So I had some hail damage on my truck and while getting it fixed I had a 2014 Ram 1500 rental. And with a few asking here about comparisons between an F-150 and others I can give some pros and con.


My Ride:
2010 F-150 4X4
4.6L V8
6 Speed
Extended Cab
6.5' Bed


The Loaner:
2014 Ram 1500 4X4
5.7L HEMI
8 Speed
Club/Quad Cab (The bigger doors)
6' Bed (I measured)
The 4 Link Coil Rear Suspension
Had 3100km on it when I picked it up






Ram First Impressions:


Engine:
HOE LEE FAK a lot more power. I run a titch over 300hp I think and I believe the Hemi is a titch under 400. Noticed the difference pulling out the lot and lit up the tires unexpectedly. Also seamed to make more power/torque at lower revs. Smooth and quiet but I would need to get an aftermarket exhaust as it was way too quiet.


Ride:
Soft and smooth. But I would say too soft for a truck. Did load it with junk for the dump and it sagged more then my Ford by a noticeable amount. I would say not for heavy loads and I would really not like to tow with it. Also noticed the shorter bed right away when filling it with junk.

Fuel Economy:
BAAAAAAAD!!! I can get about 10-11 l/100km out of mine doing 120 all day. Ram could not get under 14 doing 100. I guess it's true that the Hemi is not an economy car/truck.


Transmission.
Did not like at all. The 8 speed shifts way to much speeding up, about every 2-3 seconds is a gear change and not that smooth. Holds a gear way too long when slowing down. The stupid **** shifter?? Hate, hate, HATE that thing. More a personal preference I guess but on more then one occasion I put it in reverse or park when wanting to turn down the A/C while doing 120 on the highway. Thank god it's an electrical switch as that could have been ugly.


Interior:
Felt a bit more "fancy" but with mine an XLT and Ram had the Outdoorsman package this could have been the option package.


Also love the towing mirrors that flip up as they seam the perfect mix of regular and tow mirrors. No this option or that option as you have both right there.


All in all it was a nice rental and was glad to drive it but I think Dodge made a truck for the guy that wants the look of a truck but will probably only pick up groceries in it.


I'll keep my Ford, the more capable truck IMO

 

The fact they have a dail for a gear selector is a huge deterrent for someone who wants a "truck".

 

My work truck is a 2013 Ram. I am always putting it in 4lo while trying to turn the HVAC fan up. Mine is a 6 speed though- so no rotary shifter.

 

To be fair, Ford is the one who has offered a ton of different trims and packages...most of which being luxurious and of the "grocery getter/pavement queen variety." Loaded XLT, FX2, FX4, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Limited and Harley Davidson.


Don't get me wrong, I love my truck. And mine is a grocery getter! I don't know where to take it that isn't private farm land or construction sites. :-\

 

I loved the tow mirrors on my ram. The ones on my f150 just look out of place and bulky

 

A friend has a Ram 1500 and it's a smooth ride and the interior is a notch above the F150 but the F150 is more truck. Both our trucks are crew cabs and both have the same payload capacity.

 

the interior in the 14 Ram Laramie compared to my 13 Lariat is hands above the Ford. The 6.4 Ram compared to the 6.2 F150 is shameful. IDK, I've been driving Fords of over 40yrs. For $50,000 plus $ my expectations go further than the best deal.

 

Keep in mind the '14 Ram is virtually a new design and the '14 F150 is a 5 year old design. Wait until the all new 2015 F150 comes out and then compare the two.