October 7

Compare: 2021 Ram 1500 vs. 2021 Ford F-150

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Buying a truck isn’t always an easy process. There are a lot of options out there, and at first glance, they may seem very similar. This is particularly true for two of the more popular trucks, the Dodge Ram 1500 and the Ford F-150. However, there are some significant differences that may make one better for you than the other. Below, we’ll compare the two trucks to help you decide which is best for your needs.

Performance

Ram 1500 Interior of driver's seat | steering wheel and driver's dashboard

Image via Pixabay

One of the most important factors when purchasing a truck is how it performs. To determine this, you need to look at a couple of specifications. For starters, the Ram 1500 comes with a base 3.6-liter V6 engine that provides 205 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. However, if you want even more power, you can upgrade to a 5.7-liter V8 engine that provides 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque.

Inside the F-150, you’ll find a base 3.3-liter V6 engine that produces 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. Other engine options are available, the best of which provides 395 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque.

Comparing the two models in terms of performance, the Ram 1500 seems to have the edge. This largely depends on the trim and engine you select, but direct comparisons tend to lean towards the Ram 1500. In addition, since the Ram 1500 engine is a diesel engine, it gets excellent gas mileage. You can expect up to 29 mpg on the highway with the Ram 1500, while the Ford F-150 delivers closer to 26 mpg.

Towing Capacity

Another critical aspect of performance, especially for truck owners, is the towing capacity. You need to ensure that the truck you buy is strong enough to tow the things you need it to. 

If you compare the base engines for each of these models, the towing capacities are pretty similar. With the Ram 1500, you get a towing capacity of 7,320 pounds and a hauling capacity of 1,900 pounds. This compares to 7,600 pounds towing and 1,820 pounds hauling for the Ford F-150. Therefore, the Ram 1500 has a slightly higher hauling capacity with its base engines, while the Ford F-150 has a slightly higher towing capacity.

If you decide to upgrade to a more robust engine, you can get a lower towing and hauling capacity in each truck. A Ram 1500 with the 5.7-liter V8 engine provides 12,750 pounds of towing capacity and 1,720 pounds of hauling capacity. The towing capacity is a little more in the Ford F-150 with the 3.5 liter EcoBoost V6 engine, coming in at 13,200 pounds. The biggest difference between these two trucks is that the Ford F-150 offers more hauling capacity, maxing out at 3,240 pounds with this upgraded engine.

Entertainment and Comfort

Both the Dodge Ram 1500 and the Ford F-150 offer comfortable and enjoyable rides. Much of this stems from the two different infotainment system options. The basic infotainment system inside the Ram 1500 is a 5-inch touch screen with Bluetooth capability. However, you can upgrade this system to the much larger 8.4-inch or 12-inch displays, both of which give you access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can also download your apps into your Ram 1500. On the other hand, most Ford F-150s come with an 8-inch touch-screen display and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

As for comfort, both trucks have a lot to offer. The Ram 1500 is perhaps one of the most comfortable trucks to drive. This is primarily due to its seats, which are some of the highest quality seats you can find. In addition, it’s the only large truck that uses coil springs for its rear suspension, resulting in a much smoother ride, especially for those in the back seats.

The Ford F-150 has plenty that makes it comfortable as well. One of its best features is perfect for those customers who plan to use their truck both personally and professionally. The Work Surface option lets you power-fold the transmission level flat with the console, then deploy a table from the center armrest. This provides you with a decent-sized workspace inside your truck, perfect for when you need to use your laptop on the go.

Safety Features

In terms of safety features, these trucks are very similar. Here are some of the safety features you can get in both the Ram 1500 and the Ford F-150:

  • Forward collision warning
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Blind-spot warning
  • Lane-departure warning
  • Lane-keeping assist

In addition, the Ram 1500 received a 5-star safety rating in overall crash protection from the NHTSA. The IIHS also designated the Ram 1500 a Top Safety Pick. That being said, both trucks are designed to keep you and your passengers as safe as possible. The most significant difference lies in the trim you select, as some safety features are only available in more premium trims.

Which Is Right for You?

So, which truck is right for you? That largely depends on your specific needs. If you plan on using your vehicle as a mobile office, for example, perhaps you like the Work Surface feature in the Ford F-150. However, if you prefer a smoother ride and a more robust engine, you may lean towards the Ram 1500. Both of these trucks have a lot to offer, but one is likely better for you over the other, depending on what you specifically need in a truck.

If you need help deciding which truck is right for you, let Huffines CJDR assist you. Our team can show you the latest Dodge Ram 1500 and all that it has to offer. We can then discuss your specific needs with you and help you determine if the Ram 1500 fits those needs. We’ll also set you up with a test drive so that you can experience this model for yourself.

To get started, simply contact us today. We are always available to answer any questions you may have or schedule a time to visit our dealership.


Tags

Performance, Ram 1500, Safety Features, Towing Capacity


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