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tazman
Dodge Dakota
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3/11/2004
05:33:40
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 Subject: V-6 or V-8?
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I am going to buy a 2004 QC 4x4 Dodge Dakota. I am unsure if I want the V-6 or V-8. I want to get the pros and cons of both from people with first hand experience. I am currently deployed to Iraq right now so I have plenty of time for research. Thanks.
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Boondox
Dodge Dakota
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3/11/2004
09:45:47
|  RE: V-6 or V-8?
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I have a 2003 regular cab 4x4 with the V6 and 5 speed. I got the manual tranny after test driving both, as I personally found the V6/auto combination more than a little sluggish. I'm not a hot rodder -- my truck is used mostly for hauling hay and sheep sh*t -- so when I say sluggish, we're talking dog-like.
Semper fi, Pete
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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3/11/2004
10:28:35
| RE: V-6 or V-8?
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Check the stat on both engines. Look at rated fuel mileage, HP/Torque curves, and look at the area under the curve. The new 3.7L V6 is quite good, but not as good as the V8. The differance in torque is not a tremendous amount. Looking at the specs, I'd say there isn't a whole lot of differance between the 4.7/auto and the 3.7/stick.
And that little bit of fuel you save may not be worth it. The QC is a heavy vehicle, and needs a fair amount of power to move it around, especially with 4wd. You only save 1-2 mpg.
If you live near sea level in a relativly flat area, and don't plan any off roading, towing or heavy work, then the V6/5 speed will probably be fine. It will save you a lot of money on initial purchase, and a little bit in gas. But don't expect much resale value. And don't get the auto transmission.
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daddio
Dodge Dakota
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3/11/2004
11:01:12
| RE: V-6 or V-8?
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.boB is right about the QC being heavy. i have an '00 QC 2wd, 3.9 5 spd. enough power for what i do. i know if it was an auto i would not be satisfied and a 4x4 would be much worse. i'd go V8 for your truck.
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deerridge
GenIII
3/11/2004
11:20:03
| RE: V-6 or V-8?
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You'll find there is a big diffrence in the v-8 over the v-6. Towing is profoundly diffrent. That extra torque lets tow almost anything the 1500 size trucks tow versas the minimal towing capability of the little Nissans, Mazda's, S-10s,Rangers and Toyota's. The 4.7L V-8 in the midsize truck makes the diffrence. Gas milage and cost of operation is about the same too. Performance isn't even worth much disscusion.
Real Horsepower
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disaster
Dodge Dakota
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3/11/2004
12:33:56
| RE: V-6 or V-8?
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i have a '97 V6 5 speed w/ the 3.21 gears. the engine is fine but the gears make the truck respond poorly. i bought it off the lot unconcerned about the rear gears. if you choose the v6 make sure you get the 3.50 gears minimum. the lower gears make the truck slow to respond. it will go 100+ without a problem but it takes off very slowly, doesn't have a rapid response for passing, and you can't haul or tow a heavy load. the gas milage is 17.5 back & forth to work and 23 on the highway.
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99DAK
Dodge Dakota
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3/11/2004
14:51:55
| RE: V-6 or V-8?
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tazman-
Boondox, daddio, and disaster all have the 3.9l V6. The V6 in the '04 is the new 3.7l - 35 more horsepower and 10 lb/ft more torque. That said, a QC 4x4 is still probably too much truck for either V6.
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JRod
Dodge Dakota
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3/11/2004
17:03:40
| RE: V-6 or V-8?
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From what I've read on various forums/sites the difference in gas milage between the 2 is minimal. The gas milage would be the one and only factor that had be debating on which one to get. With the 6 not being all that fuel efficient I'd definatly get the 8.
I've got the 5.2L in my Dak and love it to death. I've also needed it when having to tow some bigger equipment... go with the 8
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mlw_socal
Dodge Dakota
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3/11/2004
19:21:09
| RE: V-6 or V-8?
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I definitely recommend the V8. I just bought a 2WD QC V8 - I test drove the V6 and IMO it was a dog - my wife's minivan (99 Grand Voyager V6) seems quicker off the line. I love the V8 - has power to spare. I'm a very conservative driver, and even for me the V6 was not enough. Keep in mind, though, that I never drove a stick - I go with auto because I'm stuck in SoCal freeway traffic from time to time and hate the clutching/shifting in that situation.
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mine99
Dodge Dakota
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3/12/2004
00:54:15
| RE: V-6 or V-8?
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A V6 get alot worse mileage in 4X4 then the V8. plus its nice to know the power is there when you need it...But all in all the V6's aren't bad trucks...Heck the'll put em in full size.
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