Toyota Tundra vs. Dodge Ram

I've driven both the Toyota Tundra and the Dodge Ram and compared not only the features of the trucks but also the specs and my impressions of both trucks. While I didn't compare every aspect, I have highlighted what I believe are the key differences between the trucks. I encourage anyone thinking about buying either truck to drive both of them and to read as many reviews as you can before making a decision.

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.

Starting with the engines, it was clear that both trucks had a lot under the hood. The HEMI has lots of low-end, but it's not as strong at the top of the RPM range as the iForce is. This is explained by the Tundra's DOHC engine design versus the Dodge's pushrod setup. Pushrod engines are less efficient because they lack the sophistication of a DOHC, as well as the Tundra's electronic engine management features. I noticed the Tundra's fuel economy was better than the Ram in my test.

Both of the trucks have automatic transmissions as standard equipment with their respective engines, but the Tundra has a six-speed and the Ram only a five-speed. This difference helped the Tundra accelerate faster and shift better than the Ram, and may be another reason the Tundra go better fuel economy. The Tundra is also rated to pull about 2000 pounds more than the Ram, and I take that to mean the Tundra's transmission is probably stronger and more durable than the Ram.

As far as braking goes, the Ram and Tundra are basically tied in terms of stopping distance. But the Ram lacks standard 4 wheel ABS, has smaller diameter front rotors, and offers only non-ventilated rear rotors. The Toyota has both more standard features and superior brake system components.

The Tundra's frame isn't as good as the Ram - at least on paper. I think both trucks are probably strong, but the Tundra uses a combination of fully boxed and c-channel steel for its frame whereas the Ram has a fully boxed frame from head to toe. Toyota has a history of making a great vehicle, but I think going with a fully boxed frame would have been a better decision.

The interiors of the Ram and the Tundra are completely different. The Tundra is nicer and more comfortable than the Ram, with more features and better quality materials. The Ram is an older truck (design-wise) than the Toyota, so the Toyota's superior interior is to be expected.

The Ram is a nice truck. It handles as well as the Tundra, has a higher government safety rating, and I think it's a little better looking than the Tundra too. But when you look at the big picture, the Tundra comes out on top becuase it's more powerful and more modern. When Dodge brings out a new Ram in 2009 it will be an interesting re-match.

By: Jason Lancaster.

Author Jason Lancaster has been working in the car industry for almost 10 years. He runs a Toyota Tundra website, www.tundraheadquarters.com, as well as the Rockford Toyota website.
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