Dodge Ram 1500 vs. Toyota Tundra - Comparative Review
Dodge Ram 1500
The 2007 Ram 1500 is one of the most well known and recognized pickup trucks on the market. It got a considerable update for 2006, and is largely a carryover for 2007. The Ram now has a new frame, suspension and body mounts, and new headlamps, a power-sliding rear window, bucket seats, a navigation radio and a DVD entertainment system. Four-wheel-drive models have a standard electronic transfer case and Hemi-equipped Rams have fuel-saving cylinder deactivation technology. New for 2007 are cloth seats with YES Essentials stain-, odor- and static-resistant seat fabric. An electronic stability system and remote starter have become optional.
Driving the Ram
Although it is a big vehicle, the Ram 1500 is easy to drive and steer, and it responds predictably. A four-wheel-drive version maneuvers capably and takes curves passably well at modest speeds. Highway driving is actually pretty decent. The 2007 Ram 1500 is easy to drive and steer, and it responds predictably. Special features include locking front and rear differentials, an electronically disconnecting front sway bar and a custom-built 12,000-pound winch. Polished, forged-aluminum 17-inch wheels hold 33-inch BFGoodrich tires.
Power for the 2007 Ram
The standard engine for a 2007 Dodge Ram is a 3.7-liter V-6 that produces 215 horsepower. Other options for powertrain include a 235-hp, 4.7-liter Magnum V-8 that can run on regular unleaded fuel, E85 or a combination of the two; and a 345-hp, 5.7-liter Hemi V-8. For transmission, the standard is a six-speed manual; a four-speed automatic is optional and with the 4.7- or 5.7-liter engine, the automatic is a five-speed.
Ram Design
A body-colored grille goes on Rams with the Sport Appearance Group. Hoods have a pronounced crown that falls toward the front fenders. Regular-cab Rams can be equipped with a 6.3-foot cargo bed, ride a 120.5-inch wheelbase and stretch to 20
7.7 inches long overall. With an 8-foot cargo bed, the Ram has a 140.5-inch wheelbase and an overall length of 229.7 inches. Quad Cab pickups, with four conventional front-hinged doors, can also be equipped with the two bed sizes and are 20 inches longer in both wheelbase and overall length. The rear doors open 85 degrees to ease access. All models have a chrome grille, while the Laramie gets chrome bodyside moldings. A body-colored grille goes on Rams with the Sport Appearance Group. Hoods have a pronounced crown that falls toward the front fenders.
Cabin Features
Three adults fit in a regular cab when the oversized center armrest/storage box is raised. Quad Cabs have a rear seat which folds for more cargo space. A center business console can hold a laptop computer, and the center portion offers under-cushion storage. Leather upholstery and adjustable pedals are standard in the Laramie model.
Safety Features
All-disc brakes with a rear-wheel antilock feature are standard. Side curtain airbags and an electronic stability system are optional.
Toyota Tundra
Somehow the Tundra has broken through an extremely tuff market to enter and is considered to be a pickup truck that can compete with the big boys like Dodge, Ford and General Motors. Although not all consider the Tundra to be a full size pickup, it is certainly at the top of the mid sized pickup categpry. Furthermore, the Tundra has grown in the past few years, with the introduction of a double cab. Tundra was redesigned for 2007.
Driving the Toyota Tundra
The Tundra drives like any full size truck, it has 4-wheel ABS and the rotors are all ventilated, this gives the Tundra an edge in driving abilities. However, Tundra's partially boxed frame is slighted when compared to the competition, and its max payload is 1,580 lbs.
Tundra Powertrain
Three engines are available. The 4.0-liter V-6 produces 236 horsepower and 266 pounds-feet of torque, and the 4.7-liter V-8 generates 271 hp and 313 pounds-feet of torque. Topping the range is the 5.7-liter V-8, which makes 381 hp and 401 pounds-feet of torque.
Tundra Design
The tailgate on the Tundra was specially designed to maneuver easier, the company says it can be opened with two fingers and has a damper system that prevents it from bouncing when driving with the tailgate lowered. There are large rear taillamps which wrap into the sides of the cargo bed, and the rear bumper is chrome. The sligh
tly stepped front fenders recall the design of Dodge's Ram, and the Tundra's flanks are smooth and free of adornment.
Tundra Cabin
The Tundra offers a comfortable cabin with recessed gauges and large climate-control knobs that are designed to be easy to operate with gloved hands. Available options include a JBL premium audio system and Bluetooth technology for interfacing with cellular phones.
Safety Features
All-disc antilock brakes, an electronic stability system, side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags are standard.
Summary
This is a competition where two trucks go head to head, and for the most part are even competitors. The Dodge Ram does have a more established history, and is well loved by many faithful pick up truck drivers. The Toyota Tundra gets better mileage than the Ram, because as we all know the Hemi isn’t light on the fuel. However, a new technology applied to the Ram’s Hemi engine shuts off cylinders to improve mileage. On the other hand, the Hemi offers superior power.
