Takeda

Motortrend's Chevy, Ford, and Dodge Pickup test, comment on towing performance:

With flat land hauling impressions in the bag, we headed out to the Davis Dam grade, a 12-mile stretch of Arizona Highway 68 just outside Bullhead City and the site of the SAE J2807 voluntary, standardized towing test for pickup trucks. The combination of altitude, payload, and a continuous 6-percent grade allowed us to observe how the powertrains reacted to a worst-case scenario we called "the frustration test." That is, trying to pass uphill while weighed down. Once again, the Ford felt unencumbered and skipped up the hill as if the weight wasn't there. Objectively, the time it took to jump from 50 to 70 mph nearly doubled compared to passing when empty and on flat ground, but you wouldn't know it by feel alone. The Ram likewise felt unburdened, and though it had the longest passing time, the difference was also less than double. The Chevy, though, felt seriously weighed down. Passing took a whole lot of throttle, and even then its passing time more than doubled.

Keep in mind that the engine in the Chevy is literally twice the size as the engine in the Ford (5.3L V-8 vs 2.7L V-6). The reason the performance is so bad on the Chevy is it still uses ancient pushrod technology, along with 2 valve/cylinder. The Ford uses state of the art DOHC (Double Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves/cylinder, and twin turbos.

Got-F150?

I don't think you realize how much of a game changer TWIN TURBO's are on almost any truck. Slap some Turbo's on the 5.3 and see how much power it makes....it's not even comparable when talking forced induction vs N/A!

gentz002

eco diesel has a turbo.......

that being said though it is still something to see when you take an engine with half the cylinders and displacement as the chevy v8. yet the 2.7 still smoke it.

miniceptor86

I'm impressed that the 2.7 gas kicked butt (if only slightly) on the 3.0 diesel.

Takeda

The main point I was trying to make is GM's use of ancient technology on their V-8s (pushrod, and 2 valves/cylinder). Take a look at this data, it compares normally aspirated Ford vs Chevy engines, and also Corvette and Shelby Mustang forced induction engines. Clearly, DOHCs, and 4 valves/cylinder make a huge difference, either normally aspirated, or forced induction:

katoom

Its a crazy impressive motor, all that and killer gas mileage and great looks! Full Package!

mechanicboy

The most impressive number there is the passed while loaded, HUGE difference. That 2.7 is impressive, and this was with the 3.55 gears.

dodgehemi0

Yah, but how much fuel did the gas us compared to the diesel. That's where the little diesel excels. I'm sure the diesel was close to double of either truck while pulling the trailer.

HCFX2013

I don't really understand why people are so hung up about fuel mileage when towing. You're towing the weight of your truck or more, so theoretically you'll get half the MPG. If your truck gets 20mpg unloaded you'll get 10mpg towing. Pretty simple. Don't like it? Don't buy a trailer.

Personally I'd much rather have the power I need when towing vs mileage. When I towed with my '13 5.0L it was a little better on fuel while towing my trailer vs my '11 Ecoboost but I sure got tired of hearing it scream up hills. The Ram EcoDiesel does indeed have more torque, but look at the specs. It's a slow dog even unloaded. This proves my theory that the Ecoboost engines are the best all-round engines for a truck versus a small diesel that everyone seems to want so badly. And as far as the Diesel's fuel economy advantage? It really doesn't have one at all. That EcoDiesel demands a $4,000 premium over the HEMI in some applications. You could buy a lot of fuel for that.

Got-F150?

Diesel power delivery is completely different, they aren't an equal comparison really...

You are forgetting a LOT of variables and that chart isn't really accurate when talking about an aftermarket car like a Shelby GT1000. There are much more efficient setups now using the 5.8.. Even Mullets new setup is over 2,500hp..
Look at a regular 6.2L LT1 rated from 415-460hp depending on chassis. Does that mean the Ford 6.2 Hurricane engine isn't any good now since it only makes 385-411hp as a SOHC?

Power delivery, torque and displacement play a big roll in how these vehicles perform from OEM and meeting emissions standards.

Here's an old 5.3 with a little Turbo making over 700hp..


Exactly, the trade off is consumption. The diesel is going to be more efficient.

For someone that just drives to the store and back or work and back you're right it's not a big deal or worth the premium. However, for people that tow for a living that is a game changer. When you put 200-300K+ miles on a vehicle, doubling MPG is HUGE!