Heavy-duty trucks are the subject of today’s poll, with offerings from both Ram and Ford facing off. Which of these hard-working rigs is the better option? Let’s explore…
Either one will reliably get the biggest of jobs done, providing unflappable service year in and year out. Their biggest differences are more nuanced because they’ve both got the basics covered.
Starting with the Ram, it available in both two- and four-wheel-drive formats with three different engine options. The base propulsion unit is a 5.7-liter Hemi gasoline V8. Stepping up from there you can also get a burlier version of this engine that’s punched out to 6.4-liters.
But the Ram HD’s alpha-dog offering is a 6.7-liter Cummins inline-six. This diesel is available in three different potencies with the most muscular variant delivering 385 horses and a whopping 900 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed Aisin automatic transmission is paired with that top offering.
As for the Ford, it keeps things simple. Underhood, you have two choices, either gasoline or diesel.
The base engine is a 6.2-liter single-overhead-cam V8 that puts out 385 horses and 430 lb-ft of torque.
As for the compression-ignition offering, it displaces the same 6.7-liters as its Cummins competitor but Ford’s Power Stroke V8 is more powerful, delivering 440 horses and 925 lb-ft of twist.
New for 2017, the Super Duty features an aluminum body, just like the smaller F-150, something that’s saved a significant amount of weight (nearly 350 pounds). A fully boxed, high-strength steel frame is another headline feature.
The Ford may be newer and bring more innovative features to market, but the Ram HD is still a tough competitor with lots to offer. For starters, that Cummins engine is a legendary piece of kit.
In any event, which of these tough trucks do YOU prefer? For more detailed specs you can compare them right here. And please don’t forget to vote in our poll!
