I'm new to the dodge game and just got back from the dealership where I looked at a couple '05 DAKs. Both crew cab SLT's with about 20k miles on them, only difference is one was V6 and the other V8. The price difference was about 1,000 between the two trucks. Just wondering opinions on which motor is more reliable and how they really compare in gas milage (I know what the stickers say but is that true?).
After driving the two trucks I'm leaning towards the V8. I average about 16.5 miles per gallon out of my truck now, can I expect to get that with the V8? I put on about 25k a year mostly highway mixed with a little city on my commute to work. Up untill now all I've owned is Chevys and I've had about enough of them. Any help and opinions is appreciated.

Thanks,

Jon

 

i have an 06 quad cab v8 AWD version and im proud to report that i get about 16.4 doing alot of mixed driving and a heavy right foot, ive driven both the v8 and v6 and to me personally the v8 is the better option. If you plan on towing i would get the v8. the v6 in a truck the size of a dakota to me is unrealistic and underpowered. hope this has helped you.


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I, too, would get the V-8. The V-6 is a bit underpowered and the V-8 actually gets similar or better fuel economy than the V-6. I average about 16-17mpg with my V-8. You'll probably do even better than that if you're doing nearly all highway....18-19mpg.

 

If they are both 2x4 you might as well get the V-8.

keachers has the right of it...the V-6 is just too small for the size of these trucks. Even if you don't plan on hauling or towing anything now, at some point you will and would have wished you had the 8. I don't ever recall anyone wishing they had a smaller engine....

 

i agree with dak-in-black, ive never known not one person who wanted a smaller engine. do yourself a favor and get the 8 bc if you dont you will want it and regret it at some point in your truck owning history. my only regret is not getting the high output v8.


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Just get the cams from an HO....

You can find them at like durango-dakota.com ... I think it is...

KRCPerformance.com also has cams that you can swap out, and come up with about the same power, or more, as the HO..

 

yeah but its only what like a 30 hp difference?? will the cams give me that??


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Thanks for all the input guys looks like the V8 is the way to go.

 

Good choice, I have the V8 and I love it. I even manage to average 16.5mpg and my friends tell me I don't understand the concept of "normal" acceleration

 

I like the V8 but personally i think the V6 is not a bad option. I've driven both and yes there is a little more power in the V8 but its not a huge difference only about 20hp or so. If your going to do nothing but highway driving, and you don't plan on towing anything too heavy then the V6 would be a good option for you. It would probably be a good option for mixed city/highway driving too. I've been getting about 20-21 mpg mostly highway with mine and it only seems to get better so there is a difference between the v8 and v6 gas mileage much to the contrary of what some people are saying although it is not a huge huge difference. Just thought id throw in on behalf of the V6 being that I own an 06 ST Club Cab with a 3.7l and most of these other guys seem to have the larger V8. Don't get me wrong though, both engines are proven and have pretty good reliability from what I've read about them online.