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Dakota Performance
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Kevin
Dodge Dakota
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9/27/2005
11:41:57

Subject: V6 vs V8
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I am looking to buy my first truck, I have decided to get a dakota. But I can't decide between the 6 or the 8. I want the 8 for the power, but I want the 6 for the gas milage. Does the 6 give enough power to get around fine, and does the 8 really soak up a lot more gas than the 6? My car is on the way out so I need to decide soon. Thanks in advance
Kevin



Mikes99Dakota
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9/27/2005
11:56:21

RE: V6 vs V8
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If you get the 3.9L 5 speed, its peppy and gets about 19-20 in city and 2? on highway....this was also on an 02 3.9L R/C 5speed w/3.55s.


1999 RC Auto 5.2L
Mopar PPH, Magnaflow 3" w/cut-out, 3.90s/Suregrip, 50mm Fastman TB

Track Times:
9.47 @ 72.21mph
14.89 @ 91.33 mph

Jecht
Dodge Dakota
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9/27/2005
11:59:24

RE: V6 vs V8
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the V6 gets about the same gas milage as the smaller V-8 (5.2 l or the 4.7 l) so I would say get the V8. my brother in law had a 99 dakota with the 3.9 v6 and thought he would save on gas. but found out that the v6 got very little more mpg compared to the V8.

just look at most people that posts in dakota boards that always ask how can I get my v6 as fast as a v8 or how can I make my V6 sound like a V8. go with the V8 you wont be sorry. I love my 4.7





prodak
Dodge Dakota
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9/27/2005
12:44:34

RE: V6 vs V8
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Kevin, if you're looking at an 2004-06 then it's a closer call:

4.7L V8 - 230hp, 290lb/ft, 15/20 mpg EPA
3.7L V6 - 210hp, 235lb/ft, 17/22 mpg EPA

If you're looking at 2000-03 you'll probably want to go with the 4.7L as opposed to the older Magnum V6:

3.9L V6 - 175hp, 225lb/ft, 16/21 mpg EPA

Older than 2000 (1st year for 4.7L) I'd go with the V6 and mod the crap out of it, not too tough to get close to 200hp (@crank) without spending a fortune, and possible (I've done it, as have many others) to get +/-24mpg.

BTW, those EPA #s are for 2wd, 4x4 will be slightly lower.



TexasTodd
Dodge Dakota
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9/27/2005
14:09:25

RE: V6 vs V8
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Look at the difference in torque though.

With my few mods, I dynoed 300ft/lbs
AT THE REAR WHEEL!!, with my 4.7.



4.7onNO2
Dodge Dakota
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9/27/2005
15:35:11

RE: V6 vs V8
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They are rated with close mileage but ultimately it depends on how heavy your foot is. v6 will do much better on gas than a v8 when you use that extra power alot. I would still go with the v8. I think you will wish you did later if you buy the 6



prodak
Dodge Dakota
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9/27/2005
15:43:56

RE: V6 vs V8
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"Does the 6 give enough power to get around fine..."

If he were looking at the 3.7L then the answer to that question is probably yes, although I have no first-hand experience, just what others have said.
I agree that the 4.7 would be the clear choice over the 3.9 in his case.



Kowalski
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9/27/2005
19:10:05

RE: V6 vs V8
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If you're wondering about getting the 8 you must be the kind of guy who apreciates that kind of torque - so just get it.

Lead, follow, or get out of the way

blkdak
Dodge Dakota
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9/27/2005
19:16:11

RE: V6 vs V8
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Hey prodak
how are you getting 24+ mpg out of your v6 ?!? l



toolfan
Dodge Dakota
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9/27/2005
20:24:05

RE: V6 vs V8
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I was going though the same problem choosing the Dakota that i have now. The difference in gas isn't that much and the v8 makes a good amount of power over the v6. i got the v8 and am happy i did. The torque on the v8s pull hard all the way to the redline and will always bring a smile too ones face. Dodge may not make a lot of power but that power hits at a low rpm and stays with you though out the power band. I think dodge has always had a great v8 engines that last long and smoke the competitors.



Trevor
Dodge Dakota
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9/27/2005
20:29:45

RE: V6 vs V8
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Yea how do you get 24mpg out of the v6? I get about 15 with more highway than city with a 4x4.



