Weight yes has something to do with it. But 4-500 Lbs will not effect the performance of an engine with no load in the back and only 1 driver. Granted the 5.9 is a good engine with plenty of power, but compared even to a 350 or a 305 the power seems t be "not all there" when talking about a Ram 1500. Even in My new Rado with the 4.8 the power feels more then it does in a Ram with a 5.9. The power is less compared to the base V8's from Chevy and Ford, and yes even the Toyot Tundra feels like it has more power compare to it. The power of the 5.9 can weel exceed over the 300Hp mark very easy. And the tourque can just get increased wih that. They should have redesigned the engine to produce more then GM or Ford for the '02 models...
There would be no reason to tweak an old engine that was originally slated for extixtion this year but was delayed until next year. The 5.7 hemi will be replacing the 5.9.
I've driven the 5.3, 4.8, and the 5.9 dodge. I disagree with your assesment of power in these as do the magazines.
I had a 5.9 on a '97 Ram. It wasn't that bad, but there are better engines coming out now. Peak torque and HP are not the same as useable numbers. In repeated day to day use, if the engine makes a big fuss producing the power you will tend not to use it, preferring to take it easy on the throttle.
Pros: Reliable. I never hear of Ram engine problems, just transmissions and brakes, mostly. Good torque
Cons: Noisy for the power output A little rough Poor Gas mileage (13 mpg empty) Mediocre transmission robs some of the power, I suspect.
I never noticed the deficits of this engine until I drove a Toyota Tundra with its more turbine-like V-8. So if you don't mind it, enjoy it. I'm looking at 2002 Rams (reg cab)now as a 2nd vehicle. I'd choose the 4.7, but I love the Ram's extra cab space and seat comfort compared to the competition. No other regular cab comes close in terms of storage and comfort.
Reading all I can find about the new Ram 1500 5.9. As of yet I'm not fully educated about engines and become very frustrated with a "sales persons lines..." as far as what truck is better for what I need... outside of style and personal visual choice. As I am saving for a decent down payment could I have a non-sales persons opinion about A)is the 2002 Dodge Ram Quad (4.7/5.9 - 4WD) a strong or positive investment as compared to Chev/Ford & B)should I wait for the 5.7hemi (?) to arrive. I will be purchasing a four wheeled trailer to pull (for my business) and need to know will it have decent power (as well).
This will be a vehicle I will keep until it probably dies and cannot afford constant "shop visits." Both costly and business time consuming.
I tow a landscape trailer every day for work. I would say that you have adequate power for a trailer up to say, 4 or 5 thousand lbs, with either Dodge Engine. It also depends on how much you're annoyed by not having instant go power. Chevrolets resell higher than Dodges here in Georgia, but they also tend to cost more new. None of the US made trucks has a stellar reliablity record, so it's hard to say which is best there.
For style and personality, the Ram has an edge, but its a first year model. I drive a Tundra, and it tows great (much better than you'd think) , but it may be too small for some. I like its smaller size for manuverability since I never carry passengers anyway, but it's really too small in back for anyone but kids. it's also the most reliable, overall, in my opinion. Finally, it has fantastic resale (bought mine for $25,000 driveout in '99, it now is worth an estimated $18,000 with 30K 2 1/2 years later)
The Dodge has made great improvements on thier 2002 model 1500. The brakes are now the largest in the industry. Best bet is to test drive each and write down what you liked and disliked on each. Any of them will do the job and will likely get down to personal preference, financial deal and dealer service.
Bruce, I care for your Tundra, but as you say it's was too small for me when I was looking. Plus the price turned me off. Happy with the EXT cab 4x4 Rado. And it outmuscles the Tundra. he thing I did like about the Tundra was the Tourque. That's about it. The Ram's were a top decision of mine along with the Ford's. I don't like the Ram because I thought the engine felt weak. As to the guy saying I am wrong and all the mags are right, I invite you to look at some dyno tests of different cars and trucks. Youmight be suprised on what you learn. I never said the 5.9 was a bad engine, just underpowered that's all. I hoe the new engine has more power. The Chevy/GM Vortec's are beating them in HP!!
Seriously, I, or rather my wife, had a 2wd 2001 Tahoe with the 5.3L and my Tundra feels distinctly quicker, even the the 5.3L is rated higher for both hp and torque. Maybe it's that it's smoother at high rpm's than the pushrod 5.3L and only seems more powerful, or the Tahoe was geared high. But that Toyota engine is a fine one. I was pleasantly surprised by it.
Comments
I've driven the 5.3, 4.8, and the 5.9 dodge. I disagree with your assesment of power in these as do the magazines.
Pros:
Reliable. I never hear of Ram engine problems, just transmissions and brakes, mostly.
Good torque
Cons:
Noisy for the power output
A little rough
Poor Gas mileage (13 mpg empty)
Mediocre transmission robs some of the power, I suspect.
I never noticed the deficits of this engine until I drove a Toyota Tundra with its more turbine-like V-8. So if you don't mind it, enjoy it. I'm looking at 2002 Rams (reg cab)now as a 2nd vehicle. I'd choose the 4.7, but I love the Ram's extra cab space and seat comfort compared to the competition. No other regular cab comes close in terms of storage and comfort.
As I am saving for a decent down payment could I have a non-sales persons opinion about A)is the 2002 Dodge Ram Quad (4.7/5.9 - 4WD) a strong or positive investment as compared to Chev/Ford & B)should I wait for the 5.7hemi (?) to arrive.
I will be purchasing a four wheeled trailer to pull (for my business) and need to know will it have decent power (as well).
This will be a vehicle I will keep until it probably dies and cannot afford constant "shop visits." Both costly and business time consuming.
For style and personality, the Ram has an edge, but its a first year model. I drive a Tundra, and it tows great (much better than you'd think) , but it may be too small for some. I like its smaller size for manuverability since I never carry passengers anyway, but it's really too small in back for anyone but kids. it's also the most reliable, overall, in my opinion. Finally, it has fantastic resale (bought mine for $25,000 driveout in '99, it now is worth an estimated $18,000 with 30K 2 1/2 years later)
Leo
I care for your Tundra, but as you say it's was too small for me when I was looking. Plus the price turned me off. Happy with the EXT cab 4x4 Rado. And it outmuscles the Tundra. he thing I did like about the Tundra was the Tourque. That's about it. The Ram's were a top decision of mine along with the Ford's. I don't like the Ram because I thought the engine felt weak. As to the guy saying I am wrong and all the mags are right, I invite you to look at some dyno tests of different cars and trucks. Youmight be suprised on what you learn. I never said the 5.9 was a bad engine, just underpowered that's all. I hoe the new engine has more power. The Chevy/GM Vortec's are beating them in HP!!
Seriously, I, or rather my wife, had a 2wd 2001 Tahoe with the 5.3L and my Tundra feels distinctly quicker, even the the 5.3L is rated higher for both hp and torque. Maybe it's that it's smoother at high rpm's than the pushrod 5.3L and only seems more powerful, or the Tahoe was geared high. But that Toyota engine is a fine one. I was pleasantly surprised by it.
is scheduled to be available in the RAM 1500?
365FT-IBS TORQUE AT 4400RPM
For additional info go to Pickuptruck.com.