How does the CRD compare to the 3.7?

Albert · **Posted:** Wed May 10, 2006 8:22 am

The gas & diesel engines are different and hard to compare. They both have their attributes. I would love to drive a CRD to see what it feels like but you can't get one in NY (pollution laws) so I havn't even seen or heard one. I'm going to Maryland in a couple of weeks and maby I'll see one down there.

oldnavy · **Posted:** Wed May 10, 2006 10:04 am

Albert wrote:

The gas & diesel engines are different and hard to compare. They both have their attributes. I would love to drive a CRD to see what it feels like but you can't get one in NY (pollution laws) so I havn't even seen or heard one. I'm going to Maryland in a couple of weeks and maby I'll see one down there.

I have as yet had a 3.7L bet me in any little stop light run off. One is a automatic driven by neighbor lady, and I have run her 3 times. I get her coming out of the hole and that is something she can never get back.

LibertyCRD · **Posted:** Wed May 10, 2006 10:18 am

Personally in my experience from owning both I'd say the CRD pulls harder at speeds past 65 also. I don't know where that other guy got his info. but my CRD pulls hard all the way until I get scared and let out of the throttle. I don't think a 3.7 stands a chance at any speed against a CRD. Just my opinion/experience. The 3.7L is a strong engine..no doubt about it. I have grown to have a lot of respect for it over the years. More so than any V6 from Ford or GM. But the 3.7L can't match 300 lb/ft of torque at 2,100 RPM...no matter how much horsepower it has.

oldnavy · **Posted:** Wed May 10, 2006 10:41 am

LibertyCRD wrote:

Personally in my experience from owning both I'd say the CRD pulls harder at speeds past 65 also. I don't know where that other guy got his info. but my CRD pulls hard all the way until I get scared and let out of the throttle. I don't think a 3.7 stands a chance at any speed against a CRD. Just my opinion/experience. The 3.7L is a strong engine..no doubt about it. I have grown to have a lot of respect for it over the years. More so than any V6 from Ford or GM. But the 3.7L can't match 300 lb/ft of torque at 2,100 RPM...no matter how much horsepower it has.

Very true and unlike the other poster said about it dropping off max torque early, wrong answer. The power graph shows max torque from 1600 rpm to 4200 rpm or redline for the engine, I love defeating the programming that does not allow for max throttle when you floor the throttle from a standing start. When done proper the CRD will leave the launch line faster then most hotrod gasser cars or can be made to spin the tires across a 4 lane intersection when the light changes to green. I can leave my buddys '05 Mustang GT behind at the light till the other side of the 4 lane intersection and he gets some hp built up, then it's like I threw out an anchor.

ATXKJ · **Posted:** Wed May 10, 2006 2:50 pm

Although looking at Tazer's data - that looks reasonable - totally stock from 0-60 the CRD is faster, from 70 on up the 3.7 is.
(assuming both had the same driver on the same track and no significant tempertaure differences)

and if you add to that - from what I've read the performance mod's on the 3.7 seem somewhat limited (there's a thread on new headers coming out - that's the typical 1st HotRod step) and that most of the CRD writers here have at least a decent muffler that improves performance - and some have the chips it would not be surprising that most of the CRD's are running faster than most of the gassers. (most stoplight Drags are over by the end of the next block - not at 60+)

midwest · **Joined:** Tue Apr 25, 2006 12:03 am **Posts:** 173

I don't really care about drag racing, but for everyday driving around town and out on the interstate, the crd is a pleasure to drive. Unless you have driven one, it is impossible to describe the ease which it moves. Effortless passing in the city and on the interstate is what I love. Now, the 3.7 my be able to keep up, but that is with it screaming towards redline. In addition, my crd rarely shifts out of OD even on long hills at 80mph. You can have your drag race, but for everday driving give me the crd-----I wish I had two of them.

valkraider · **Posted:** Wed May 10, 2006 3:49 pm

I have only driven the 3.7L on a short test drive...

