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V6 vs V8 Durango

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113K views 102 replies 48 participants last post by  Thunderhorse  
#1 ·
Rather than hijack another thread, I'm starting this one to share my opinion on why some of us chose a V6. Hopefully others who drove both will weigh in as well and this doesn't turn into a pissing contest.

I took out a 13 D RT in '13 and loved it, but didn't pull the trigger for various reasons. Last year, I drove 14 D RT, an SXT and the limited V6 I ended up buying. After 3 HEMI's I couldn't believe I was about to buy the V6, but it has plenty of power and better fuel economy. Look up the 0-60 times on the V6 limited and the RT and you'll see there is (only) a 1 second difference. I'd actually like to know the curb weight of the two D's. If anyone knows feel free to post as well. Link for 0-60 times is below.

Maybe one of these days we can even get a V6 vs V8 video on here! :D

Dodge 0-60 Times & Dodge Quarter Mile Times | Dodge Viper, SRT Challenger, Charger R/T, Neon & more 0 to 60 stats!
 
#56 ·
WHen using the R/T system on a V6 I would not remove resonators as these v6 motors need a little backpressure or your TQ will be a lot less
STEVE
 
#59 ·
I personally really wanted an R/T mainly because of the look of it but although the extra power of the Hemi would be nice I honestly don't need it. Gas prices are down right now but it's not going to stay that way and I didn't want that expense after gas returns to $4.00/gal in the summer. Long story short I ended up with a V6 Citadel and I love it!!! I got it for not much more than what I would've paid for an R/T and it has a lot more in it. I still like the look and sound of the R/T but I'm very happy with my choice.....Having said that I had a question about the exhaust that has been discussed here....I have the Citadel which has the dual exit exhaust and from what you guys have said it is the same exhaust that is on the V8's minus the R/T....My question is could I just get two R/T mufflers ONLY and use the to replace my mufflers for the added sound or is the pipeing or connections a different size??? I'm not looking for added HP but just want a little more rumble with tearing the whole exhaust out Thanks everyone for your help
 
#60 ·
Technically you could swap out mufflers with any muffler, including R/T. Exhaust systems arent very complicated and any muffler shop will be able to bend/add/remove the piping as needed to get different mufflers to fit. For example on one of my previous cars, an R/T charger, i replaced the stock mufflers with flowmasters while leaving the rest of the exhaust setup in place. Hope that helps!
 
#62 · (Edited)
I said one of these days maybe someone will post a video of the V6 vs V8 launch comparison. Didn't think at the time it would be me, but since I've now had both with the 8 speed I figured I'd post a video. So here's my 15 RT followed by the 14 Limited. Really isn't much difference on launch, but towing is quite different

www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKt44qeav9w
 
#65 · (Edited)
When I was researching to buy mine several reviews listed 1/2 second difference between the Hemi and the Pentastar. The V6 does tow better than most people think it does, the torque curve is amazing compared to the Hemi, but the Hemi will win by shear numbers. If the Hemi wasn't low output in the Durango (Ram with same engine is around 400hp), I would have totally bought the R/T. Both are great depending who you are and what you want.
 
#64 · (Edited)
So to add my 2 cents;

I just went from an 06 Magnum R/T to a 15 Durango Limited Rallye. The conundrum about the HEMI has plagued me. Gas prices being what they are in Canada, the additional weight and size of the D over the Mag, and the style of driving that differs between a car and an SUV pushed me to the 3.6.

2 weeks in I still have HEMI envy (my wife is quite sick of hearing of it) but truth be told; I rarely used the HEMI to its potential and the fact is that the V6 is actually quick, especially if you utilize the paddles (and note that you have to keep the revs higher to be where the power is... but then the red line is higher too). There is no "hit" like mashing the throttle on the HEMI, but it does respond well and strongly (and there's also less "hit" at the pumps).

Yes, towing will be different, but then my regular tow is a utility trailer with a 410 pound Superduke motorcycle 2-3 times a year. I think I can live with that! And as a friend pointed out (who is also transitioning from the HEMI... although he's going from a Gen 2 Durango into a new Murano), that Superduke will more than suffice to "hit" when I want it to!

