Ford F-150 vs. Dodge Ram 1500
Ford F-150 HD Overview
Holding the title of the best-selling pickup truck in America, the 2008 Ford F-150 is the benchmark by which
all other full-size pickup trucks are measured. Regular-cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew body styles are offered in eight trim levels, including the
workhorse XL, youth-oriented STX, mainstream XLT, sporty FX2, off-road FX4, luxurious Lariat, top-of-the-line King Ranch, and special-edition
Harley-Davidson™ models.
The 4.6 liter V8 steps up the horsepower and torque, while the top-of-the-line 5.4 liter Triton® V8 pumps out
300 horsepower. With a best-in-class payload rating up to 3,060 lbs. and best-in-class towing capacity up to 11,000 lbs., the F-150 is a serious
workhorse that can handle the toughest jobs. Electronic shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive is available, allowing you to seamlessly shift into 4x4
mode when needed. An optional limited-slip rear axle provides more power and traction to the rear wheels.
For extra cargo needs, the optional bed extender provides additional room in the pickup bed. Optional
power-adjustable pedals help to accommodate drivers of all sizes. An array of seating options and fabrics are available, from a vinyl front bench
to leather-clad captain’s chairs.
Ford F-150 & Dodge Ram 1500 Comparison
Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the
dealer. It costs roughly the same to get the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 to the dealership as the Ford F-150. The Ford isn't much more expensive than
the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 as far as MSRP.
Ford F-150 Pricing
MSRP $17,900 to $33,900
Invoice Price $16,818 to $30,623
Ford F-150 EPA Fuel Economy
City: 13 - 14
Highway: 17 - 20
Dodge Ram 1500 Pricing
MSRP $21,485 to $40,685
Invoice Price $19,157 to $35,854
Dodge Ram 1500 EPA Fuel Economy
City: 12 - 16
Highway: 16 - 19
Utility
The Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 and the Ford F-150 can accommodate the same number of passengers. The Ford is a
better choice than the Dodge regarding transporting cargo, especially if you often need to carry a lot of stuff or large pets.
Convenience
You'll definitely have to take the Ford F-150 for a fill-up more often than the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 because
of its tank size and gas mileage.
Comfort
While the front cabin in the Ford offers a bit more head room than the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500, there honestly
isn't much of a difference. The ampler interior dimensions of the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 make it substantially more spacious for your passengers
than the F-150.
Dimensions
The Dodge is likely to feel somewhat slow because of its high horsepower-to-weight ratio compared to the Ford.
The Ford F-150 and the Dodge compete for the same parking spaces.
Performance
With respect to horsepower, the Ford F-150 packs quite a wallop and will knock the Dodge down a few rungs.
However, remember that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums.
Handling
The Ford F-150 and the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 have approximately similar tires. With its tighter turning radius, the Ford is definitely more agile
than the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500, something to consider if you do a lot of city driving; on the other hand, note that a vehicle with a tight
turning circle may feel a bit twitchy on the highway.
Drivetrain
The Ford's engine is considerably larger than the Ram Pickup 1500's. Note that bigger engines may use more
gasoline than smaller ones. The Ram Pickup 1500 could learn a lesson or two from the Ford F-150 with respect to pickup.
Ford F-150 HD Available Engines
300-hp, 5.4-liter V-8
202-hp, 4.2-liter V-6
248-hp, 4.6-liter V-8
Ford F-150 Available Transmissions
4-speed automatic w/OD
5-speed manual w/OD
Dodge Ram 1500 Available Engines
345-hp, 5.7-liter V-8
310-hp, 4.7-liter V-8 (flexible)
215-hp, 3.7-liter V-6
Dodge Ram 1500 Available Transmissions
5-speed multi-speed automatic w/OD
6-speed manual w/OD
4-speed automatic w/ODickup 1500 doubtless handle about the same into and out of tight spots.
Warranty
The Ford F-150 and the Dodge have the same basic warranty.
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