2wd vs. 4wd
#1
2wd vs. 4wd
Hey,
Hey I'm 17 and graduating high school this year, and I'm looking at possibly buying a truck with the graduation money that I get. I really like the Dodge Ram trucks, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to get a full size truck or not. I would like a 2001-2005 Ram 1500 QC 4X4, but my dad doesn't want me getting a 4wd truck because he says it pretty much sucks gas. How much of a difference is there in 2wd from 4wd in terms of gas mileage?? He also doesn't want me getting a truck with 4wd because he says there are more things that could go wrong and need fixing. If I can't get a Ram then I'd like to get a Quad Cab Dakota or Chevy Colorado. Does anyone have any experience with these mid-size trucks? Thanks!
Thomas
Hey I'm 17 and graduating high school this year, and I'm looking at possibly buying a truck with the graduation money that I get. I really like the Dodge Ram trucks, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to get a full size truck or not. I would like a 2001-2005 Ram 1500 QC 4X4, but my dad doesn't want me getting a 4wd truck because he says it pretty much sucks gas. How much of a difference is there in 2wd from 4wd in terms of gas mileage?? He also doesn't want me getting a truck with 4wd because he says there are more things that could go wrong and need fixing. If I can't get a Ram then I'd like to get a Quad Cab Dakota or Chevy Colorado. Does anyone have any experience with these mid-size trucks? Thanks!
Thomas
#2
if you are somewhere that having 4wd is "necessary" in the winter, then couple of mpg difference is nothing... i also know a guy who had a 99 ram 4wd, he got rid of it over the summer, but he never had to do a thing to the 4wd system, so it all depends on how it was used b4 u get it.
as far as a dakota, if you're not that tall of a guy (under 6'2" or so) dakotas are great!
as far as a dakota, if you're not that tall of a guy (under 6'2" or so) dakotas are great!
#3
There's nothing like a full size 4x4 truck, and aside from a CV joint can go on you, really nothing more in a 4x4 to go out than a 4x2. Since these trucks are not full time 4wd, you are really only looking at the extra weight costing you gas mileage, so maybe a 1-2 mpg decrease, tops.
But try to get an '03-'05 with a Hemi if you can swing the cost. 100 more HP than it's predecessor, with about 15% better fuel economy to boot. The Hemi actually gets the same mpg as the smaller 4.7 V8 in these trucks.
The Dakota is a solid mid size truck (but don't tell the Dak guys I said so), although if you get it with a V8, you won't get any better gas mileage than a full size.
As far as the Colorado goes, they are imported crap. And I'm not saying this because this is a Dodge site. I happen to love the full size Chevy's and Duramax' trucks and have had a couple with no major problems. But the Colorado is cheap inside, plagued with problems and grossly underpowered...
But try to get an '03-'05 with a Hemi if you can swing the cost. 100 more HP than it's predecessor, with about 15% better fuel economy to boot. The Hemi actually gets the same mpg as the smaller 4.7 V8 in these trucks.
The Dakota is a solid mid size truck (but don't tell the Dak guys I said so), although if you get it with a V8, you won't get any better gas mileage than a full size.
As far as the Colorado goes, they are imported crap. And I'm not saying this because this is a Dodge site. I happen to love the full size Chevy's and Duramax' trucks and have had a couple with no major problems. But the Colorado is cheap inside, plagued with problems and grossly underpowered...
Last edited by HammerZ71; 02-22-2009 at 09:53 AM.
#4
Well I don't guess I really "need" 4 wheel drive...it would just be nice to have especially in case of slippery roads or muddy roads whenever I go hunting. My parents are just wanting me to get something with decent gas mileage since I'm gonna be a poor college student lol...but hopefully I can get a job this summer once I turn 18 and can do more, so I can pay for my own gas. I wouldn't necessarily mind a Dakota...but I sure do love the look of those full size trucks!
#5
If you hunt, or fish for that matter, I wouldn't even consider getting a truck that was NOT a 4x4. Plus the safety factor in inclement weather alone is worth giving up the 1-2 mpg.
I just had to figure all the vehicles I've had in my life not too long ago for a poll in the Off Topic section and figured out that I, or my ex wife, have had something like 11 trucks and SUVs and 9 have been 4wd. I'd never be without a 4x4, ever...
I just had to figure all the vehicles I've had in my life not too long ago for a poll in the Off Topic section and figured out that I, or my ex wife, have had something like 11 trucks and SUVs and 9 have been 4wd. I'd never be without a 4x4, ever...
#7
If you hunt, or fish for that matter, I wouldn't even consider getting a truck that was NOT a 4x4. Plus the safety factor in inclement weather alone is worth giving up the 1-2 mpg.
I just had to figure all the vehicles I've had in my life not too long ago for a poll in the Off Topic section and figured out that I, or my ex wife, have had something like 11 trucks and SUVs and 9 have been 4wd. I'd never be without a 4x4, ever...
I just had to figure all the vehicles I've had in my life not too long ago for a poll in the Off Topic section and figured out that I, or my ex wife, have had something like 11 trucks and SUVs and 9 have been 4wd. I'd never be without a 4x4, ever...
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#9
That right there is enough reason to get a 4x4. Just get the 4x4 bc if you get a 2wd you will be kicking yourself the first time you get stuck going down one of those muddy hunting roads.
#10
the 3rd gen dakotas are nice though. my uncle got a 07 last year with the 4.7. its a really nice truck with the quad cab and i think he gets around 15mpg, not too bad. if you dont really need a full size truck, dont get one. but do get 4wd, like everyone else said, youd prolly kick yourself for not.