That all said; I said I'd be over the HEMI envy a month after buying this... I'll try to remember to update in 2 weeks!
 
#68 ·
Mine had the K&N which made it sound pretty damn good wot. With that said, it's a mediocre video quality on my phone. The RT does sound way better. In the video there's a harmonic or vibration sound
 
#67 ·
My 5.7 makes me smile every day. Couldn't be happier with the powertrain in this vehicle, totally impressed. Roll on power is, for me, the best aspect, the pull from 30 mph on an on-ramp to 70 is very nice. Nothing against the V6, as I've said a few years ago I might have gone that way.
 
#74 ·
For me I knew at this point in my life I wouldn't be happy with anything but the R/T trim, I've gone through too many buyers remorse cars, so I picked up a used 14' R/T AWD with only 15k miles that fit my budget. Couldn't be happier.
 
#75 ·
Just the sound itself was enough of a reason for me to get a hemi. Extra power and better (imho) looks are just icing on the cake. I do drive around 15k miles/year and gas prices are something to keep in mind however currently on Long Island I fill up regular for around $2.19/gallon which is pretty decent. K&N drop in filter helped a bit with mpg, soon will get me a diablo tuner to help even further.
Thus far I am very happy with my RT, puts a smile on my face every time I'm driving which is probably most important thing to me, so get a car you will enjoy driving if V6 is what floats your boat thats great I know V8 floats mine :)

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#78 ·
Gotta say I put mine on the road Saturday to head up to Austin. Roughly an hour an half drive. Got pretty good mpg doing between 75-80 when it didn't get backed up much. Otherwise I'm happy with the V8. Came from a Caddy with a V8 so I expect the same or better. I did notice the idle is up and down. I can hear it rev a little for no reason at all. Not sure if it's because the AC is on but it's definitely not consistent.


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#79 ·
Like to add I've only put in 89 this week. Someone said there could be damage using 87. Not sure on that since I'm no mechanic but my Caddy preferred Premium but could run a lower octane. When I used 89 once, I could notice the lack of performance from the engine and also the decrease in mpg. So I stayed using Premium til I gave her up.


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#80 ·
Thats probably the cylinder cut off at highway speeds. Helps with mileage.

I run 87 octane on my R/T all the time and get 21.5 to 22mpg on the highway.
 
#85 ·
I found it interesting that according to that website my Citadel pull 8.3/16.3 respectively and my old v6 trailblazer was pulling 7.6/15.6. especially since the Durango feels so much faster than the trailblazer did. I am wondering how accurate the site really is.
 
#86 ·
I used to have a 14 SXT Rallye with the V6. Now I have the R/T. Both AWD. I just wanted to experience what the Hemi was like. As far as fuel economy. I average about 19-20mpg on the RT combined here in LA traffic. On the V6 I used to average about 21 combined. So not a big difference. I think the mds helps out a lot since I drive moderately. But the new V6 also has the start-stop so I'm guessing it's a bit better now.
For towing, I think the V6 is pretty generous considering most competitors in the same class offer 5k lbs or less.. I once towed a uhaul car carrier with a Hyundai Elantra loaded on, probably close to 5k lbs with the V6 for about 300 miles. I think it did very well. Now with the RT I think it'll meet most if not all my towing needs.
Of course there's the difference with the sound, mod options, etc. but bottom line, it's about what you want. I'm happy with both my Durangos and I'm happy I drive the RT now. [emoji106]


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#88 ·
^^^ only reason I'm not considering the R/T[emoji53]

Calculations on EPA make it about $500 cheaper per year to run the 3.6. Reading through the forums it seems like that's about right...most averaging around 16 with R/T and 20 with 3.6.

Does make me wonder once you fill up the GT or Citadel with all the extra packages (i.e. Tow package, safety group, premium group) you loose some of the 20 mpg...


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#94 ·
I do wish I had a Hemi in my D since I think a cast iron V8 will last longer in the same application as an aluminum V6.

But my wife would have either bankrupted us with speeding tickets or killed herself with one; or killed me, or some combination of those.

With the 8 speed behind it, the V6 feels faster than her previous car (Hyundai Elantra), and gets similar fuel economy (27+ highway)