Should I buy a V6 or V8 truck?

Question

What's the scoop with some of the new V8 trucks getting better gas mileage than the V6's?

Answer 1

There are several factors to consider when guessing gas mileage..

If V8s suck more gas than a V6, why does the EPA rate a 1999 Cadillac DeVille at 26 mpg Highway (a big boat with a BIG V8)

But only rate a 2006 Chevrolet Impala (Much smaller car with a V6) at 27mpg on the highway?

Several factors.

Here's another one for you, though:

A 2006 Ford F150 4x4 V8 is rated at 18mpg on the highway.

A 2006 Ford Ranger 4x4 V6 is rated at 19mpg on the highway.

Again, a much smaller unit...smaller engine...but pretty much the same gas mileage??? What up?

Here are SOME explanations:

Transmissions, # of gears and how the gears are spaced. i.e: The Ford 500 has a six-speed or CVT, so it can get much better gas mileage on a V6 than the much smaller Taurus can.

Rear Differential ratio...(Simple explanation: The number of turns the driveshaft must turn to turn the tires once). The F150 V8 has a a 3.73 rear end. The ranger V6 has a 4.10 rear end. So the ranger has to spin the driveshaft more to get the wheels to turn one time. Hence, giving it more low end pulling power, but also burning more gas.

And yes, "how much fuel does it take to get the load moving".... If you have a box that weighs 100#, A grown man (or v8) should be able to push it across the floor without much effort. A 12 year old boy (or V6) will take a lot more effort to move the same box an equal distance. In the end, the boy will have used more ENERGY (gas) than the man will have.

If your biggest concern with your vehicle is gas mileage, then you have a lot of options. If you need to pull a trailer, or work it in 4x4, or cary a load. You might want the V8.

And in response to posters who are slamming the dealers and salespeople.
I'll say it again... car dealers are not out to screw anybody. We are trained in product knowledge. We take certification tests, and MUST pass them with 80% or better.

Customers are mailed surveys by the manufacturer after their purchase. If a dealership scores poorly, they could loose benefits from the manufacturer. (for example, being Blue Oval Certified)

We are trained and expected to talk to the customer, learn what their needs are...then try to suggest vehicles to the customer that will help them achieve their goals.

Answer 2

Depends on your needs. Most full size trucks will come with a V8. Recent technology allows better MPG in V8's by disabling 1/2 of the cylinders when the vehicle does not need them aka accelerating, towing, etc. You know your driving habits best. What are you hauling, towing, etc. 2 other factors that influence MPG as well is the rear end axle ratio. The lower the number the better the mileage but lower towing capacity. Also whether the vehicle is 2wd or 4x4. A 2wd will avg. 1-2 MPG more because it weighs less (no transfer case, front differential, etc.) Either way Pickups are not aerodynamic by nature, they are meant to serve a purpose. So none have great mileage some are just better than others. Hope this helps Good Luck

Answer 3

If you can afford it I would get a V-8. V-6 is not necessarily better for gas mileage. Different factors come into play, like what you are using it for. If you are just doing city driving a V-6 should be better on gas. If you are pulling something usually a V-6 will use as much or more gas as it has to work harder. Also think of any uses you might have for your truck in the future. If you want to pull a boat or a trailer make sure you have enough towing capacity. I sell trailers and you would be surprised how many people come in with a brand new truck they just bought that is not strong enough to pull the trailer they want. Find out the weight of whatever you might want to pull and make sure the truck has the capacity to do so, be it a V-6 or V-8.

Answer 4

Generally, the more cylinders the worse the fuel consumption.

If the total displacement is the same then I suppose it's possible for a modern V8 to get better mileage than a older V6.

You'll get a wider torque range from the V8 - much better for a truck.

Answer 5

do you really need the truck in the first place? i mean if you do, then great, but if you dont, maybe you should be looking at a small/medium SUV of something?
you guys in the US suffer big time though....here in Australia, we have the Holden (GM) Commodore ute, which is getting a bit long in the tooth now, but will be replaced within 12 months, and its platform will underpin the new Chev Camero...plus they look amazing, pretty lean fuel economy with either V6 or V8 engines and great ride, which will only get better with the new VE, plus they can carry all the sh*t you need...what else could you want?

Answer 6

v8s have more power obviously
and i know gm is coming out with a new technology that makes a v8 run on four cylinders when not accelerating.
as opposed to a v6 that is a v6 all the time.

Answer 7

The New V6 Ford F150s are not too weak at all, and supposedly get the best gas mileage of the full sizers. According to the website you cant get one in 4door and long bed though... maybe call a dealer and see about special ordering one?

Answer 8

Don't let the American auto makers lie to you abou the gas mileage. My husband has a Chevy Silverado that snorts, sniffs, and inhales gas. If you want your truck to pimp you for gas money, buy a V8.

Answer 9

i think it depends on what you are hauling. I did not hear about v8's getting better mpg. It would probably mean a new V8 getting more miles than an older V6.

Answer 10

the power required to move the same weight with a smaller motor and

IMO, that's what they want people to buy. obviuosly, because v8's trucks and suv's are generally more expensive, nicer, and more appealing to the public. in order to not lose a substantial amount of sales, because of increasing gas prices, more effort and technology was put increasing the mpg of those bigger, nicer, more expensive trucks so they would be bought.