[aerohead]

John,I think your question requires context.If you are willing to settle for slower acceleration,reduced load-carrying capacity,greater engine and powertrain wear,etc.,then the smaller displacement,lower-power engine may be acceptable.The Eaton valve dis-enablers used on prior Diesels(don't know what Dodge is using today) did allow for full power on demand,and then for economy,during light load conditions.They were plagued with reliability issues and subsequently dropped from GM.Today,I think Chrysler claims only modest fuel gains for their technology.Only a life-cycle-cost analysis and crystal ball will determine the viability of the technology.