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Mitsubishi Raider & Dodge Ram 1500 Comparison

2008 Mitsubishi Raider Overview

As the only midsize import pickup truck with available V8 power, the 2008 Mitsubishi Raider is a step above the competition. If also offers available six-passenger seating and a wealth of standard amenities.

Available in two trim levels – LS and SE – as an Extended Cab or a four-door Double Cab model, the Raider is available with a choice of powerful engines. The standard 3.7 liter V6 engine generates 210 horsepower and 235 lb.-ft. of torque mated to a 6-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission for decent thrust. The available 4.7 liter V8 in Double Cab SE models produces 235 horsepower and a robust 295 lb.-ft. of torque for excellent passing power and a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 lbs. It’s mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission that supplies smooth gear changes.

Safety features include dual advanced front airbags to protect passengers in a collision and a rear-wheel Antilock Braking System to prevent wheel lockup during hard braking. A standard remote keyless entry system allows you to open and close the vehicle from a distance. Unique, functional styling elements include parabolic fog lights that increase visibility, chrome-clear taillights that have an aftermarket look, a chrome exhaust tip, and a heavy-duty bedliner. Double Cab models have dual rear-hinged access doors that allow easy access to the rear seats.

Inside, the Raider features a standard AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD player, front-mounted auxiliary audio input jack for your iPod®, and optional SIRIUS® Satellite Radio for coast-to-coast digital programming. Standard cruise control, power windows, power door locks, and air conditioning round out a basic, yet functional package.

For truck buyers putting an emphasis on engine performance, towing capability, and interior room, the 2008 Mitsubishi Raider will fit the bill quite nicely.

Dodge Ram 1500  & Mitsubishi Raider Comparison

Performance

Both the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 and the Mitsubishi Raider are likely to feel slightly slow because of their high horsepower-to-weight ratio.

Handling

With its tighter turning circle, the Mitsubishi Raider is doubtless sprier than the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500, something to consider if you do a lot of city driving; on the flip side, note that a vehicle with a tight turning circle may feel a bit twitchy on the highway.

Drivetrain

The Dodge has a more sizeable engine than the Mitsubishi Raider. Keep in mind that smaller engines are often cheaper to fix, but smaller engines can be stressed more. Torque equals pickup, and the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 will have picked up and gone by the time the Mitsubishi Raider finally gets moving. The Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 packs quite a punch compared to the Mitsubishi Raider as far as torque, which is roughly equivalent to acceleration.

Available Engines & Drivetrain

Mitsubishi Raider Engines

210-hp, 3.7-liter V-6

Mitsubishi Raider 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.

Utility

Neither the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 nor the Mitsubishi Raider has a marked advantage as far as seating capacity. There's no clear winner between the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 and the Mitsubishi Raider with respect to hauling capacity. The Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 outpulls the Raider by a large margin.

Convenience

You'll most definitely have to take the Mitsubishi Raider for a fill-up more often than the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 because of its tank size and fuel economy.

Comfort

While the front cabin in the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 offers a bit more head room than the Raider, there really isn't much of a difference. The Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 is not particularly roomier for your passengers than the Mitsubishi Raider.

Dimensions

The Ram Pickup 1500 is considerably more ponderous than the Mitsubishi Raider. Your wallet will hurt more every time you fill up the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 than the Raider because of its bigger tank. The Mitsubishi Raider and the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 compete for the same parking spaces. The Mitsubishi Raider's shorter wheelbase may produce a less-settled highway ride but a nimbler feel in daily traffic than the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500.

Cost

The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. The Raider is quite a bit cheaper to get to the dealership than the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500. The Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 won't tax your gas budget quite a bit more than the Mitsubishi Raider will. The Raider doesn't pale in comparison to the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 when it comes to gas mileage. The Ram Pickup 1500 isn't much costlier than the Mitsubishi Raider in terms of MSRP.

Mitsubishi Raider Pricing

MSRP  $19,990 to $28,280
Invoice Price  $18,779 to $26,568

Mitsubishi Raider EPA Fuel Economy

City: 15 - 16
Highway: 19 - 22

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

Overview

The basic after-sale protection that comes with the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 isn't quite as generous as the Mitsubishi Raider's. As far as warranty against rust, the Mitsubishi Raider has tremendously better coverage than the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500.

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