But as far as my CRD - it feels almost like it isn't happy unless it is working. Climbing a steep hill, towing a trailer, or hard acceleration - this engine feels like it is in heaven. Just loves it...

But when you just cruise at a speed, or coast - it feels almost like you piss it off, and it gets all grumpy. Like it is mad that you won't set it loose. Like it is wearing a poorly fitted suit - and just feels uncomfortable or edgy...

I know it sounds silly - but it is how it feels driving it....

talstar · **Joined:** Thu Apr 27, 2006 4:32 pm **Posts:** 28

I love the way the turbo pulls from about 65 to 85mph. It reminds me of my grand national.

cerich · **Posted:** Wed May 10, 2006 6:12 pm

my crd pulls hard up to 97mph, I backed down then....

80-85 is pretty common on the highway for me with 75-80 where I tend to live at (24.5mpg average). I drive 35k miles a year and never had a ticket.

Here in GA on a 70mph highway as long as I stay below 15mph over the ticket isn't going to cost any points so why not?

oldnavy · **Posted:** Wed May 10, 2006 6:32 pm

cerich wrote:

my crd pulls hard up to 97mph, I backed down then....

80-85 is pretty common on the highway for me with 75-80 where I tend to live at (24.5mpg average). I drive 35k miles a year and never had a ticket.

Here in GA on a 70mph highway as long as I stay below 15mph over the ticket isn't going to cost any points so why not?

In MO it is 10 mph over that is a point getter, but the real hit is what they charge per each mile per hour after the 5 mph over the limit. I got a eqippment failure ticket that cost $150 for a first time offender. I hate tol think what some are risking when doing 90+ down the interstate in MO or any where else now days for that matter..

Albert · **Posted:** Thu May 11, 2006 11:09 pm

Instead of giving that $150 to the State for the ticket I'd rather take my girlfriend out to dinner for Mother's Day ( this coming Sunday) and buy her a Mother's Day present and maby have $20 left over for gas....................

TxAshurst · **Posted:** Fri May 12, 2006 9:11 pm

I typically drive like a littleoldlady, but in my CRD I find myself out in front of everybody a couple hundred yards past the stop lights on our 3-lanes-each-way streets. I try to accelerate at about 2200 rpm, although it is not uncommon to be around 2500. You should understand that even 2500 rpm is not pushing that diesel hard, but there I am all alone unless there's a drag-racer nearby. It's kind of a new experience for me, but I kind of like it.

oldnavy · **Posted:** Fri May 12, 2006 10:06 pm

TxAshurst wrote:

I typically drive like a littleoldlady, but in my CRD I find myself out in front of everybody a couple hundred yards past the stop lights on our 3-lanes-each-way streets. I try to accelerate at about 2200 rpm, although it is not uncommon to be around 2500. You should understand that even 2500 rpm is not pushing that diesel hard, but there I am all alone unless there's a drag-racer nearby. It's kind of a new experience for me, but I kind of like it.

It is fun isn't it.

Cowpie1 · **Posted:** Sun Jun 11, 2006 6:11 pm

I have to smile whenever I hear of drivers wanting to "get it" from the traffic light. I have driven semi's for almost 20 years and I love to watch the "4-wheelers" race to the next light. Then before it turns green I ease up and am still moving at the light change. I run Chicago 3 times a week and I have gone thru up to 10 traffic lights with the same cars that are racing to each one.

With the price of fuel, why anyone would want to race a diesel out of the hole is beyond my comprehension. Why not just get a high priced racing toy instead of a SUV. Evidently, the high price of fuel is no problem since very few drivers are adjusting their pace.

But since I go thru about 22,000 gallons of diesel a year, I consider it important.

Cliff

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Sun Jun 11, 2006 6:22 pm

Just traded in my 2002 Limited just in time to get a 2006 CRD ( stopped making them on May 20th so hurry ). I am very happy with the upgrade and the mileage is like night and day. Used to show near empty in the 3.7L after 220 miles...I am at 1/2 tank or just below in the CRD at 190 (city miles).

The other swaying factor was the ESP, Rollover Management system and rear disc brakes (2002 came with drums). I also liked the fact that the cost for the diesel added ~$1800.00 but it includes the 5 speed auto, Selec-Trac, Fog Lights and Limited Wheels with a 225/75/16's instead of 235/70/16's

Needless to say, I made the correct decision for my situation...always wanted a Turbo Diesel anyway. Fuel costs are not going to get any cheaper in the near future...the 30% better fuel mileage is going to be nice!

jinstall · **Posted:** Wed Jun 14, 2006 5:07 am

For SAG I raced a kid in a SRT4 at the drag strip, @ 60' I was almost a car length ahead of him with rear wheels spin, loaded with timing gear and 3 adult passengers. Key point to this is to spool up the turbo as you stage. Oh yeah run it is 4WD, the hole shot is better. Oh yeah that run ws like a 17.5 so I ma sure it can go better in 4wd and emty. Next race I will try it again empty in 4wd and post the results on a stock CRD 06.

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Wed Jun 14, 2006 7:19 am

Some test showed that 0-60 the CRD is only a tenth or so slower than the 3.7L but 2 tenths faster (17.3) in the 1/4 mile...pretty much a coin toss.

The strong point is using Selec-Trac in the rain and leaving from a standstill...

***These stunts were performed by a professional on a closed course. You should not try to duplicate these actions as it might lead to a permanent grin that could become painful if it last for more than four hours. Just like Viagra, if it last for more than 4 hours, seek medical attention if this symptom persists.***

dog_party · **Posted:** Wed Jun 14, 2006 11:34 am

This engine is awesome. You will love it Liberty04. Get it while it lasts. If I had the extra $, I'd get a second one while they're still out. Even my wife said, "Wow! I'm glad we got it when we did" when I told her about the probable lack of 07 diesel offerings and the potential of the KJ being discontinued. She said, "So we got a collector's item!"

I need to know...in what car do you NOT have to bring revs up prior to a good launch? And since autos don't have a clutch, you just have to powerbrake it. Takes less initial revs to get this thing going than my 1.8t VW did. But watch that pre-launch powerbrake if you have the stock tires. They'll let go if you give it enough throttle, then the rear of the truck starts moving when the front's not. :shock:

oldnavy wrote:

I can leave my buddys '05 Mustang GT behind at the light till the other side of the 4 lane intersection and he gets some hp built up, then it's like I threw out an anchor.

Hey, I have that same anchor! :lol:

The first few launches off a light I was grinning like crazy 'cause the torque just BLAM breaks your neck, but then I literally looked in the mirror to make sure the bumper wasn't dragging behind me. I started pulling back to half or 3/4 throttle after initial WOT launch and I get better 0-60 time. The computer-controlled shift points let the revs get to high during WOT (in my opinion). I let off the throttle a little bit after initially flooring it and my times are actually better. As everyone says, it takes some learning to drive a turbo diesel well.

tazer · **Joined:** Wed May 03, 2006 3:35 am **Posts:** 28

Just never try to race past a repair shop.....

oldnavy · **Posted:** Thu Jun 15, 2006 7:48 am

tazer wrote:

Just never try to race past a repair shop.....

One MAF, one EGR FCV, one or two flash upgrades, a tranny service to swap out filter & fluid in 12k miles is not bad for a first year vehicle.

The Magnum has had flash upgrade by TSB, raidator mounts replaced by TSB, passanger seat airbag sensor (just last week) replaced in 22k miles and of 18 months of ownership.

Least problematic vehicle I have owned was '87 Jeep Cherokee with I6 4L engine and the Japanese tranny, car is still in daily use and has over 250k miles without ever having anything but normal wear items repaired or replaced and that includes tranny which has never been replaced or repaired. However a/c died at 147k miles and had to be replaced. :shock:

How does the CRD compare to the 3.7?

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