V6 and 8 Speed: Does Chrysler have a winning combination?

Stringent emissions standards have driven manufacturers to look for different ways to accomplish mpg increases, while at the same time making cars perform. Gone are the days of customers accepting a pokey Oldsmobile Cutlass that shakes at 85 mph. New technologies like Ford’s EcoBoost (replacing most of the manufacturers V8 engines with V6 engines) are equipped with direct injection and twin turbochargers resulting in better fuel economy.

But that’s just one approach. To get firsthand experience we decided to drive two different vehicles from another manufacturer: Chrysler. Both were equipped with the 3.6 liter V6 engine and the new 8-speed automatic transmission.

First on our list: the 2013 Dodge Charger SXT Plus with the Blacktop Package. As tested it tips the scales at $37,910 and boosts 293-hp from the V6 engine. Of course, it has all the looks of the Dodge Charger, and with the Blacktop Package is kitted out with a gloss black grille surround, 21-inch black aluminum alloy wheels, body-colored spoiler, sport mode and a sports suspension.

Can the V6 cut it or does it leave you yearning for the HEMI V8 and all of its 370-hp? And, is the 8-speed transmission better than the 5 speed in the HEMI?

The Charger V6 is a good every person full-sized car. It has good legroom front and rear, a carnivorous trunk and the looks that will get you noticed. The V6 is missing the rumble and growl of the HEMI, but it also gets much better fuel economy at 19 in the city, 31 on the highway and 23 combined. It even performs with a 0 to 60 in 6.4 seconds, which is only a second slower, give or take, than the R/T.

While you mull that over, I have to give you some insight into the 2013 RAM 1500 Tradesman Crew 4×4. It’s with the V6 and 8-speed transmission combination, but in a truck. The Tradesman represents the base model RAM, but by adding the Crew cab for additional rear passenger room and comfort you push toward an as-tested price of $35,675.

However, the engine/transmission combination will let you achieve 16/23/19 mpg city/hwy/combined making this a pretty economical truck to run at 3 to 4 mpg better than the HEMI. You even have the choice of 5 feet 7 inches or 6 feet 4 inches bed in the Crew four door model.

In the end, it comes down to the experience and whether you can drive these vehicles and still enjoy them without the rumble and power of the V8 HEMI. I am a gear head and love power, but I still think the V6 and 8-speed transmission combination is a nice balance for the everyday driver. Give it a thought and then give the V6 engine options a try ­— you might be surprised.