks, the 6.4 might as well be one too lol

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[Csanders1992]

I believe the 6.0 is a small block.


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