RAM 1500 vs. Ford F-150

A full-size truck offers exceptional performance and dependability. You can use it for hauling equipment and materials or work, or you can use it to enjoy weekend adventures with your family, ranging from camping and mountain hiking to fishing and other water sports. With a full-size truck, you get a versatile vehicle that will serve you in almost any situation.

The RAM 1500 and the Ford F-150 are two of the most popular full-size trucks on the market. Both are attractive and powerful trucks with plenty to offer, which can make the choice between them difficult for many buyers. At Tim’s Truck Capital, we sell a large number of both, and our friendly and knowledgeable associates will be happy to help you learn about both in more detail to determine which is the right truck for you.

Here’s a closer look at how the RAM 1500 and the Ford F-150 compare:

Exterior

The design of the Ford F-150 and the RAM 1500 is very similar. They are big trucks, and their designs reflect their power and functionality. Both have an imposing profile, including a tall height and wide girth.

The Ford F-150 tends to have a flatter and squarer front end, with fewer angles than that of the RAM. The headlights are squared off, the grille is taller and wider, and there are fewer design accents. That doesn’t make the truck look boring – it makes it look like it means business. Similar styling is seen throughout the body, where straight lines and simple surfaces prevail.

The RAM 1500 often has a bit more design flourish, with more rounded off edges and interesting design embellishments. For example, the grille tends to have a trapezoidal shape with some rounded corners, and there is often a slope over the hood, leading to the grille. Flared or grooved wheel wells and other embellishments are typically seen down the sides.

These design elements change from year to year, with one truck taking on a more utilitarian truck one year and the other showing a bit more design flair.

Interior

Both the Ford F-150 and the RAM 1500 are available in a number of configurations, which can change the seating available and the convenience features. Typically, the higher up the trim levels you go, the nicer the quality of seating, even including leather. The bigger the cab you choose, the more people you will be able to seat.

Options also vary from model year to model year. Typically, these trucks are offered with either vinyl or cloth seating on the base model. In some years, you get a choice. However, both models do offer comfortable and spacious seating, no matter the model year you are considering. Expect to see a lot of vinyl or leather-look materials that are both easy to clean and stylish.

You can also expect to find a lot of storage space in both trucks, including in the center console, a floor console, side and rear pockets, and a large glove box.

Power and Performance

For truck buyers, what it all usually comes down to is the power and performance the model offers. Both the Ford F-150 and the RAM 1500 have powertrains that deliver on big promises.

Typically, the Ford F-150 has a bigger selection of engines, giving buyers more flexibility to get the performance they want. However, the options vary by model year. The base model of the RAM 1500 is often a little more powerful than the base model of the Ford F-150. But when you get to the V8 options on both models, they often end up being nearly identical.

Expect anywhere from 20 to 25 mpg in fuel efficiency, depending on the model year and engine. With the right configuration, you could push it past 30 mpg, helping you save.

Safety and Convenience Features

Both the RAM 1500 and the Ford F-150 have scored well on crash testing over the years, and they have earned a reputation for reliability. A few model years have seen the F-150 get lower marks for things like headlight design, but the overall scores have remained positive. The RAM 1500 has had similar issues on the lower trim levels.
Both trucks come with essential safety features like airbags, rearview cameras, and anti-lock brakes. Look at the higher trim levels to get features like blind spot alert and automatic emergency braking, among other advanced safety options.

As is typical for a full-size truck, you won’t see a lot of bells and whistles on either model in the base trim level. You’ll get features like air conditioning and radio, but not a lot of power features or extras. However, the RAM 1500 does usually have a slight edge over the Ford F-150 here with upgrades like Bluetooth streaming and push-button start.

Of course, if you go up the trim levels, you’ll get more features, ranging from a premium sound system to automatic climate control to voice controls.

Choosing the Right Full-Size Truck for You

You have so many options for finding a great full-size truck that fits your needs and your budget when you shop for a Ford F-150 or RAM 1500. There are so many trim levels and so many model years that you are sure to find the perfect configuration. Shopping for used models also gives you more options since you can find trucks that have been upgraded with packages and after-market features.

Visit Tim’s Truck Capital today to explore our selection of Ford F-150 and RAM 1500 trucks. We offer a diverse selection, and our dedicated associates are ready to help you find the perfect truck at a price that will fit your budget. Our finance specialists will also work with you to find the right terms to meet your monthly budget. And even after you drive off the lot with your new truck, we’ll still be there for you with our full service department for all your maintenance and repair needs. Visit us today to find your new Ford F-150 or RAM 1500 truck.