6.0 Powerstroke vs. 5.9 Cummins

[Caddyman]

Got to drive my friends fathers new 05 Ford. I have to admit it felt just as quick as my truck did stock. The extra revs the engine can do and an extra gear in the auto trans helped though. Would love to see them side by side in the quater. And for those who say racing isn't the way to compare trucks what would you do, tow? Is that what that black square under my bumper is for? Never used it.

 

[Punkineater]

Got to drive my friends fathers new 05 Ford. I have to admit it felt just as quick as my truck did stock. The extra revs the engine can do and an extra gear in the auto trans helped though. Would love to see them side by side in the quater. And for those who say racing isn't the way to compare trucks what would you do, tow? Is that what that black square under my bumper is for? Never used it.

Yes TOW!!!! That's what these trucks are made for. You should have bought a sports car to take to the dragstrip... ... ... . it would have likely been cheaper and the more intelligent thing to do.

 

[Grizzly]

There has never been a better engine made on the planet then a Cummins Turbo Diesel. That's a fact.

 

[Jeremiah]

Cummins engines are made to pull heavy stuff. The low-end torque enables them to pull more idling than some racing engines would at 1000 rpm. But it's a fact that high rpms translates into higher speeds. Now if the Cummins only had a 7th gear ...

 

[Badunit]

Yes TOW!!!! That's what these trucks are made for. You should have bought a sports car to take to the dragstrip... ... ... . it would have likely been cheaper and the more intelligent thing to do.

I think Caddyman was poking a little fun at those who say racing is not the way to compare trucks made for towing. We've seen that "discussion" before. I personally think that performance while unloaded (and not towing) is a valid data point in a well rounded comparison that would also include towing at various loads and grades, mean time between overhauls/major service, and general servicability.

 

[JUeckert]

There has never been a better engine made on the planet then a Cummins Turbo Diesel. That's a fact.

thats a fact based on what? could you be a little more specific. . second thought nevermind. .

 

[Grizzly]

thats a fact based on what? could you be a little more specific. . second thought nevermind. .

1st: My personal experience with engines. (This counts the most)

2nd: I do a lot of reading about engines.

3rd: I talk to a lot of people that that know engines.

 

[67guzzler]

When you compare stuff you have to first define the measurements. What's good? What's bad? What's better? To whom? I think that the Cummins is unique because it's foundation is essentially based upon a low RPM tracter engine that was dropped into a 3/4 ton truck in an attempt to save a cash-poor company's truck line. What a cool notion! Never done before. Nothing else out there made 450lbs of torque almost right off idle like these did. Fast forward to today and the redline has been moved from 2500 to 3200, you've got 4 valves per cylinder and computerized CR injection. But the foundation is the same.



The characteristics of the Ford are totally different. It's more of a free-revvving (for a diesel) V-8 that tries to imitate the power characteristics of a big block gasonline engine. Totally different driving experience from the CTD. Interestingly the two entities are trying to accomplish what the other seems to inately have. The Cummins is trying to rev more, breathe better and lengthen it's powerband. The PS has been trying to get more consistent low end grunt.



Personally, I'd rather have the CTD foundation of the hi-torque tracter engine than the attempt to add grunt to a V-8 diesel. But if you like the feeling of a gas engine with a broader powerband, then the PS might be for you.



As far as visual aesthetics the CTD has to win in anyone's book. When I open the hood and look at the PS spaghetti I get sick. I can't imagine trying to work on one. When I look at the I-6 of the CTD, I still get goosebumps just being in the presence of it's simplicity and greatness. It is what it is -- a low rpm monster with fewer moving parts and simplistic design crossed with 21st century electronics and computer wizardry. Changing the oil is a priviledge not a job.



So TO ME the CTD is better. But I'm a diesel fan at heart from the start. If I were a gas convert I don't know that I'd think the CTD is better.....

