I'm
documenting my buying process here. But this is a specific drivetrain question which is very appropriate in this esteemed forum. This is my use case:
- Overlanding Vehicle. Living at 8000ft of elevation. Heavy Winter.
- Lots of offroad climbing (and descending) in treacherous mountain passes in Colorado.
- Not a daily driver. Will be use for short trips in the weekends and longer trips (3-6h each way + roaming in the trip) likely once a month.
- Calculated payload needed including bumpers, roof racks, rock sliders around 2500lbs.
I have decided for a Diesel, so there's no point in talking about the Hemi. But I want to be able to objectively decide about standard vs high output. Saving $3k is fine, but money is no object. Here's the main criteria I'm considering, in equal weightings:
1. Fuel economy
2. Reliability and Longevity
3. Performance for my use case
It's hard to find comparisons, specially long term. I appreciate if you guys have any insights, first hand experience, links to other resources, and everything else you think can help me make an objective decision.
Thanks a lot.