New Toyota Tundra versus Dodge Ram

Pitting the new Toyota Tundra against the Dodge Ram has been fun. Both of these trucks are great. While I didn't compare every little detail, I did compare the key components and listed below you'll find the key differences between these two trucks. If you're thinking about either the Ram or the Tundra, take a look at Edmunds and Consumer Reports in addition reviews like these. You should also drive both trucks, if for no other reason than the seats are so different.

Comparing the Dodge HEMI SLT QuadCab to the Toyota 5.7L Tundra DoubleCab SR5, both in 4x4, was quite a bit of fun. Both trucks are big. Both trucks are fast. Both are capable of making their owners very happy. However, there are some key differences.

When comparing the 5.7L HEMI to the 5.7L iForce, it's important to note that the HEMI is a pushrod setup and the iForce is DOHC. While pushrod gives the HEMI good low-end power, it lacks the efficiency of the Toyota's DOHC setup. Most importantly, that lower efficiency results in lower fuel economy. The decent performance of the HEMI makes it worthy of recognition, but that recognition is overshadowed by poor fuel economy as a result of the old push-rod engine design. The Toyota is more powerful and in my test got better mileage.

Comparing transmissions wasn't too surprising -- the Ram has a five speed auto, the Tundra a six-speed, and as expected the Tundra accelerated better and shifted more smoothly than the Ram. Combine the Tundra's higher tow rating of 10,300 lbs to Ram's 8,500 lbs and it's clear the Tundra's transmission is also stronger.

Both trucks accelerate very well, and, surprisingly, they stop about the same (60mph to 0 in about 130 feet). Even though the Toyota has better brake components than the Ram - Toyota's larger front rotors, ventilated discs front AND rear, and standard 4-wheel ABS - both trucks stopped equally well. I suspect that while towing or hauling Toyota's better components will make a difference, but I was unable to confirm that during my test.

I like the Dodge's fully boxed frame better than partially boxed frame of the Toyota. While I must admit that the partially boxed frame of the TUndra is built by the best car company in the world, it seems to me it would be better if the frame was fully boxed. The Tundra's frame is currently a combination of boxed and open c-channel.

As far as the trucks cabs are concerned, the Tundra has more comfortable seats, it's nicer, the interior is more modern than the ram and has more features, and the Toyota interior is made of better quality materials. The Tundra design is about 5 years newer than the Ram's design, and it shows when you sit in the trucks.

The Ram handles as well as the Tundra, and the Ram's safety rating is actually higher than the Tundra. The Ram also is a better looking truck than the Tundra. However, in most other aspets the Toyota Tundra is superior to the Dodge Ram. Frankly, that really shouldn’t come as a surprise. Toyota’s truck is a newer design and has the benefit of a lot more technology. I can’t wait to see how the new Ram (due out in 2009) will compare to the Tundra.

Article Source: http://www.articlemonk.com

About the author: Jason Lancaster has been working in the car industry for the better part of a decade. He runs a Toyota Tundra website, www.tundraheadquarters.com, as well as the McAllen Toyota website.
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