my 03 v6 gets 15/18 with 19k miles on the dial. i say go for the v8. i sometimes regret not going for one when i get smoked by a minivan on the highway.

 

My '04 4.7L 4x4 with 16K gets around 15 MPG, mostly city driving -- and I drive a bit on the agressive side. On long trips I get around 18 MPG or so. Those numbers are the same as daok0ta_g33k's V6 (which is a year older but has about the same number of miles on it), so I'd agree that the V8 is the better choice... particularly if you're going to be hauling a 19' fiberglass boat.

 

When I purchased my dakota back in August of 04 that was the same question I had in mine. The difference in MPG on a V-8 compared to a V-6 is by one number. On highway the V-8 has 1 point gain over the V-6 and in city V-6 has the 1 point gain over the V-8. So I bought my dak with a V-8.

 

Smoked by a minivan, I only have an intake and a catback exhaust and people really have to go some to pass me!! Simple bolt-ons will solve your problem.

 

Smoked by a minivan, I only have an intake and a catback exhaust and people really have to go some to pass me!! Simple bolt-ons will solve your problem. BTW the gas mileage thing i get a steady 18-20 on the highway cruisin between 75 and 90 for a 1000 mile round trip so the 6's r ok but for serious mods and power get an R/T.

 

My 03 4X4 Quad Cab has the 4.7 and I get a fairly steady 17 - 18 in combination driving. A little less when I pull my trailer. I think the V6 would have to work alot harder.