Posted this on another forum where they were arguing about fuel costs and comparing apples to oranges (Fiat to Ford).
Fuel prices based on the lowest available 2/26/2014 in the 48150 area per Gas Buddy
Reg $3.37
Mid $3.50 ** the Hemi V8 calls for mid grade gasoline
Diesel $4.19
Ram 1500 Laramie crew cab 4x4
V6 ------ max payload 1643 lbs --- max towing 7150 lbs --- epa mixed 19 mpg --- fuel 20k miles = $3,547
V8 ------ max payload 1266 lbs --- max towing 9900 lbs --- epa mixed 17 mpg --- fuel 20k miles = $4,117
Diesel --- max payload 1064 lbs --- max towing 8550 lbs --- epa mixed 22 mpg --- fuel 20k miles = $3,809
+ DEF $43 to $112 + Additives $30 to $90 = $3,882 to $4,011 OUCH!
As of today, traveling 20,000 miles, the diesel costs $262 more for fuel than the V6 and $308 less than the V8.
The diesel fuel cost doesn't include def or winter additives, which could easily cut that $308 advantage in half.
EPA mpg numbers:
https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymake/Ram2014.shtml
DEF prices range from 2.70/gal at Loves truck stops to 6.99/gal in auto stores.
Additives figure best case: 6 months @ $20/300gal to worst case: year round @ $10/100gal