Whether you’re comparison shopping, or just want to see how your engine stacks up against the competition – read on as we size up some particulars about each of the Big Three’s 2011 editions of diesel pickup engines.
The 2011 diesel offerings are as follows: Ford 6.7L Power Stroke V-8 , Dodge 6.7L Cummins I-6, and Chevy 6.6L Duramax LML V-8.
Diesel is essentially all about power – torque, horsepower, and towing capacity – and each entry delivers in that regard, with the Power Stroke having a slight overall edge. Making 400 hp and 800-lb-ft of torque vs. 350 / 800 and 397 / 765 from the Cummins and Duramax respectively. Ford’s Power Stroke leads the field. It also places first in payload (7,070 lbs) and towing capacity.
Each of these diesel entries is mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Here again, the Ford demonstrated a decided edge with smoother shifting than the other two. Depending upon your aesthetic leanings, you may or may not prefer the smoother ride provided by the Power Stroke over the Cummins. Then again, the responsiveness of the Duramax, through all gears, may be more to your taste.
Cummins was the first to refine their diesel engine back in 2007 in order to comply with 2010.5 EPA standard. The result was an engine with SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) technology that requires no NOx treatment, placing it squarely at the forefront regarding emissions among the Big 3.
As for warranty coverage, all three provide powertrain coverage of up to 5 years, with Ford’s warranty covering the first 60,000 miles, while Dodge and Chevy carry theirs out to 100,000 miles. So this one’s a tie between the Ram and the Bow Tie.
The bottom line is that there is neither a bad choice here nor a clear-cut runaway favorite. All three engines are more than capable work-horses, and offer impressive option packages to get the job done in downright luxurious conditions. Once you’re satisfied that their specs meet your work needs, then making your choice will be largely a matter of taste, options and budget.