 

[JUeckert]

grizzly,you are intiteld to a opinion like everyone else,i agree cummins has some very good engines,they also have produced more than than share of duds also. the same applies for cat,IH,detroit,ford,mercedes and so on,to say they have the best in the world,my opinon is in some cases, NOT! and thats a fact. .

 

[LAMiller]

grizzly - I like the way you stated your last post! I copied and saved it on my computer for my "ignorant" friends that cant understand why a PS V8 is any different from the mighty CTD! Thanks

 

[Grizzly]

grizzly,you are intiteld to a opinion like everyone else,i agree cummins has some very good engines,they also have produced more than than share of duds also. the same applies for cat,IH,detroit,ford,mercedes and so on,to say they have the best in the world,my opinon is in some cases, NOT! and thats a fact. .

It's not JUST my opinion, It's a lot peoples opinion, It' people like you and like me who have been around trucks and hauling for a long time. Just look at the opinions on this thread and many other thread. I went back and read some of your post and you said one thing that drives my point. You said that the Cummins is a reliable engine. It is also the longest lasting in the industry, perhaps right along with the Volvo 4 cylinder (from 1980's, I forgot the model #). The Cummins also develops the most torque for an engine it's size. Good HP too. I have not seen a signature on your truck, but I know from your post that you have an 05 Dodge/Cummins and a few Ford PS. You seem to be partial to the 7. 3 PS and you don't like the 6. 0 PS. All this might explain why you are challenging me on the Cummins.

 

[JUeckert]

grizzly i must say i'am very impressed. it would have been simple to answer my reply with sarcasim or just shout out troll,but you did neither,you took the time to investigate and then drew a proper conclusion,thankyou! yep,i'am a big fan of the 7. 3 stroke and the 5. 9 cummins,been around both these engine since they hit the market,from 2 ton trucks to ag/industrial eguipment ,to pickups. i wouldnt be afraid to own either ones of these engines with high mileage or hrs,i've put them thru some serious work,as well as abuse daily. i have seen both engines neglected,and what comes of them when neglected[when it comes to poor fuel,or lack of oil changes] this is where the cummins shines[older],due to the type of fuel system on the powerstroke maintnance is fairly important. dont think of my post as a challenge to the cummins[5. 9],it isnt,the comment was directed towards cummins itself,they have had several duds,as have others. personally i believe every engine maker has a star in its lineup. IH has the 7. 6[466] which is argueably the best medium duty engine on the market,especially the older ones,the 360[5. 9] is now discontinued,but was a excellent engine also. the 7. 3 has a very loyal following aswell,why they couldnt mod this one to meet emissions and keep it on the line up i dont know. detroit has the series 60,a excellent and highly popular engine. cummins has the n-14[855],this old soldier just wont go away,and with few exceptions been a great engine,the 5. 9 speaks for itself,reliability and power to weight ratio make this a logical choice for a pickup. man this list could go on, and i havent even gotten to case,john deere,cat ,or mack, but that was simply my point,there are many other brands that deserve serious recognition and consideration to a man in the market. as for my signature list,not to be a smart*****,but i have to many trucks to list... . the 6. 0,well the engine itself is a good one,the electronics that go with it,and the cramped underhood compartment,i'll pass on that one... .

 

[Grizzly]

grizzly i must say i'am very impressed. it would have been simple to answer my reply with sarcasim or just shout out troll,but you did neither,you took the time to investigate and then drew a proper conclusion,thankyou! yep,i'am a big fan of the 7. 3 stroke and the 5. 9 cummins,been around both these engine since they hit the market. .

Other good engines for hauling big loads that's note worthy is the Dodge 440, a gaser. It was used on many class A and class C motorhomes. It was a good strong engine in the 70's and 80's but was discontinued because it couldn't meet emission standards. I was never to impressed with the Ford 460 nor the Chevy 455. I think as far as gaser, the 440 was one of the better.

 

[DPKetchum]

Well in those motor homes they cracked heads like mad. I sold reman engines for a while. Got LOTS of calls hunting heads for those beasts and the motor home heads were differant then standard heads.

