3.0 EcoDiesel V-6 vs 5.0 Cummins V-8

3.0L EcoDiesel V-6

Ram Truck's groundbreaking introduction of the 3.0L EcoDiesel to the Ram 1500's lineup has been met with overwhelmingly positive reviews and reception. Their instant success is due in part to the engine's impressive characteristics, offering a balance between capability and fuel economy. The engine's 420 lb-ft of torque allows the truck to tow just over 9,000 lbs, while its relatively small displacement grants it an EPA rated 29 mpg on the highway (for two wheel drive models). But the diesel powered Ram 1500's success also comes from another key element - there's been no competition in the 1/2 ton diesel category, but other automakers are catching on quickly.

Ram had a chance to produce their 1500 model with Cummins' 5.0L turbodiesel but declined the offer, citing concerns over fuel economy goals. They chose instead the 3.0L EcoDiesel, which is manufactured in Italy by VM Motori (Fiat-Chrysler has since acquired VM Motori). For an engine displacing under 200 cubic inches, the EcoDiesel impresses with 240 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. Power is transmitted through an 8 speed transmission designed by ZF, whose favorable features include a short 4.71 1st gear ratio and relatively tall 0.67 overdrive. Like the 5.0L Cummins, the EcoDiesel's engine block is produced from CGI and its cylinder heads from aluminum, both of which help reduce weight.

*EcoDiesel HFE models

5.0L Cummins V-8

A 5.0L Cummins powered Nissan Titan pickup was announced by the partnering companies in 2013 and officially unveiled in January of 2015. With the unveiling, official horsepower and torque figures were finally released for the new mill, but the EPA won't be rating nor publishing fuel economy figures for the XD do to its GVWR. With 310 horsepower, 555 lb-ft of torque the Cummins is a real workhorse, but also an economical option for buyers who are willing to make a reasonable trade-off between fuel economy and capability.

Transmitting power from the big Cummins is an Aisin 6 speed automatic transmission, which pairs nicely with the V-8 turbodiesel. A two-stage turbocharger setup promises to reduce turbo lag, and the system may even outperform a typical VGT turbocharger in terms of responsiveness.