I'm looking to buy a Durango but can't decide between the two, how much of a MPG difference is there? Otherwise the 5.9L is only 10Hp more and isn't worth it if the MPH goes down a ton

 

I have a custom cold air intake, super chips 3715 programmer on the performance setting running 93 octane gas with new o2 sensors and im averaging 12.5 mpg according to my overheard display. I drive 23 miles everyday at least and 5 are in town. Plus to the bank and store etc every now n then. If u want gas mileage, go with the 4.7. With a v8 and the aerodynamics of a brick, you'll never get great mileage

 

I average exactly 12.5 on my 5.9 as well according to my overhead display. Dont expect a huge difference between the two. Parts are a cheaper on the 5.9 to. They are both good motors, but I'd stick with the 5.9, you cant beat the reliability of it compared to a 4.7(Which is no junk motor either)

 

If you are looking for an everyday ride, I'd due some serious calculating since gas is so expensive. Heck, I'm even thinking about buying a cheap junker 4 cylinder to drive back and forth to work.

 

Honestly, I've never seen much of a difference between the two.

My buddy has a '03 4.7L Dakota Quad Cab and he gets 14-15mpg and his is stock. My bone stock '01 Durango with 170,000 miles with the 5.9L hangs around 15-16.

My '99 Durango also with 170,000 miles and 33" mud terrains and a Superchips 3815 gets 13.6 consistently when I'm not horsing around with it, of course it shows lower in my signature but that's all winter with letting the thing run in the driveway every morning for 20 minutes warming up, which killed mileage. Now that I don't do that I average around 13.6.

IMO, driving style has more to do with it than engine size. Go with what you like. I personally won't touch a 4.7, unless I were interested in a Hemi swap.

 

There is more aftermarket for the 5.9 if you are looking to go that route. If you plan on towing get the 5.9 for sure as well. It's not all about horsepower. Torque is a factor as well and that is something that the 5.9 has over the 4.7 as far as power ratings go. It is all ultimately going to be personal preference but you will not get good mileage period. I've owned my D through New york a**hole driving getting 14 mpg. When I moved from there and was able to calm down I am getting maybe 15 mpg being pretty conservative.

 

I'll add that mine is AWD and I hav transmission that's built up a little so it somewhat changes it

 

I have an '03 5.9 (there was some confusion, but it's definitely a 5.9, as it says on my stickers), and I get about 15-17 mpg. I usually drive ~200 mi a week, and all but 50 miles or so of that is city driving (to school, library, dinner, home, etc). I can't say how the 4.7's drive but my buddy who also has an '03 Dakota with a 5.9 gets only 12-13 (although he does have mud tires...).

It depends on your driving style and conditions. I'd go with the 5.9 (big boys engine) over the little 4.7 any day. Good luck!

 

My 5.9 gets about 13.5 city and 15.5 highway. Used to get 16 highway until I put on my duratracs. I really love my 5.9. I tows like a dream. I get about 8-10 mpg pulling 6000-8000lbs.

 

yes there is a significant mpg difference between the two engines in stock form the 4.7 is plenty for daily driving and will get you as much as 20 mpg on the highway (iv done it on a couple of occasions myself) were with the 5.9 16 is considered awesome on the highway, around town the 5.9 is down in the 12-13 mpg range and the 4.7 tends to run 15-17 depending on your driving style (i tend to get 16.5-17 around town)

as stated above the torque is the big difference, the 4.7 makes just under 300 ft-lbs of torque, i believe the 5.9 makes 350ft-lbs or so (i could be a little off, but not much) my point is depending on wha tyou want will dictate which engine you want to look for.