Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi 6-Speed Vs. 8-Speed (In-Depth Comparison)
The Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi is undoubtedly a good vehicle if you want a truck that you can rely on.
However, there are two trim models of the Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi. Choosing between these trim models might be stressful.
Therefore, this article will discuss the difference between the 6-speed and the 8-speed transmission.
The Ram Heavy-duty 2500 6.4 Hemi 8-speed is an improved model of the 6-speed engine. You can compare these trim models based on the speed automatic transmission system, fuel economy ratings, efficiency, and a better driving experience in general.
Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi 6-speed
The Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi is a heavy-duty truck for rugged outdoor activities.
This build is compatible with some specifications peculiar to the engine it possesses.
An important engine specification as a combustion type engine is that it has six cylinders; hence, the 6-speed nomenclature.
A combustion engine uses air and gasoline to generate energy that makes the engine work.
This engine works by the movement of the pistons in the cylinders.
The movement of the piston in the cylinder ignites a spark generated by the mixture of air and gasoline.
Features of the Ram Heavy-duty Hemi 6-speed engine include
- Horsepower
- Transmission
- Torque
- Miles per gallon rating.
- Fuel economy rating.
#1. Horsepower
The Ram heavy-duty Hemi 6.4 6-V engine has a horsepower of 389hp. The engine’s horsepower is the amount of power that the engine generates.
You can imagine this horsepower as the energy needed to move a certain weight by a one-foot distance.
This weight is based on a standard of 550 pounds moved in one second.
The Horsepower seeks to measure the work rate of the engine, thereby telling us how efficient the engine can be when moving.
The acceleration of an engine is dependent on the horsepower of the engine.
A higher horse-powered engine accelerates faster when engaged in speed.
Before making that choice on the trim model to purchase, the horsepower of the 6.4 Hemi 6-V is an important specification to consider.
It depends on the performance of the vehicle.
#2. Transmission
The 6-speed engine of the Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi has a manual transmission system.
In some other cases, the Speed Automatic transmission runs on the trim model for the 6-V engine. For example, the Cummins turbo diesel-powered engine uses a manual transmission.
The transmission system transfers the power generated from the engine to the driveshaft, which controls the tires.
This system gives the wheel the right amount of power to accelerate at an engaged gear. Also, you can manually change the gear by using the clutch.
You may prefer using a manual transmission system on your engine if you prefer a more engaging driving experience.
#3. Torque
The Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi 6-V has 350-pound feet of torque.
The car turning power is the torque; this torque also represents how much power your engine requires to reach a certain speed.
So while the horsepower permits more acceleration, the torque allows for more speed.
The Ram heavy-duty vehicles require more torque to generate their acceleration. 2021 Ram eTorque Problems (Read This First).
#4. Miles Per Gallon (MPG) Rating
The miles per gallon rating of a 6-V engine in the Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi 17MPG.
The MPG is the amount of fuel burned through a particular distance covered in miles. You can measure this amount of fuel in gallons.
This figure gives you an idea of the fuel economy rating of your vehicle.
A car’s fuel consumption is an important index that should affect your choice of any car before you decide to purchase it.
The greater the MPG of a car, the longer the distance you can cover with lesser fuel in your tank.
This fact implies that a higher MPG prevents frequent refueling when traveling a long distance.
Therefore, you tend to save more money with a higher MPG, and the environmental impact is milder.
Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi 8-Speed
The 8-speed engine is an advanced trim model of the Ram heavy-duty 6.4 Hemi.
The engine is an 8-cylinder combustion engine powered by a Cummins turbo-diesel system.
This trim model is available as 6.4L Hemi 8-V and a 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel L6 Engine.
As a common style of Engine found in most modern cars, The Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi 8speed consists of an 8-cylinder model of Pistons.
Specific Features of this engine include:
- Horsepower
- Transmission
- Torque wrench
- Miles per gallon rating.
- Fuel economy rating.
#1. Horsepower
The horsepower rating of the 8-V trim model of the Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi is 410. The 8v engine has a higher horsepower compared to that of the 6-V.
The higher Horsepower rating compared to the 6-V affords a higher acceleration when engaged at higher speeds.
#2. Transmission
The Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi 8-V has an automatic transmission system attached to the engine. This trim model is an upgrade when compared to the 6-V model.
The speed automatic transmission uses hydraulic power to shift gears.
To do so, your ram heavy-duty combines a fluid coupling converter with gear sets that affords a range of gear ratios.
The fluid coupling converter connects the engine and the transmission system.
With the aid of pressurized fluid technology, the energy generated by the combustion engine is transmitted to the gears; hence you can make speed changes.
The automatic system engages the gears by the use of hydraulic pressure. While in the 6-V engine, the manual system engages by the use of a clutch.
#3. Torque
The Torque of the 8-V engine measures a value of 429 pounds per foot. The higher the Torque of a vehicle, the more speed it can attain, and hence it will run faster.
Compared to the 6-V, the Torque of the 8-V is higher; hence, the engine can accelerate faster. 2014 Ram 1500 Torque Specs (Beginners Guide)
#4. Miles Per Gallon (MPG) Rating
With a larger engine with higher performance, the MPG of the 8-V Is slightly lower than that of the 6-V.
This figure stands at 15 when compared to that of a 6-V engine. This lower MPG is experienced because of the greater horsepower of the engine.
More fuel burns to give speed and acceleration. Though in practice, less fuel can cover more distance in the case of an 8-v engine because of a greater horsepower and Torque, which propels the engine faster.
Theoretically, more fuel burns while riding an 8-engine.
The Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi 8 Speed Vs. 6 Speed
The features of the 8-speed and 6-speed may have some similarities, but the difference affects your decision on which to go for.
Here is a summary of some important differences between both of them:
| Feature | Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi 8 speed | Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi 6 speed |
| Engine type | 8-Cylinder | 6-Cylinder |
| Transmission | Automatic transmission | Manual transmission |
| Torque | 429 pounds per feet | 350 Pounds Per Feet |
| MPG | 15MPG | 17MPG |
Conclusion
The Ram Heavy-duty 2500 6.4 Hemi comes in two Trims.
Though both models are closely related, they bear important differences capable of altering your choice based on what you need.
These differences include the engine capability, the horsepower, the transmission type, the Torque, and the MPG Rating.
