How does the 2WD XLT 1/2-Ton vs Bighorn 1500 Hemi stack up? Has anybody tried the new 2011 Bighorn with the coil rear springs? I'm curious about the comparison of the ride, excelleration, towing capacity, etc. Thanks, Jag

 

In my experience the 2009+ Ram does infact ride better than its competitors. As far as the XLT trim vs Bighorn both are decent in the interior department...I much perfer Fords design though.

Towing Capacity, Acceleration and overall power go to Ford. Anything above Fords base 3.7L I.E 5.0L, Ecoboost, 6.2L...Will put Dodge's Hemi to shame. The Hemi is crippled by its poor 5-speed transmission, which I have had the displeasure of experiencing. Fords 6-speed does a much better job of putting power to the ground and it shifts alot smoother to.

Personally I'de go with Ford.

Just my 2c.

 

The Ford is crippled by it's overweight design vs the Dodge tranny power loss.
Both are nice trucks. The Dodge Uconnect system is much easier and less troublesome than the Microsoft powered Sync.
It's all personal preference. The Dodge looks better to me and even with the power loss of the Rams torque converter, the Hemi pulls quite well.
I have personally seen a Hemi outrun the 5.0L F150. Waiting to see the Hemi take on the EB.
The towing capacity difference is only a few hundred pounds different so that's really a wash too.
Either way you go, you are much better of than the hideous looking Silverado.

 

The Eco is faster and can out tow the Hemi, plenty of Youtube videos showing that. The Ram will ride better than the Ford, but can't tow as much weight with the rear coils. The Ram looks real nice with a cleaner look compared to Ford, but in my opinion, the ford is a better overall package. It's a matter of preference I guess.

 

Here' some clips for you to compare how Fords new enignes stack up to the Hemi.

(F-150 5.0L vs Hemi R/T) F-150 5.0L 1/4 mile 14.5 Dodge Hemi 1/4 Mile 15.0
2011 Ford F150 5.0 V8 VS 2011 Dodge Ram R/T - YouTube

(F-150 5.0L vs Hemi Quad Cabs)
5.0vsHemi.MOV - YouTube

(F-150 Ecoboost vs Hemi Ram)
2011 hemi vs ecoboost - YouTube

(F-150 6.2L vs Hemi Ram)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpB0e6oUgAY

 

I have 2009 F-150 and my neighbor has a 2009 Dodge Hemi, pound for pound I can out pull/haul him any day of the week. Even my less-then-great milage beats his. Now I will say that both of us are lead foots when we are not pulling something, he will beat me in a race. His truck is nice but my truck is better made. I came out of a 2007 Dodge Cummins which sucked as far as quality overall but I do miss that Cummins. I looked at Dodges in 2009 and I bought a Ford. Unless Chrysler really changed, I would buy the Ford. Chris

 

Dont forget the lower re-sale value that goes with a Chrysler product as compared to Chevs and Fords...........they sell cheaper new for a reason.....

 

Chrysler is now FIAT owned (at least partially)... Fix It Again Tony!

 

Well Jimmy, I gathered some numbers from the Ram and Ford sites, they are very similar. I used a Ford F150 Platinum 4x4 157" as it's the largest F150 available. So, in all fairness, here goes.

Ford Ram

GVWR 7350 F150 max GVWR 7700 Ram 6800

Weight 5716 5308

Length 243.7 229.0

Width 78.9 79.4

Height 76.4 75.7

A 400lb difference is huge? Really? The Ford still has a higher payload, higher tow rating, 5th wheel capability, seating for 6 and better possible gas mileage. Tell me when to stop folks.

 

Unless you're looking at diesel pickups, it's Ford all the way. Better quality, more capability, longer lasting, better resale value, and etc. If it's a diesel you want, I would go with the Dodge Cummins. The Cummins engine trumps all of the advantages Ford would have had. Before the demise of the 7.3L Powerstroke, up here in RV country about 1/2 of the guys that delivered RV's used Ford and the other 1/2 used Dodge 1 ton trucks with a few GM thrown in the mix. Now it's 90% Dodge, 9% Ford, with GM getting the rest. But in a 1/2 ton Ford leads the rest hands down. That's why they sell so well.

 

I think Ford has the best diesel an gas engines in there class. The eco boost is light years ahead off the competition an the 6.7 diesel engine in the hot motor right now. Theres only so much power you can get out off a straight line 6 motor such as the Cummins. An from what I have been hearing the new Cummins is getting poor mileage compared to the new 6.7. All I know is one thing. Dont race an eco boost truck your more then likely get blowed away. I have noticed I dont here to much about the hemi any more. At the local farm show near here there were lots off people looking at the eco boost truck. Its nice to know that Ford trucks are flexing there muscle an you better not mess with them.

 

I won't own a Chrysler product.

 

i have to say the cummins is down tuned (for doge trucks) so far its a dog. tune it right and you will shack and rip what ever frame you put it in to a paryt!

 

"I don't know much about the chevy or dodge, but in 17 months of having the engine out on the road, I have seen 2 failures that required major repairs. 2."

From my diesel tech buddy who loathes the 6.0 and 6.4