I'm new to the forum. I'm in the market for a new 2011 dodge ram 4X4, quad cab. I don't do any heavy towing and pretty much drive in the city with a lot of stop and go traffic. I don't do a lot of highway driving. So, I was wondering if I should go 4.7 or 5.7 Hemi in terms of engine. Price difference is about $1500. I understand the hemi requires 89 octane whereas the 4.7 is alright with 87 octane. The priority for me is fuel economy in stop and go city traffic. Any advice?

 

Buy a car. There is no such thing as good stop and go milage with a truck that weighs 3 tons

 

Agreed, or at most a mid-sized pickup.

 

I agree with these guys. Look in to either a car or maybe a pick up like a Dodge Dakota.

My father has a 2011 Dodge Ram Laramie 4x2 5.7 hemi and he loves it. He towed something the other day and the truck pulls really good.

 

Bet a little dealing or Chrysler incentives you'd get a Hemi truck for the same money as a 4.7.

 

And, the Hemi works better than fine on 87 octane. Better mileage that the heavier alcohol laced 89, and cheaper than 91 by far.

I get 10-15% less mileage when using 89 octane (more alcohol to drive the octane up) No kidding.

It is actually designed to run on 87-89. No knock, 87 is fine. It's that simple.

 

No one should be looking into into a truck and be hoping to get good gas mileage :P You can compare trucks for the best mileage between them, but if your looking for anything over 25MPG go with a car. The nice thing about the hemi is it is equipped with MDS so it does help a little on the mileage part...BUT only on the highway, it will rarely come on in city (only when your decelerating!) so that doesnt really help you. It is too bad because you just missed the free HEMI upgrade if you get into an SLT!

As for the small trucks, they are good and all but why does someone buy a truck? to haul things and pull trailers, granted them mid size trucks can haul some tools, bags and stuff. But if you plan for the bigger stuff all the time, I know it wears on these trucks suspensions real quick.

BUT if it is just bags and whatnot why not consider a crossover? Like the journey or something? Its equipped with AWD and does have enough space for bags etc: not to mention space for 7! I do believe they make a little better mileage too!
Its not a truck, but hey! If your REALLY looking at a truck, you wouldnt be looking for mileage!

 

Thanks for all of the responses. I appreciate the input. I should have been a bit clearer as to why I need a truck. I run a part-time lawn care business on the weekends so I need a truck to haul my stuff in. I currently drive a 2000 Sierra but it's getting up there in mileage and there have been quite a few repairs lately. So, I figured with all of the incentives, it might be good to look at a truck. I did look at smaller trucks like the Dakota and Tacoma but the bed is too small for my equipment. Hence, the need for a full size pick up. It's too bad the HEMI can't stay in 4 cylinder mode longer in the city. I've also looked at a new Sierra with the 5.3 but it's about $3500 more than the Ram.

 

You will come to love the Hemi - and has better resale, as well.

It's only a beast when you step on it's tail - otherwise it's a pretty meek engine.

Butttttt, boyyyyyy, can it pull!

 

You'll be fine with a 4.7 full size.