Need some help from the experts!

[amm24dmb]

So, I'm about to pull the trigger this weekend on a 2014 Ram 1500 SLT Crew Cab, but I'm torn on the V8 Hemi and the V6. Going with the 8 speed for sure, but just not sure on the engine.

What do you all think? V8 or V6? I'm a cheap guy, to be honest, so I like the price and gas mileage of the V6 better. They seem hard to find though. The V8's are everywhere. Just want to make sure there's enough power. I won't be hauling much either.

Any thoughts, pros/cons for both?

I'm leaning V6, but would love your Help! Thanks!!

 

[xXAvroArrowXx]

If you're concerned about fuel mileage, then no, don't get the Hemi. Really though if you're into good mileage any truck isn't going to be your game. Also depends what you're doing with it. Workhorse or just a driver?

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[jsl6v8]

I love my V6, has enough power, actually has better 0-60 times of the V8s from just a couple years back. And getting that 25MPG highway is nice.

 

[NYCruiser]

If MPG is very important to you don't get a truck if you don't need one.

Also, a Hemi Ram is going to have much better resale value than a V6 historically. Make sure you calculate that into your decision.

I had a v6 jeep and thought it was underpowered. I wouldn't buy another one. Not sure how much better the pentastar's are.

Hope any of that helps.

 

[Burla]

The Hemi is a great engine, and so is the Cummins. Those engines are what makes Rams such a top truck, nobody cares about the v6 when compared to the other main Ram engines. No auto manufacturer yet has these engines, although Titan is getting the Cummins in 2015 I believe. It separates the man from the boys in so many categories. The only other single part of a drive train that has a great reputation is the Chevy transmission, but hey with the 8 speed even that is being challenged by Ram. But hey, if you want to save some dough, go for the 6. But at least test drive them both. I am a pretty cheap guy too, in fact I usually always but the base model and through ona couple mods. this time I still opted for the slt only, but with the hemi. I was blown away with the stock power 390, and pretty decent mileage, better then my Jeep that was a v6 that was a horrible piece of junk in comparison.

 

[Ramguy65]

Go with the Hemi. With the 8 speed I'm getting around 21- 22mpg on the highway and it only has around 2000 miles on it. It will get better once the engine gets worked in. May as well have the power and towing capacity at the expense of a few mpg. And like NYCruiser said...you get get much better resale value from the Hemi

 

[amm24dmb]

Maybe I overstated the gas importance a bit. It's important, but not a dealbreaker or anything. I am definitely buying a truck, I need one, just trying to maximize dollars. Never really thought about resale though. Hemi engine is roughly 1200 more and roughly 400 a year more in gas.

 

[RamHemi5.7]

I'm not hating on the v'6. you want the best fuel mileage in a truck. I understand that. for me, I like the power of a v8, and the sound even more.. lol, so im happy with the hemi... i'm not saying the 'buzzin half dozen' lacks a whole lotta power, because i have no first hand experience with that engine.

 

[Informal]

Get the Hemi.

You don't wanna be this guy...

 

[Cynix]

Also if your going to want to lift it or put bigger tires or anything the hemi with the 3.92 is the way to

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[Burla]

Ward's list is kind of the consumer reports for engines and they produce a best engines list every year. The Hemi has pretty much owned the list for a long time. However, in 2013 they actually rated the Pentastar V6 and their choice for best engine in a Ram. Of course in 2014 it is the new eco diesel. This thread has been done many times and 90% of the people are going to say hemi, but the v6's are good too. The Hemi has a long and prolific history, it's dome design has set the mark as far as getting the power efficiently. There is literally nothing like it. Either is a great choice man, good luck with your choice.

 

[xXAvroArrowXx]

Maybe I overstated the gas importance a bit. It's important, but not a dealbreaker or anything. I am definitely buying a truck, I need one, just trying to maximize dollars. Never really thought about resale though. Hemi engine is roughly 1200 more and roughly 400 a year more in gas.

You'll get your $1200 back out of it on resale value, $400 a year is $33 & change a month. Oh, I'm cheap in ways too... Rather I spend, but I don't blow my cash... I usually like to budget by balancing everything so if it makes ya feel better, look at something you waste your money on each month, and cut that out. Scratch tickets, eating out too often... Etc

As a side note: I personally don't gamble, but I tell guys that do that I win $50 a week by not spending that on the lotto like they are BC its 50 in my wallet rather than down the toilet...

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[The Crow 1994]

Test drive both. The V6 is a very capable engine, especially paired with the 8 speed transmission. If it were still the old 6 speed, I'd say no way, go with the HEMI. Are you going to be towing? Daily driver? Long commute to work?

