I am sure that this post will draw many responses, as for it is about the recent article in MotorTrend magazine Moving Mountains. Its a simple test between the Dodge Ram 2500 4X4 Quad Cab SLT, Ford Harley-Davidson F-250 Crew Cab SuperDuty, and GMC Sierra 2500 HTD Crew Cab.

For those that have read the article this may not be of interest of to you but this post is meant for those who have not read it. The F250 is a hands down winner for the following reasons.

1. Faster in every category despite being 300 lbs heavier than the second heaviest truck (Dodge), having the least amount of advertised torque, the longest wheelbase, and the highest ground clearance. (All trucks had the same 3.73 rearend)

2. Stopping power fair superior to both competitors.

3. Hands down quieter ride at all levels.

4. Highest towing capacity despite having the lowest advertised torque. (Proves my theory that Dodge over-estimates there hp and torque numbers and always has.)

5. Towing mirrors.

Things Ford could improve on according to MotorTrend editors.

1. Fuel mileage. In an independent test done by MT the 250 got the worst fuel mileage of the three with 16.6 mpg. The highest was the GMC with 18.6.

2. Turning radius. According to MT parking the 250 is sometimes difficult compared to the Dodge and GMC.

3. Gigantic looks. (I don't understand this because to me the Dodge looks bigger.)

My thoughts.

1. I hear so much from the Dodge boys about this Cummins engine and how its supposed to be the best thing ever. Well if that is so how come the Ford outruns and out pulls it with less rated torque?

2. I hate to beat this in the ground but Dodge has always overrated their engines and apparently are still doing so.

3. You will never find a comparions test where one vehicle dominates the competition any more than in this article. Stronger, faster, quiter, more ground clearance, rides better, and in my opinion just flat out looks better.

To see the comparision numbers click the below link.

Motor Trend Data

 

For dodges inline-6 pushing out 305hp and 600ft punds of torque and having the best "numbers" id give them a star!

 

If you want to give them a star for having 305 hp and 600ft/lbs of torque compared to Ford's 325 hp and 560 ft/lbs of torque and still not being able to tow but 13,050 lbs compared to Ford's 13,700 lbs then go right ahead. Like I said Dodge exagerates their "numbers"

 

I can't wait to see what dhouck has to say about this one!

 

Its funny I thought I would have gotten more arguments about this post, but I guess there is so much evidence that you just can't argue.

 

These tow ratings are a factory number. They are not what these trucks can tow, they are what the factory WARRANTS them as able to tow. You are comparing what one warranty administration department has agreed to go along with as compared to another warranty administration department.
All you have to do is look out in the world at the 15, 20 and 25K loads being towed by any of these brands to see that factory numbers are just that...

That being said, did this article use a 04 250? I would like to see the turning radius and handling comparison with the new 05 front suspension. IMO, the 99-04 steering has always been a little vague. I'm hoping for a big improvement with the new design.

 

I concur with you comments about the factory numbers. But still if they have more torque theoritically shouldn't the tow numbers be higher. Trust me when I say I know that trucks can tow a lot more than what they are rated for. Spent many years behind a 78 Ford with an inline 300 6 cycl hauling 14,000 lbs of trailer and watermelons. I assure you that the 78 Ford was rated to haul that.

Yes it was an 04 250. For 05 they are supposed to go to a spring suppension in front instead of leaf spring.

 

The hp/tq ratings are measured at the flywheel, not the rear wheels, and evidently, the Ford's drivetrain is efficient enough to make the Ford able to surpass the Dodge with less torque and more hp.

 

Thats a good theory but I tend to be stubborn and think that Dodge just over estimates their numbers. Either way Ford wins all the way around.

 

Oh, I never argued that. Dodge way overestimates everything.

 

 

Yeah, I heard that too.

 

Have you seen the Ford vs Dodge article in Truck Trend? They sure tried awfully hard to make excuses for the Dodge's performance, but the Ford ruled in almost every catagory.

 

No I have not. I do not have a subscription to that magazine.