Home | Finance | Personal Finance
I've compared the Dodge Ram and the Toyota Tundra to see which truck is best. While I didn't evaluate EVERYTHING, I did compare the key components and highlight any distinct differences between the two trucks. As always, I encourage everyone to drive all vehicles they're considering to find out for themselves which is best. Also, make sure to investigate what reputable reviewers like Edmunds and Consumer Reports have to say too. This comparison pitted a 2007 Toyota Tundra DoubleCab SR5 4x4 with a iForce 5.7L V8 to a 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 QuadCab SLT 4x4 with a 5.7L HEMI. Both of these trucks are behemouths, but both of them are also quite fast. In fact, I can't imagine anyone being dissapointed with either truck. But, there are some important differences between the two. 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. The Dodge I tested came with a five speed automatic that was responsive and smooth shifting. But the Tundra has a six speed, and six speeds are better than five. The Tundra seemed to accelerate better at all speeds. Also, the Tundra is rated to tow about 2000 lbs more than the Ram, and the higher tow rating indicates the Tundra’s transmission is 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 think that Toyota dropped the ball when it comes to frame design -- while most trucks in the segment feature fully-boxed frames head to toe (including the Ram), the Tundra has a boxed section up front with the remainder of the frame being open c-channel. While only time will tell if the Tundra's frame is as strong as the Ram, Toyota would have been more comparable to the Ram if they had chosen a full length boxed frame. When you get inside both the Ram and the Tundra, the differences in comfort, features, and quality of materials is substantial. The Tundra is definetely a nicer truck on the inside. Considering the Ram is an older design this isn't that much of a shock. I enjoyed driving the Ram. It handles just as well as the Tundra, and it also has a better government safety rating (5 stars) than the Tundra (only 4 stars). I also think the Ram is the best looking half-ton truck on the market. However, the Ram is of an older design than the Tundra, and it shows when you look at the Toyota's superior interior, technology, and power. Clearly the Ram isn't as nice as the new Tundra, but that could change when Dodge brings out the new Ram in 2009.
Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com
Author Jason Lancaster has worked in the car industry for almost 10 years. He runs a Toyota Tundra website, www.tundraheadquarters.com, as well as the Lowell Toyota website. Feel free to grab a unique version of this article from the tundra review Articles Submission Service
Please Rate this Article
5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5
Not yet Rated