 

[jsl6v8]

I'd say test drive the V6, its a great engine it has tons of power, I honestly believe you won't get a very open minded opinion on here, there is something of a Hemi stigma if you will. And nobody here can say crap about the resale value on the current V6 because its only been out for the last year. Towing you are looking at 7450 on the V6 Vs 10450 which is nothing to bat your eye at, if you tow a lot. 305 HP vs 395 HP you're going to notice it, you'll probably have lots of fun throwing dollar bills at your gas cap. But the V6 is by no means slow 0-60 in just over 7 seconds for the V6 and just under six for the V8. If you said, Howdy guys I'm debating a new truck and I tow a lot I'd say go for the V8, hey yall I'm looking for a truck I can mod up and take to the track: V8, Hey I got an ego I seriously need to stroke which truck is right for me: V8, but if you are looking for a very capable truck that gets the job done and save you money while you are doing it, hands down V6.

 

[PostalTwo]

All I can say is I have a 14 sport with the hemi and love this truck I wouldnt even consider a v6 not that theres anything wrong with the v6 just for me v8 is the only choice. I just love the power and the roar from the hemi and fuel milage although I track it is not a concern for me.

 

[Bob2013Ram1500]

V-6 or Hemi

When I was looking to buy a Ram I watched a lot of youtube videos, some are by some test people and others by actual owners of the vehicles. I did drive both of them, and got the Hemi. A good video to watch is this one if you decide to do any towing in the future. Good luck with your new ride.

2013 Ram 1500 V6 Pentastar 0-60 MPH Towing Test - YouTube

 

[loveracing1988]

Go with the Hemi. With the 8 speed I'm getting around 21- 22mpg on the highway and it only has around 2000 miles on it. It will get better once the engine gets worked in. May as well have the power and towing capacity at the expense of a few mpg. And like NYCruiser said...you get get much better resale value from the Hemi

Im not saying this guy is lying but do NOT buy a hemi expecting this unless you get a regular cab short bed tradesman with 3.21's and drive 55 mph. Some people get excellent mileage like this guy, some unlucky people like me struggle to get 17 mpg's highway.
If you want to tow at all above 5000 or so pounds get the V8. If that is all you are going to pull or if your not going to pull anything the V6 will work fine for you. My wife has the V6 8 speed combo in her jeep and it is a fantastic drive train, it is nowhere near as fast as my truck but it wasn't meant to be.
I will say that you should get what you want, if you feel like you are settling with the V6 you will not be happy until you trade it in on a V8. If I had to go and buy one right now though I would be buying a ecodiesel, banks is working on tuning the grand cherokee version right now and im sure they will start on the ram when they start hitting the lots.

 

[BlownGP]

Im not saying this guy is lying but do NOT buy a hemi expecting this unless you get a regular cab short bed tradesman with 3.21's and drive 55 mph. Some people get excellent mileage like this guy, some unlucky people like me struggle to get 17 mpg's highway.
If you want to tow at all above 5000 or so pounds get the V8. If that is all you are going to pull or if your not going to pull anything the V6 will work fine for you. My wife has the V6 8 speed combo in her jeep and it is a fantastic drive train, it is nowhere near as fast as my truck but it wasn't meant to be.
I will say that you should get what you want, if you feel like you are settling with the V6 you will not be happy until you trade it in on a V8. If I had to go and buy one right now though I would be buying a ecodiesel, banks is working on tuning the grand cherokee version right now and im sure they will start on the ram when they start hitting the lots.

Yeah, he's posted that before. I dont know how he gets 22mpg. Must be down hill in N with a tailwind... Damn Canada.. hahaah

If your worried about gas, then dont buy the Hemi. Your going to be crying at the gas pump..

Like the other poster said. If it was old crappy 3.5L. I would say suck it up and get a HEMI but the 3.6L Penstar is a nice motor. Nothing to be ashamed of.
Ecodiesel is not a bad option either.

 

[Ramguy65]

Im not saying this guy is lying but do NOT buy a hemi expecting this unless you get a regular cab short bed tradesman with 3.21's and drive 55 mph. Some people get excellent mileage like this guy, some unlucky people like me struggle to get 17 mpg's highway.
If you want to tow at all above 5000 or so pounds get the V8. If that is all you are going to pull or if your not going to pull anything the V6 will work fine for you. My wife has the V6 8 speed combo in her jeep and it is a fantastic drive train, it is nowhere near as fast as my truck but it wasn't meant to be.
I will say that you should get what you want, if you feel like you are settling with the V6 you will not be happy until you trade it in on a V8. If I had to go and buy one right now though I would be buying a ecodiesel, banks is working on tuning the grand cherokee version right now and im sure they will start on the ram when they start hitting the lots.

This is true...I don't know...maybe I am lucky when it comes to gas mileage. I read about all these people like yourself that struggle to get 16-17mpg and wonder what I am doing different. I don't baby my truck by any means. I set my cruise at 75 on the highway. Mind you it is all open highway with no traffic so that may help. I can drive 2hrs and not touch the cruise control.
My 09 I was getting around 20mpg with the 6 speed but I had a few mods to help out with that. I was getting around 17 before the mods.

 

[Livinalittle]

What about the new Diesel engine for the 1500? I've been pretty curious about what people think of this. I love my Hemi but I may have to take one for a test drive just so I can get a comparison.