Trying to get a tiny bit of fuel economy and I know the 5.7 will drink gas and the 3.9 will not have enough power (my guess) so that leaves the 4.7. How long has that engine been in production and how durable and proven is it?

Also, if I went with the automatic, how proven is the 5 speed auto vs the 6 spd stick? If I did go with the 6 cyl, is the automatic in that more durable/proven than the 5 spd?

Thanks!

 

The Hemi gets strikingly similiar mpg as the 4.7, even better in some instances.

 

Go with the Hemi, I have the 4.7 and mine doesn't do any better than the Hemi (gas mileage). Horsepower on the other hand, the Hemi wins hands down. No problems at all with the automatic tranny.

 

I consider resale value when I buy something.

 

You have to go with the Hemi. 3.9, 4.7 and the hemi there is very little diffrence in gas prices. If you tow alot you would deffently be better of with the Hemi. Everything i research there is nothing wrong with the tranny. I traded my 01 dodge in for 05 hemi and love it

 

I bought a 05 reg cab 4.7 Ram. I disagree with those who say the Hemi is the only way to go. Nice trucks no doubt and they have a lot of power but there are other things to consider. When I first got my 4.7 truck, I got 14.2 MPG on the first tank. However, now that the engine has worn in some and has just over 2000 miles on it the gas mileage has steadly improved. I got 16.3 MPG on the last tank. That is average with plenty of stop and go and some light hyw. I dont drive like and old lady either. The average hemi is not going to average 16.3 MPG, like my 4.7. In fact I did an aveage of 58 of the numbers given for Hemis in the gas mileage post at the top of this forum and based on those numbers given by people on here, the average Hemi that has some stop and go and some hyw on here is getting about 13.9 MPG average. That is much worse in my book than my 16.3. Some are getting only 12 or lower out of the hemi and consumer reports only averaged 11 MPG in their hemi test truck. Granted the Hemi does have a lot more horse power but it does not have an astronomically larger amount of torque. The Hemi is rated at 375 lbs and the 4.7 at 300. If you are going to tow real heavy stuff or get into racing, I say yeah go with the hemi. If not, based on my experience with my 4.7 go with the 4.7 and save yourself a couple of thousand bucks on the truck. It moves the truck just fine.

 

I get around 12.5-13 mpg in stop light to stop light city driving and 17-18mpg strickly on the highway at about 75-80mph cruise speed.

Certain uprgades are available for the 4.7 and not the 5.7, most notably is the TB. The 5.7 also has 8 more spark plugs to change and has the damned drive by wire throttle system.

A local speed shop that I frequent have less problems out of boosted 4.7 motors than the 5.7 motors, no direct explaination given.

If I were to tow a lot, I'd go for the Hemi, or if money is not a problem the CTD in a 2500 and geat better gas mileage with more power potential for less bucks (other than initial purchase price).

 

Simple, if it is ever going to leave town for ANY reason get the hemi (tranny options or not dependent on model). Heavy towing very often, the diesel. A search should turn up many complaints about the other gas engines with automatics. A stick and a "lesser" gas engine, though, can be okay if you aren't going to push it.

Good luck.

 

If I were to tow a lot, I'd go for the Hemi, or if money is not a problem the CTD in a 2500 and geat better gas mileage with more power potential for less bucks (other than initial purchase price), if not select 4.7

 

I'm with the above post, if you tow get the 5.7 if mostly just driving the 4.7 is fine. Nice sound and plenty of pull. There is no replacement for displacement but the 4.7 is a nice little V-8.

Only averaging about 16 mpg in the 05 but we are not even to the first oil change yet.