I have often debated this issue with my friends. I cruise in my 91 Monty 3.0 at 70 and I'm doing close to 3000 rpm. In my buddy's truck(GMC 5.3) at 70, he's doing around 1900-2000. And he gets better mileage than I do. I think that the larger engines have become more efficient than most V6's out there, in that there is a better HP/MPG ratio, so to speak.

I am not making any sense here. Am I?

I realize that SUV/4x4 pickups are heavy, geared fairly low, and have the aerodynamics of a brick,i.e., bad mileage. However, I think that the largest problem is simply underpowered engines. It takes too much go-pedal to perform equally with other vehicles on the highway. Seriously, it's not like my buddy's full size extended cab GMC is light, aerodynamic, or tall geared, he simply has an engine with enough power to easily cruise at 70 or keep up with traffic.

I would like to see more SUV's with small v-8's, ala the new 4-Runner, so that our engines could work in a more comfortable, efficient zone.

Or more research into developing more power/performance from our V6's. I know, I know apples and oranges, but my mother's Park Avenue (3.8 V^6) gets about 30 mpg at 70-80 mph!!! We have got to find some happy medium for our segment of the truck world.

Thoughts?

PS-I realize that this reply is still as clear as mud...too much Benadryl.

*Edit - I was too slow JasonA beat me , and probably proved my point more effectively too.

<small>[ March 07, 2003, 11:44 AM: Message edited by: toyota87 ]</small>