Comparing the 07 Tundra to an 07 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.

Comparing the Dodge HEMI SLT QuadCab to the Toyota 5.7L Tundra DoubleCab SR5, both in 4x4, was quite a bit of fun. Both trucks are big. Both trucks are fast. Both are capable of making their owners very happy. However, there are some key differences.

The engines of these trucks are both powerful -- 381hp for the Toyota, 345hp for the Dodge, and both of these engines have excellent acceleration. However the HEMI uses a less sophisticated pushrod engine design compared to the iForce's DOHC design. Toyota's engine uses more technology to control combustion, and the result is quite a bit more power than the HEMI as well as better efficiency. I noticed the Tundra's fuel economy was about 2mpg better than the Ram during my test, and I'm sure this is due to Tundra's superior engine technology. Considering the Toyota is much more powerful, this is a major advantage to buying the Tundra.

The Dodge I tested came with a five speed automatic that was responsive and smooth shifting. But the Tundra has a six speed, and six speeds are better than five. The Tundra seemed to accelerate better at all speeds. Also, the Tundra is rated to tow about 2000 lbs more than the Ram, and the higher tow rating indicates the Tundra’s transmission is stronger.

Stopping the trucks, it was hard to tell a difference between their braking systems. However, my tests were done while the vehicles were empty. The Dodge's brake systems are inferior to the Toyota's -- the front rotors are smaller, the rear rotors aren't ventilated, and the Ram comes with only rear wheel ABS standard as opposed to Toyota's four-wheel ABS. Even though the brakes felt (and measured) the same, I think the Tundra's brakes would be better towing or hauling because of their better quality parts.

I think that Toyota dropped the ball when it comes to frame design -- while most trucks in the segment feature fully-boxed frames head to toe (including the Ram), the Tundra has a boxed section up front with the remainder of the frame being open c-channel. While only time will tell if the Tundra's frame is as strong as the Ram, Toyota would have been more comparable to the Ram if they had chosen a full length boxed frame.

When you get inside both the Ram and the Tundra, the differences in comfort, features, and quality of materials is substantial. The Tundra is definetely a nicer truck on the inside. Considering the Ram is an older design this isn't that much of a shock.

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.

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About the author: Jason Lancaster has been working in the auto industry for the better part of a decade. He runs a Toyota Tundra website, www.tundraheadquarters.com, as well as the Rockford Toyota website.
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