4.7 or 5.7 on new Ram 1500

DougK · #1 03-21-2004, 12:36 PM

I'd like your opinion on which engine to get. I'm looking at a 2004 4x2, automatic, Quad Cab with 8' box. I'm a farmer, but 90% of my driving would be unloaded or slightly loaded (less than 1000 lbs). The rest would be occassionally pulling a small trailer (less than 3000 lbs) or hauling a heavy load (2000 lbs). I plan on getting the trailer tow package, 3.55 rear end and posi-trac no matter which engine I get. Also I plan to keep the truck for at least 6-8 years, so I don't think resale value would be a big differance.

I've only test driven a 5.7 because that is all that dealer stocked. But I see that the 4.7's output should be adequate for that truck, and in fact its peak torque output is at a lower rpm than the 5.7. Also it appears that the 4.7 is a very reliable engine. The 5.7 is only $800 dollars more which isn't a lot on a $25,000 truck, but I just wonder if I need it? Thanks for your help.

DougK

Deleted User · #2 03-21-2004, 12:47 PM

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jfreeman74 · #3 03-21-2004, 12:56 PM

I say go for the 5.7, but as dansram pointed out the gas milage isn't that great especially if you are not on the highway.

gravymonkey · #4 03-21-2004, 01:56 PM

I didn't really need the extra power, but it's still 100 more horsepower for just $800. How can you argue with that? On paper, the 5.7 had slightly better mileage then the 4.7 I was looking at. In reality, this might not be so because I tend to use and abuse it, but itâ€™s still worth it to me.
Also, I went with the 5.7 because the resale value will be higher then the 4.7, so that was a big factor.

And the best reason for the 5.7 is that the Hemi pays for itself in bragging rights in 3-5 months

-Erik

356MAGNUM · #5 03-21-2004, 02:22 PM

Being an owner of the 4.7L power is good enough for day to day stuff. The milage beween them is the same 13mpg. Resale value will be lower for te 4.7L. Bus as some have found out that when you have a fun truck you tend to play with it more and suck up so more gas. I had some fun with a friend that has the Hemi (both automatic) his was a quad cab though. I had him for the first 50 feet or so (as i looked over, I thought that he was goona cry) but as we hit about 50 he pulled away steadily but not spectacular. Then that worried look on his face turned into a sh*t eating grin.

Vader · #6 03-21-2004, 02:34 PM

Get the Hemi, eventually there will be a time when you will need the extra power and would will wish you had spent the extra.

bearcat74 · #7 03-21-2004, 03:52 PM

I here what you are saying, I love the 4.7 and to get some respectable numbers out I have spent more than the 800 you are spending for the 5.7. There have been a couple of loads that I have trailered and wish i had the 5.7. But at the time it was 5000 more due to low availablity(and living in the Bay area). Go with the Hemi if you have the choice, you will not be disappointed.

Arcane · #8 03-21-2004, 11:44 PM

I have a 2002 Q/C 1500 2x4 with the 4.7L. I tow my boat (4,000 lbs) and it tows it well with no problem at all. I say forget the hemi since doing what you described will not require it's power. Most people get a Hemi just because it sounds cool to say you have one.

stupidface · #9 03-22-2004, 11:59 AM

im with Arcane on this, i wanted a hemi but the dealership wanted 3k more not 800, and i just wanted it for flash, not substance(i just wanted people to know that i am all about mad horsepower) , but my 4.7 feels right for me, its no beefy hemi

and the gas is pretty darn good 12to 14mpg city, go with u wallet and future plans on this choice.

SHAPman · #10 03-22-2004, 08:36 PM

Also you have to remember the hemi is going to cost more to maintain. I mean 16 spark plugs, ouch. And they are not the 100000 mile ones either. I've been told that a dealer tune up on a hemi is going to be about 100-125. Thats going to smart. I've got a 4.7 and have been happy with it. Put a chip and a cai on it and the hemi dosen't beat me by much. Going to order my new 04 and get the 4.7 again.