12/05/2025
Choose 6.1 HEMI if:
• You want a simpler, tried-and-true performance engine (fewer modern systems like VVT/MDS — less “electronic complexity”).
• You are building/modifying — many enthusiasts believe 6.1 is more “aftermarket-friendly” and has a slightly higher “ceiling” if you plan forced induction or heavy modification. (Some in the community argue that a 6.1 “can take a lot of boost,” and is preferred for builds.) 
• Your platform is a performance car (lighter chassis) where “raw V8 feel” and rev-happy power are more valuable than torque or towing.
Choose 6.4 HEMI if:
• You want maximum stock power and torque for a muscle car, SUV, or truck — especially if you care about towing, hauling, or carrying loads.
• You appreciate modern engine conveniences (VVT, MDS) for better efficiency, drivability, and emissions compliance.
• You want a “plug-and-play” heavy-hitting engine with broad support and more recent use (6.4 stuck around much longer than 6.1 in factory lineups). 
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✅ Strengths & Tradeoffs — Overall assessment
6.1 HEMI
• ✅ Simplicity & reliability (less complex valvetrain electronics) 
• ✅ Great “tune / build” baseline — often preferred for aftermarket, forced-induction, or custom builds. 
• ✅ Still delivers strong performance (425 hp / 420 lb-ft) with a sound “classic muscle-car” character. 
• ⚠️ Less torque & power vs 6.4 — might feel underwhelming in heavier cars/trucks or under load.
• ⚠️ No VVT or MDS — less modern tuning, worse fuel economy maybe.
6.4 HEMI
• ✅ Higher power and torque overall — better acceleration, towing, load-carrying, versatility across vehicle types. 
• ✅ Modern enhancements (VVT, MDS, improved breathing) — more efficient, more flexible across RPM ranges. 
• ✅ More widely available in later-model cars, trucks, SUVs — easier to source parts/support. 
• ⚠️ Slightly more mechanical complexity (valvetrain, systems) — may mean more maintenance complexity/concerns long term. 
• ⚠️ In “truck / heavy-duty” variants, the 6.4 can be tuned for torque over top-end power — so not always “peak-power” even if displacement is bigger. 
Which one do you prefer and why? 👀
