The new 2.4L engine

Is the 2.4L engine on the 2003+ TJ's a considerable improvement over the old 2.5? Also is the 6 spd transmission on the newest TJ's a considerable improvement over the old 5 speed?

I dont really know anything about the 4 cyl. but my friend that works for Jeep has said that he hates the new 6 speed tranny. When he goes out for test drives, or just fun drives in the 05s he said that he never uses 6th. Going about 70 he said he has to downshift to 5th to get up any real hill at all. I would suggest if you are thinking about buying one you go to the dealer and ask to drive out on the highway where you can get to that 6th gear. Let me know what you think of it.

The 2.4 is a considerable improvement over the 2.5. It's about 30 more HP.

I'd still prefer the 4.0 however.


-edit- I haven't driven the 6 speed....yet.