 

[Grizzly]

Well here is my $. 02. I went to John Deere Tech school were in engine class the teachers stood up and said cubic inch for cubic inch a inline produces more torque then a V. That being said if you were buying a 1/2 ford truck several years ago and you could choose between the 300 six to the 302, the six would out torque it any day and ususally get better economy.



Second, what application besides chevy, and ford pickups where does a v8 diesel reside? Cat, Cummins, Detroit, John Deere, International, etc have tried v8 and don't anymore, the inline 6 is the way to go when it is time work. Just look at all the new over the road trucks, ag tractors, bull dozers, loaders, etc,etc. Only do they go to the v design when you have to have HUGE quanities of cubes and hp ie v12, v16, and some space requirements, in the HUGE loaders, dump trucks, and generating stations.



Yes if we are drag racing a v8 with some revs is the answer, but when its time to work its time for a 6 cylinder.



Now my opinion on the truck, there is only one choice for me to get a diesel. Dodge, cummins, 6 spd, 4X4, thats what I would get, no v8, no independent front suspension, no auto, for me its a nobrainer! I don't concern myself with fit and finish, heck I'm still driving a first gen. Its simple, reliable, tuff drivetrain,(I can't even complain about the getrag!) and it pulls alot petter than my newer, lower geared, smaller tired, FORD powerjoke work truck, and it has 60,000 miles less on the odometer. Got to have rpm to get any power, it doesn't pull bottom to top in the prm range like my cummins does. (Obviously no my choice, the boss' boss made that one)



AGAIN THIS IS JUST MY OPINION! and you must remember opinions are like armpits, everyone has them, and some of them stink!!

And a very good opinion it is. When do you think Furd/International will get smart and redesign an in line 6? Can't they see the hand writing on the wall?

 

[DPKetchum]

They won't. Length/weight etc. They want a diesel more gas like in tems of drivabilty etc. Same as inline 6 gas engines. V is were its been going and is/has been with the diesel also.

 

[Schrowang]

Hey Guys,



DC has got what DC's numbers tell them will sell. For the CTD combo, that appears to be a 3/4 ton and 1 ton vehicle. Ford has taken that next step into the medium duty offering with the F550 and up. They offer some great drive-train options, especially the the CTD and CAT. I believe GMC has done the same thing with their medium duty line, but I'm not sure about the drive-train options. Isn't DC supposed to be offering the Sterling at Dodge dealers next year?



For my money nothing runs like a CTD unless its a Caterpillar. Saw a stretched Peterbuilt once with a CAT V12 converted tugboat engine in it. The picture was in Overdrive magazine. Now that was some truck, I kid you not. Oo.



Mike

 

[SAndreasen]

the 5. 9l cummins 12 vavle configuration has proven to be a very strong engine with these engines bieng avalibile in case ih tractors case loaders and hesston swathers and also case ih combines this engine will flat out work a duramax or power stroke diesel. i have yet to open the hood on a loader and see a 6. 0l power stroke or 7. 3 or a swather with a duramax

 

[SAndreasen]

the 5. 9l cummins 12 vavle configuration has proven to be a very strong engine with these engines bieng avalibile in case ih tractors case loaders and hesston swathers and also case ih combines this engine will flat out work a duramax or power stroke diesel. i have yet to open the hood on a loader and see a 6. 0l power stroke or 7. 3 or a swather with a duramax. just about any diesel can propel a pickup down the road but actulay work in the dirt hard and do it day in and day out that takes a good engine

 

[MR.K]

Doomed 6.0

I have both 03 cummins dodge and 03 ford 6. 0... ... ... Ford . . What a pile of junk! . . equal to if not worse than an 80's GM 5. 7 diesel... 6. 0's 4 headbolts per cylinder design dooms head gasketts & their computer reflashes monthly to somehow detune it long enough to get it out of warrenty . . BUYER BEWARE. . ford goin' broke for a reason... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .