The Sport is quicker and more fun to drive in my opinion (stock
v.s. stock) when comparing the 4.7L 5-speed to the 5.9L auto. Not to mention
I averaged 24.5 mpg on an 80 mile trip at 65 mph in the Sport. I generally
get much higher than the EPA rating of 20 mpg on the highway. City AND
highway driving (nearly a 50/50 split) nets me 20.3 mpg. The R/T was much
worse when it was stock and I was trying for decent fuel economy (try 12-14
mpg combined). I ordered my regular cab Sport with leather wrapped steering
wheel, audio controls, A/C, power everything, overhead console, center
console, big mirrors etc. So it is fully loaded like the R/T. As for the
outside, you can upgrade to the R/T look with the addition of the fender
flares and the R/T wheels for less than $800.00 but it will need to be
lowered some. If you plan on modifying the 4.7L V-8, you may want to find a
2000 model year Dakota Sport. Since the 2001s have three cats, no one makes
headers and DC probably wont have a PCM for the 2001s until next summer... I
hand ported my existing TB, have a cold air intake, three inch inlet, dual
2.5" outlet 40 series Flowmaster exhaust, shortened shifter neck with a
leather wrapped knob, full Hotchkis suspension, fender flares and chrome R/T
wheels but I still want more!
One tid bit about the 3.92 gears and the 5-speed transmission. It's super
super LOW gearing (borderline tractor-truck pull) in 1st gear on taking off
from a light at partial throttle. However, the acceleration in 1st gear is
pretty amazing at WOT, but at partial throttle, can be annoying. It's
smoother and easier to start out in 2nd gear from a stop light unless you are
planning to race through the intersection!
James
'99 Flame Red RC Dakota R/T (ATI Procharged)
'01 Black 4.7L RC Dakota Sport (5-speed & 3.92 gear)
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