Decent video review of the Dodge 1/2ton Eco Diesel

[twinrider1]

Actually, those tests make me even more skeptical of the claimed times for the 1500...

Have you seen their test track?

 

[Sluggo]

Substantially higher numbers than the 1500 yet it is only .4 of a second quicker? Although the Chevy is a heavier truck.

The Chevy is almost 1600 lbs more, most crew cab 1/2 tons are about 6,000lbs, and only running through a 6 speed transmission as opposed to an 8 speed. I would imagine the 8 speed does a much better job of keeping a diesel in it's optimum torque range.

But yeah, 7.5 is probably optimistic for a 0-60 time.

 

[Greenman]

It's a pity they don't make it in a super cab.

 

[WackyDan]

It doesn't seem to make economic sense, as usual.

I wonder about the need for that much torque and towing in a 1/2 ton payload pickup.

I have 500 foot pounds of torque, but don't put more than 1,000 pounds in the truck...

Here are Motor Trend's fuel economy results:

http://wot.motortrend.com/1311_2014_ram_1500_ecodiesel_gets_28_mpg_highway_in_real_mpg_testing.html

If you tow it matters... If all you do is put stuff in the bed or light towing then all you need is the V6.

I tow a 7000+ pounds trailer with my F-150. My last trip towing was nearly 2000 miles... Which is not normal for me. Usually 400 round trip is the most. That said, I bought the Ford for the new engines and went with the 5.0 Coyote. I'm not disappointed, but had Ram offered this diesel option available in 2012 when I bought the Ford, I would have ended up with the Ram instead... Mainly for the towing and mileage.