Hemi or Cummins

[DavidCook]

I know this has probably been brought up before on the forum, I've tried searching for it and i couldn't find it, but I wondering if the 5.7L hemi will be too small for the 2500 series ram?


I'm looking into buying one and I'm unsure what engine I shout get. I haven't been able to find a website that does a good job comparing the two.

I'm not going to be doing a lot of hauling with it, but i need a truck with a crew cab and an 8 foot box.

if i could get both options with a new 1500 series i would, but they don't offer it.

any insights on what the better option for me would be?


thanks

 

[Hemi450hp]

I am a more performance oriented person, so for me, the diesel wins hand down. Better mileage, more power, easier to mod, stronger components. The hemi is more than enough for many people, but mileage will suffer with any tires that are larger than stock, and the performance just isnt there compared to what can be done with a diesel.

Now having said that, to get the best performance out of the diesel, you will need to get rid of the DPF and EGR system and add a programmer. These mods will void your warranty at almost any dealership, so you have tro decide if it is worth it or not.

If you are just looking for a crew cab truck with a long box to get from A to B, then the hemi is the way to go.

 

[Stangshcky12]

What kind of payload will you be looking at?
I believe the 2500 hemis are averaging around 15.5 mpg which is about what 1500's are getting as well while the fourth gen cummins are only getting about 14-14.5 mpg (all according to fuelly.com
Parts and maintenance will also be a little more inexpensive for a gas engine as well

 

[Hemi450hp]

My stock 2010 crew cab short bed 6.7 was getting about 17mpg on the highway stock. I then did the deletes and tnuer and was getting 21mpg on the highway on stock tires. I then lifted it and added 35's and mileage went down to about 17.5 on the highway.

I have never owned a gas powered 2500 to compare it to though.

 

[candy08]

Without a question get the Cummins!! Wish I would of

 

[Ramunit]

HEMI, plenty of Power Wagon guys liking their Hemi power. Diesels are good if your gonna use it like like a 18 wheeler. Expensive to maintain, heavy, expensive fuel cost. If you off road the throttle input on a HEMI is much more responsive instead of waiting a second or two for a turbo to spool up in certain off road conditions. Hemi has all the power you will ever need then some.

 

[SmokedRam]

Might not be worth saying, but my uncle has a 1500 Megacab, which actually sits on a 2500 chassis...the Hemi in that is MORE than enough power. It will put ya back in the seat.

 

[ramhunter9]

I owned a 2500 Mega with a hemi .. good stock .. but when I lifted it and did bigger tires even with 4:10 gears and a programer ect ... dog **** .

My 2500 CTD with the same as above ... no contest .. hands down ..

Heavy truck = diesel

They should never have put a under powered Hemi on a 2500 frame ..IMO

 

[TXKID]

I heard somewhere that the 2013's are going to have the long bed with the crew cab. Not sure it's true so don't quote me, but it might be something to look into if you're willing to wait a while...

 

[mikelr]

Like others have stated, it depends on what your going to use it for... If you are just going to use it as transportation with limited heavy hauling the Hemi will do it no problem. If you plan on hauling anything 10k lbs.+ with regularity your going to need the big C.
Coming from a guy that has owned both, I have to say if you have the $$$ you can't go wrong with the diesel. Fuel may be more $$ but the efficiency is higher to make up for it. Maintenance is not bad (I don't know what those other comments where about), The power potential with literally just a reflash is staggering compared to the gas motor. Nothing like having more power then you will ever need..
One more point that I'd like to mention is that though the Cummins may come with a steep price tag in the options column, my experience after owning two Cummins diesels is that you get every dime of that money back the day you trade it in.

 

[Hemi450hp]

One more point that I'd like to mention is that though the Cummins may come with a steep price tag in the options column, my experience after owning two Cummins diesels is that you get every dime of that money back the day you trade it in.

Amen to that. Last year I sold my 07 QC/SB 4wd cummins with 88k miles for $30,000. That is very tough to beat as far as resale value goes.

 

[Sagebrush2500]

I went with the Cummins only because I prefer a manual transmission. I have about 1800 miles on my truck and wonder what took me so long to switch away from gas. My former truck was a 2010 1500 Hemi which never lacked for power, but if going for the HD truck, I'd suggest the diesel would be the best match for everything the truck has to offer.

The diesel has excellent throttle response and is getting (prior to completed fit n' finish) the same as my Hemi Ram as far as MPG.

If you don't go for the diesel, definitely go Powerwagon.

 

[RamIt22]

Now I'm not sure if this is true or not but the other day at work I was playing around with the "build your own" on the rams site and I was able to build a 2500 with the 6.4L HEMI. Not too sure if you can really get this but that would be pretty nice if you could.

 

[LoneStar210]

Now I'm not sure if this is true or not but the other day at work I was playing around with the "build your own" on the rams site and I was able to build a 2500 with the 6.4L HEMI. Not too sure if you can really get this but that would be pretty nice if you could.

Interesting if true

 

[Stangshcky12]

I heard somewhere that the 2013's are going to have the long bed with the crew cab. Not sure it's true so don't quote me, but it might be something to look into if you're willing to wait a while...

You will be able to get them with the 6.5ft short bed instead of the 5'8" short bed
I haven't heard anything about a long bed cc 1500

 

[schroederMP]

Cummins...hands down. I'm not gonna go on about how awesome they are because ^^^ above already said it.

I've had both...both Hemi and Cummins on 35s. 10mpg compared to 18mpg. And the power...giggity.

The Cummins really aint that much more to take care of either. **** for it is more expensive tho!

 

[Miami Son]

If short hop driving is what you do, forget the diesel. If you don't need to tow a lot then forget the diesel. The only reason to get a diesel is if you need the power and can afford the extra initial cost and maintenance. For a casual truck user the Hemi is plenty powerful. Don't buy a diesel just to have one, buy one because you need it.

 

[schroederMP]

If short hop driving is what you do, forget the diesel. If you don't need to tow a lot then forget the diesel. The only reason to get a diesel is if you need the power and can afford the extra initial cost and maintenance. For a casual truck user the Hemi is plenty powerful. Don't buy a diesel just to have one, buy one because you need it.

I bought a diesel to have one...I don't need it. And I couldn't be happier

 

[Miami Son]

I bought a diesel to have one...I don't need it. And I couldn't be happier

But you weren't unsure enough to be asking strangers for advice before you did, right? The guy asked and I gave him an honest opinion. So did you. Ball's in his court.

 

[Docwagon1776]

I bought diesel when I was pulling something worth having a diesel. I'm, unfortunately, a city boy these days, so back to gas I went.

Really depends on how much money you want to throw at your truck, and what you will realistically be doing with it. Who cares if it has 12k towing capacity if the heaviest thing you ever pull is a mattress and box spring, and who cares if its $6k cheaper if it won't pull your trailer of round bales.

Also make sure of the diesel supply in your area. I was in GA when Katrina shut down the refineries on the gulf, and I damn near ran out of fuel going back north. I was almost to Nashville before any station had diesel. On a more every day consideration, to the fuel stations near you have auto diesel pumps? The semi pumps have a bigger nozzle that won't go in a pickup's filler neck without modifications. If you have to drive an extra 10 miles every time you want fuel, that gets old quick.