I can give you one answer. Because in '04 when I bought mine new, the CTDs were $17k more expensive, that's why. I went to buy a CTD but couldn't justify it.
The 2500 CTD had a STICKER PRICE of only $9k more, but because of rebates and dealer discounts, and financing specials, the Hemi came out to $17k cheaper than the CTD. Until diesel fuel spiked last year and truck sales died, nobody was giving a dime off sticker on the CTD, while you could easily chop $8k or more off a Hemi!!!

 

If your going to get a 2500 go with the CTD bottom line.

 

i would go 2500 even if not getting a diesel, SFA all the way. plus it would handle anything you might throw at it towing wise. if your towing a 4x4 truck with a 1500.. well i wouldnt want to with mine.

 

I bought an 04 1500 last November and sold it in January for the sole reason that I wanted the solid front axle. I took my 1500 off roading to the same places that I had my 98 Ram 1500 and I was in the shop the very next day replacing a CV axle and getting an alignment. That was all it took for me to sell the 1500 and buy a 2500. I just love wheelin and the look of the new body style. I needed a truck that could handle my driving style and so far this 2500 has done everything I have asked it to do. As for the gas mileage I get the same exact as I was getting with my 04 1500. As for the CTD, dont get me wrong I would love to have a diesel for the power and torque but I just love the way a finely tuned Hemi sounds with a kick *** exhaust system when you slam the gas pedal down...