So yesterday I drove the Jeep Gladiator with the EcoDiesel.
- It has ESS, which I love. While sitting at a red light, fast food drive thru line, etc. there is NO fuel being wasted. I have no idea why they didn't do this on the Ram. This is probably why the Jeep guys are reporting much better MPG despite the truck having very similar curb weight.
- It has manual shifting. Another GREAT feature that should have been on the Ram. You can shift the 8HP75 manually with the AutoStick in the Jeep. VERY useful...a lot better than the stupid "gear lockout" feature in the Ram.
- Throttle was great. There wasn't any of the throttle lag, delay, or driveability issue with the Jeep. Press the pedal and it goes. Every time. It felt really good. I wish Ram felt that good. And despite having 38 lb/ft less torque on paper, the Jeep feels every drop as strong as the Ram.
Seems to me like the Jeep and Ram guys at FCA need to share notes.