Craig
Dodge Dakota
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9/27/2005
22:24:31

RE: V6 vs V8
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If you're doing a lot of local driving, and not much towing, the V6 is your pick. The performance of the 3.9 is acceptable with the 3.92s, although not what you would term "great". I have an '04 3.7 with thte 3.92 rear. It's got plenty of power to get you around and step out pretty hard. I think you give up a lot of the fuel mileage, but I"m pulling down 17-21 locally. Never had it on the highway, but I suspect the 3.92s gave up most of my advantage on fuel there...

As for 24 mpg, you know your driving style significantly affects your fuel econemy. A lot of people stand on their cars all the time, and you really pay for that. I know that I keep a good track of how I drive, and I can say I went 1 week driving harder than the other, and waste away about 3 mpg just by dragging out the shifts and accelerating harder from stopes etc.

I've seen 24 as my best fuel mileage, it was on the highway running around 65, about 80 mile round trip. The worst I've seen is 14 when towing.



prodak
Dodge Dakota
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9/27/2005
23:36:53

RE: V6 vs V8
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99 SLT CC auto, 2wd, hard lid, 3.55 LSD, 30" C load range tires inflated to max (50psi)
Stock 3.9L except for the following:
V8 throttle body
180 degree T-stat
Bosch platinum plugs, .040 gap, factory heat range
double roller timing chain
airbox has a 5" diameter hole in place of the
snorkel pulling hot (engine compartment) air

25mpg @65mph with cruise on, AC off (windows open), upper 80s ambient temps - I've gotten this consistently over numerous 2000+ mile trips. Performance-wise I am VERY happy with this truck, especially considering the tall gears / big tire combination (also have a Firebird 350ci and a Dodge van 360ci, so I'm used to V8 power)



DontBuyPete
Dodge Dakota
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9/28/2005
00:33:03

RE: V6 vs V8
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Honestly, Do yourself a BIG favor and don't buy a dodge. Yes, they are the coolest looking of all midsize trucks, but they are sh*t. Don't learn the hard way. Trust me!

Why Dodge Dakota's are sh*t:

1. Rotors
2. Brake Pads
3. Drums
4. Suspension
5. TIRES!
6. Heavy as hell
7. Turning corners
8. Catilytic Converter
9. Rims/Wheels
10. Way too high priced for quality
11. Dodge does not stand behind their products!

Yes, all of those can be replaced by aftermarket parts. But do you really want to spend thousands of dollars and a ton of hours replacing all of those when you can buy a better truck that has quality parts for the same price?

If any one would like to challenge me go ahead!



e-mail
Dodge Dakota
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9/28/2005
00:40:20

RE: V6 vs V8
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You can add ball joints to the list.



nicholuchi
Dodge Dakota
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9/28/2005
01:35:00

RE: V6 vs V8
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Where do you come up with this junk??? All automobiles need to have a good brake job every now and then. As far as #'s 4,5,6,7 and 9, my 93 drives and rides as well or better than any mid size that was made in 93, plus it has a rippin' and easy to work on AMERICAN kick A$$ 318 V8. And if you still have a catylitic converter in your truck, you need to shut up anyway, whiner.



GraphiteDak
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9/28/2005
01:54:59

RE: V6 vs V8
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No sh*t!

I've got over 50% of my brakes left (4 wheel disk) at 33k miles.

And my 4X4 out corners most FWD cars on the highway.

What more could you ask for in a TRUCK???



Kevin
Dodge Dakota
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9/28/2005
13:45:38

RE: V6 vs V8
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Thanks for all of the info guys. I think I am going to narrow my search to just dakotas with the 4.7 And as for Don'tbuypete you are the only person that I have ever heard talk that badly about the dakota, my guess is that you just got a lemon. I have talked to a lot of people, and done tons of online research, every body else loves this truck.



DontBuyPete
Dodge Dakota
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9/28/2005
15:51:59

RE: V6 vs V8
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Yea, I thought I did a lot of research too until I bought one and found out the quality of it.



wantspete
Dodge Dakota
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9/28/2005
16:02:53

RE: V6 vs V8
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Hi Pete are you a girl?



wantspete
Dodge Dakota
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9/28/2005
16:02:53

RE: V6 vs V8
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Hi Pete are you a girl?



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