Every hemi has ETC so that has no factor. Laramie's don't have much extra weight over the SLT's either. I'm willing to bet money that the gear ratios were different. Add that with a quieter exhaust and the feeling of going slower may have been exaggerated. I have a 09 Laramie with 3.55's and its plenty quick for me seeing as how I came from a V6 Grand Cherokee that got about the same gas mileage. This crew cab is a huge improvement in space, comfort, speed, utility, and so much more.

 

Indeed! There is also the fact that the ride feels slow because it's quiet! The other day I was on the highway and my 6 years old son said to me: Father are we on a highway? I said yes! He then respond: Why your are now pressing the gas pedal? (I was running 65 mph!)

 

Every Laramie I looked at when I got mine had 3.21's.

Also like others have mentioned, the "resonator" or noise part of the mufler, whatever they call it, is quieter in the Laramie. My hearing is about shot so exhaust note isnt why I bought the truck.

3.21's are a pig off the line, but I like the mileage.

 

Can you explain further what is different about insulation on Laramie models?

Rob

 

Just a wild guess, but I'd think maybe they use a thicker/different version under/around the cab in the Laramie trucks.

I've driven both as well. Everything about the Laramie is about being smooth and quiet. The suspension is noticeably softer too.

I don't know the weight difference off hand, but 200 pounds can make a big difference in performance. I'm with the other guys though, chances are it was the gearing.

 

Gearing.

 

I agree it was probably a different gear. Weight does play a factor... This is why you go to the track with a 1/4 tank of gas, no spare, ect.

It would have been even a bigger difference if the SLT has 17s with those 3.92s.

As for sound they should be the same. I find it hard to believe there is more insulation in the Laramie.

 

im gonna go with gearing, unless i am mistaken all HEMIs come standard with 3.21 gearing and you have to purchase the 3.55 or 3.92 as an option.

 

It was gearing. My brother has a sport and the only difference is a slight exhaust note

 

I swear I read it somewhere before I bought my truck that the Laramie is more insulated, but cam't find it anymore

As for the weight, I just browse a Laramie 2011 Crew Cab : 5538 lbs
SLT Sport 2011 Crew Cab: 5508 lbs

So If 30 pounds make all the differences...........