RAM 1500 vs Toyota Tundra
If you’re shopping for a ½-ton pickup truck, both the RAM 1500 and the Toyota Tundra are two outstanding choices for you to consider. But while they’re both great trucks they serve two completely different markets.
To help you pick the perfect choice for you we’ve highlighted everything you need to know about both trucks here. Once you know what you can expect from both trucks you can make an informed decision about which truck is best for you.
The RAM 1500
As a prototypical ½-ton pickup truck, it’s no wonder that the RAM 1500 has enjoyed success for so many years. When you get behind the wheel of a 1500 you know what to expect, and RAM delivers every step of the way.
But what exactly can you find when you get behind the wheel? We’ve highlighted some key takeaways for you here.
Engine and Performance Specs
With a history that dates to 1994, there’s no shortage of engine options to pick from with a RAM 1500. There have been 12 different engine options through the years, and we’ve highlighted each one for you here.
Not only did we highlight each one, but we also broke down which model years you can find them in and some basic performance specs for each engine for you here.
|
Engine |
Model Years |
Fuel Type |
Horsepower |
Torque |
|
3.9L Magnum V6 |
1994 to 2001 |
Gasoline |
175 |
225 ft/lb |
|
5.2L Magnum V8 |
1994 to 2001 |
Gasoline |
200 to 230 |
295 ft/lb |
|
8.0L Magnum V10 |
1994 to 2002 |
Gasoline |
300 |
450 ft/lb |
|
5.9L Cummins Diesel I6 |
1995 to 2002 |
Diesel |
175 to 245 |
420 to 505 ft/lb |
|
3.7L Magnum V6 |
2002 to 2008 |
Gasoline |
215 |
235 ft/lb |
|
4.7L Magnum V8 |
2002 to 2013 |
Gasoline |
235 to 310 |
295 to 330 ft/lb |
|
5.9L Magnum V8 |
1994 to 2003 |
Gasoline |
230 to 245 |
330 to 335 ft/lb |
|
5.7L Hemi V8 |
2003 to 2008 |
Gasoline |
345 to 395 |
375 to 410 ft/lb |
|
3.6L Pentastar V6 |
2013 to present |
Gasoline |
305 |
269 ft/lb |
|
3.7L V6 |
2009 to 2012 |
Gasoline |
215 |
235 ft/lb |
|
4.7L V8 |
2009 to 2013 |
Gasoline |
310 |
330 ft/lb |
|
3.0L EcoDiesel V6 |
2014 to present |
Diesel |
240 |
420 ft/lb |
Towing and Payload Specs
With so many different engine options available for a RAM 1500, it’s no wonder the towing specs vary quite a bit too. The least powerful RAM 1500 can tow up to 4,800 pounds, while some options with more towing packages on it can tow up to 8,320 pounds.
Meanwhile, the payload specifications for a 1500 vary quite a bit too. The lowest payload capacity for a RAM 1500 comes in at 1,238 pounds, while the highest payload specifications come in at 2,335 pounds.
The Toyota Tundra
While the Toyota Tundra doesn’t have “1500” in the name like most of its competitors, that doesn’t make it any less of a ½-ton pickup truck. It slots in nicely for Toyota into that classification, and it has performance specs that match the industry in many areas and exceed in others.
If you’re looking for a tremendous ½-ton pickup truck, you’ll want to check out what the Toyota Tundra has to offer. We’ve highlighted some of the performance specs you can find in the Tundra for you here.
Engine and Performance Specs
The Toyota Tundra first hit the market in 1999, and since then you can find nine different engine options under the hood. However, while that’s quite a few different engines through the years, Toyota usually only offers two engines at a time.
Every engine in a Toyota Tundra is a gasoline option, and usually Toyota will offer the base engine and then a more powerful engine option you can upgrade to. The only exception to the gasoline engine is the hybrid powertrain available in the newest Tundra models, but even then the internal combustion side of things uses gasoline.
Below we’ve highlighted each engine option you can find in a Toyota Tundra, which model years you can find them in, and some basic performance specs for each one!
|
Engine Size |
Available Years |
Fuel Type |
Horsepower |
Torque |
|
3.4L V6 |
1999 to 2003 |
Gasoline |
190 |
220 lb-ft |
|
4.7L V8 |
1999 to 2003 |
Gasoline |
245 |
315 lb-ft |
|
4.7L V8 |
2004 to 2013 |
Gasoline |
271 |
313 lb-ft |
|
5.7L V8 |
2006 to 2021 |
Gasoline |
381 |
401 lb-ft |
|
4.0L V6 |
2004 to 2013 |
Gasoline |
236 |
266 lb-ft |
|
4.6L V8 |
2013 to 2021 |
Gasoline |
314 |
327 lb-ft |
|
4.0L V6 |
2013 to 2021 |
Gasoline |
270 |
278 lb-ft |
|
3.5L V6 |
2021 to Present |
Gasoline |
389 |
479 lb-ft |
|
3.5L V6 |
2021 to Present |
Hybrid |
389 |
583 lb-ft |
Towing and Payload Specs
When it comes to performance the Toyota Tundra is pretty similar to a RAM 1500. The least powerful Tundra can tow 4,500 pounds, which is just a smidge below the least powerful RAM 1500, but the most powerful Tundra can tow up to 12,000 pounds!
Overall, the payload specifications are pretty similar too, with the lowest possible payload on a Tundra coming in at 1,325 pounds, while the highest possible payload is at 2,110 pounds.
This means that the RAM 1500 can keep up with most Toyota Tundras, but it’s certainly possible to get a Tundra that can do more than any RAM 1500.
Final Thoughts
If you have questions about either the Toyota Tundra or the RAM 1500, the friendly team at Tim’s Truck would love to walk you through everything you need to know. And once you’ve decided on which truck is best for you they’ll help you track down the perfect truck for you and get you behind the wheel of your very own.
But in the end, we’re sure whether you go with a Toyota Tundra or a RAM 1500 you’ll love your new ride, and with all the performance advantages these trucks offer you’ll be able to do whatever job comes your way!
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