2009 dodge ram full test

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Sep 11, 2008 | 01:18 AM

#16

Hobo

Senior User

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 233

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From: Black Hills, South Dakota

Quote:

Originally Posted by V8EXPLR

Like the 4.10:1 gears, but Dodge needs to up the 5spd to 6spds like the others are doing.

Significantly smaller brakes provide better stopping distance than the Tundra.

Also the HEMI has quicker 0-60 times than the Tundra, even with a 5spd compared to the Tundras 6spd.

Depending on the overall quality, Dodge may just have provided a competitor to Ford/Chevy.

A single cab short bed truck stops shorter and accelerates more quickly than a Double Cab? Who would have thought that would happen?

I have the results of the long term test on the Tundra Double Cab that Car and Driver had for 40,000 miles and the 0-60 time dropped to 6.0 seconds flat by the end of the test (motor loosened up a bit) their test Tundra weighed in at 5560lbs. In the same issue the new Dodge Ram with the 5.7L Hemi in a quad cab 4X4 managed 0-60 in 7.6 seconds.

This can be found in the October issue, the Tundra wrap up starts on page 132, and the first drive of the Dodge is on page 150 for any interested parties.

From what I have read on other forums a SCSB Tundra with the 5.7L/6 speed does the sprint to 60 in a similar time as the Dodge in the review that is linked here.

Sep 11, 2008 | 06:04 PM

#17

92f150I6

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Joined: Jan 2003

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From: PA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monsta

Not always the case. In a comparison, if both vehicles stop hard enough for ABS activation then the deciding factor is the tires.

Vehicle weight plays a large role, as well.

Would you think that the design of the caliper and pad would also come into effect? The Caliper and pad on my 03' sd's are really big even with a 13" rotor when compared to the half tons.

Sep 11, 2008 | 09:55 PM

#18

Hobo

Senior User

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 233

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From: Black Hills, South Dakota

Quote:

Originally Posted by 92f150I6

Would you think that the design of the caliper and pad would also come into effect? The Caliper and pad on my 03' sd's are really big even with a 13" rotor when compared to the half tons.

Calipers and pistons are where the braking power comes from, not the size of the rotor. Larger rotors are more resistant to fading from heat build up. The larger the rotor the more heat energy it can soak up before the brakes start to fade.

Sep 11, 2008 | 10:38 PM

#19

Lead Head

Lead Driver

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 7,868

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From: Rhode Island

The biggest problem I see with the new ram is actually the transmission. Was just looking up the gear ratios of the 5 speed. 3.00:1 1st, 1.67:1 2nd. Doing some math, with a shift point of 5800 RPM @ WOT, with 4.10 gears, the 1st-2nd shift would dump you at 3200 RPM. That has got to kill acceleration, that is 800 RPM BELOW the peak torque output of the engine. What were you thinking chrysler!?

Sep 12, 2008 | 07:42 AM

#20

dkf

Hotshot

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 10,101

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From: Pa

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lead Head

May be OK when empty, however put a bit of weight behind the truck and it will hurt.

Sep 12, 2008 | 07:58 AM

#21

NumberDummy

Ford Parts Specialist

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 88,826

Likes: 785

From: Simi Valley, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by V8EXPLR

To be fair, one can hardly compare the brake performance of this Dodge to other pickups.

What M/T doesn't say in their brake tests, is what models the other trucks were.

As I recall, in February 2007, M/T tested a Tundra Double Cab, not a Regular Cab.

This Dodge is a short wheelbase Regular Cab model that weighs only 4779 lbs.

This is over 1000 lbs lighter than an F150 Screw or Tundra Double Cab.

This is the R/T model, which may use different brake rotors than other Dodge Rams.

The tool boxes built into the bed sides are a $2100.00 option.

Fact: Dodge Rams have the worst resale value of any full sized pickup, and this being a new first year model, will prolly have quality issues.

Sep 13, 2008 | 04:17 PM

#22

LxMan1

Moderator

Joined: Dec 2001

Posts: 22,436

Likes: 17

From: Louisville,Ky.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkf

The CR on the 5.7l is way up there, no doubt helps performance out though. Should also lend itself to a healthy just in power with 93 octane and custom tuning. I just see many people may see that the Dodge needs 89 and shy away because they don't want to pay $.10 more per gallon for fuel, who knows. Ford has about reached the max CR with the 5.4l to run 87, at least with current EFI.

They have recommended 89 octane for awhile. The 08 has less compression and recommends 89, but it will run ok on 87. (according to the owners manual).

All of the Mark VIII and 4.6L DOHC Lincolns say premium fuel required and they sold a boat load of those too.

Sep 25, 2008 | 10:32 AM

#23

jimandmandy

Post Fiend

Joined: Jun 2001

Posts: 5,228

Likes: 5

From: Running Springs CA

I see that the new Ram has arrived with $1000 in rebates already on the hood. There are still unsold 2007's around.

I'm glad Ford is delaying the F-150 introduction.

Jim