Comparing the 2004 Dodge RAM 1500 and Ford F-150 trucks

Ford vs. Dodge

This is a paper that compares Dodge and Ford trucks. There are seven references used for this paper.

There are a number of trucks available to the consumer today. It is interesting to compare the 2004 Dodge RAM 1500 quad cab and the Ford F-150 to understand their similarities as well as their differences.

Dodge RAM

The 2004 Dodge RAM 1500 quad cab comes standard with a "five-speed HD manual transmission, and Magnum ® 3.7L V6 engine which produces 215 horsepower at 5,200 RPM and 235 pounds-feet of torque at 4,000 RPM (http://www-5.dodge.com/vehiclecompare/Startup.jam)." The truck has a "Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) rating of 6,350 pounds, a rear 9.25 axle, and a 3.55 axle ratio (http://www-5.dodge.com/vehiclecompare/Startup.jam)." The axle ratio number is significant because a "numerically lower axle ratio results in lower engine rpm and better fuel economy. A numerically higher ratio improves acceleration, climbing grades, carrying loads or pulling a trailer (http://www-5.dodge.com/vehiclecompare/Startup.jam)."

The Dodge Ram Quad has an overall height of 74.4 inches and an overall length of 207.7 inches (http://www-5.dodge.com/vehiclecompare/Startup.jam).In 2004, adjustable rear head restraints were added to the Quad Cab models of vehicles (www.allpar.com/history/chrysler-years/2004.html).

The New F-150

Ford redesigned the F-150 for 2004. The new truck offers a "fully boxed frame, optional three-valve per cylinder, 5.4L Triton V-8, four-speed OD automatic transmission designed specifically for this engine, wider rear leaf springs, outboard-mounted rear shocks on a solid rear axle, coil-overshock design on the IFS and larger four-wheel ABS disc brakes. The new engine offers 300 hp at 5000 rpm and 365 lb.-ft. Of torque at 3750 rpm (Bourdon)."

The new F-150, when "properly equipped, can tow 8,200 pounds. The single most notable change is there is no longer a true regular-cab model. What Ford calls its regular cab is essentially an extended cab, with a pair of small doors - called 'rear swinging access doors' -- behind the two main doors that open front-to-rear, and provide access to storage space behind the seat (Smith)."

New Steering Column

In frontal crashes, the majority of serious injuries incurred by drivers are from the steering column.

In accordance with the "Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for Passenger Car Steering Assemblies (Unknown)," Ford equipped its 2004 F-150 with a Delphi steering column. Delphi "worked closely with Ford Safety engineers to integrate the energy absorbing system using an axiomatic approach, which separates the design into three segments. Each energy absorbing subsystem - the release feature, energy absorption and guidance system - were independently tuned. This innovative approach allowed accelerated implementation and precise tuning to meet Ford's requirements (Unknown)."

Similarities

Each vehicle has a number of similarities such as "6 passenger seating, standard manual air-conditioning, front 40/20/40 folding split bench seat, tilt steering column, power steering, front and rear disc brakes, rear wheel drive, rack and pinion steering, and 19 mpg on the highway (http://www.fordvehicles.com/index.asp?bhcp=1)." Though not exactly the same, the standard payload (lbs) and standard GVWR (lbs) are comparable.

Towing Abilities

The towing abilities of the Dodge Ram 1500 and the Ford F-150 were tested, along with three other trucks in the same class. The Dodge Ram received a low rating for towing a boat, while the Ford F-150 was listed as one of three trucks recommended for boat owners (Bourdon).

Prestigious Award

The new design and safety features were instrumental in the Ford F-150 winning "Motor Trend Magazine's 2004 Truck of the Year Award (Unknown)." The Ford F-150 has been the "best-selling vehicle in the United States since 1981, and the best-selling truck since 1976 (Smith)."

Comparing Prices

In comparing prices for the two vehicles it was found that the base price for the Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab is $25,520, while the Ford F-150 Super Cab is $23,865 (Phelan).

Conclusion

Each vehicle offers a number of similar features, as well as differences. By comparing the two trucks side by side, the consumer can make a wise decision on which truck would better suit their needs.