The results of the Dodge/Ford comparison

[Sarge]

Well, I just got back from work, and a drive back and forth in the Ford. The comparison was interesting... ...



First, the Ford was FAST. aFe has installed an Edge six level perforamance box with the in the cab digital display, and aFe intake system (of course) and modified exhaust. I thumped it a few times on the freeway and the truck jumped from 60 to 90 with no effort, and felt like it would keep going. However, I can't say how much of that was Edge, and how much was Ford.



2) The truck was big inside, with a bigger back seat. BUT, to accomplish that, Ford keeps the inside (and outside) very "square". Flat door panels, flat dash, flat seats.



3) The auto trans shifted smooth, and did not slip. There was 32K on the clock. Joe Donnelly was right in his comparison of the three big trucks in the TDR though. The Ford sounds like BB's dropping onto a metal pie plate.



4) I was surprised just how much this 03' 2500 pickup rode and drove very much like the 1973 150 I owned in the 70's. The steering, brakes, suspension, and ride instantly made me feel like I was in my old Ford. And I have owned several Ford trucks, and they all felt and rode the same. The steering is not very responsive, the brakes seem too small, and the suspension bumps on every crack and transmits it to the driver.



Overall, the performance of the Ford was good. But in a side by side comparison, the Dodge seems "sofisticated" compared to the Ford. The ride, the handling, and the driver comfort is dramatically better. My six speed pulls like a freight train, and not exactly outfitted for speed, so I can't really compare it to the Ford for quickness. I can say that the Cummins accelerates smoothly and quickly at highway speeds, with no real effort.



I was happy about the test comparison, because it left me with a big smile that I purchased the Cummins powered Ram. Now I will really have a grin as I pull the fiver up a 6% grade passing the Powerstrokes... ... .

 

[CoastyAV8R]

I hope your Dodge forgives you.....



I agree with ya though, the extra size of the Ford Crew Cab is the only thing I like on the Ford over the Dodge. The turning feels very sluggish, brakes are OK and the motor is suspect.

 

[jlasich]

Good write up Sarge. I agree, the Ford does not even compare to the Dodge in brakes, ride, and handling. This Dodge steering is so responsive, I can effortlessly "dodge" every broken down Ford. LOL

 

[loncray]

I never owned a pickup before my CTD, though I drove'm in the National Guard - an old Dodge and a couple of Chevy's. Even the nicer cars I've driven are no comparison to my Ram.

 

[Pawpaw]

Mine is quieter on the highway than my '97 Intrepid ES ever was. Far less wind and tire noise.



Every time we hit the highway, my wife falls asleep. She's never been able to sleep in a vehicle, but she can't help it in this truck.



An unexpected bonus!!! Oo. Oo. Oo.

 

[RussW1911]

Have you driven a FERD lately?

Sarge after reading your post I think I am gonna go try out one of those new trucks tomorrow morning. I wouldn't mind trying it out and comparing to my "OLD" worn out 2002. Then atleast I can know what your talking about and let you guys know what I think.

 

[Sarge]

You know, it's worth a try. This one ton, 8400# truck is one of the best riding vehicles i've ever owned... ... .....

 

[DougR]

Since I own a Dodge 04. 5 3500 Quad Cab and a Ford F 350 Crew Cab,let me give you my unbiased opinion.



Both are long bed 4x4's. First the Ford looks much larger and beefier. The comments I got from my non truck friends when I switched to the Dodge were things like,why did you get that little truck. None of my non truck friends like the Dodge better. I spend most of my time explaining why I like the Dodge. Engine,brakes,towing,etc.



Here is my opinion. Dodge turning radius is much better,It handles better,steer's quicker,hauls better on low end rpm range,stops better. It does not ride smoother,but this may be due to the 315's I put on right away. My only two complaints on the Dodge are big ones. Number one is how uncomfortable the seats are. My Ford captain chairs are like sitting in a Lazy Boy compared to the hard,small seats in the Dodge. Second is the poor fuel mileage. 14 mpg hwy is tops. 12 mpg combo city/hwy.

 

[RussW1911]

My $0.02 worth

I said I was going to stop by the dealership here in town a take a Ferd for a drive. Now I know my truck is a 2002 and I drove a 2004 but all in all I drove the equivalent to my truck.



I have to agree with most of the things I read on here about the truck. First I went and looked under the 3 that were most like my truck. 2 of the 3 had oil drips. Not huge ones but they were drips.



Luckily I knew the salesman so he tossed me the keys and said let 'er rip. First off, The clutch was terrible. Very grabby and choppy. Some might like that but I like it to slip just a little. Besides stalling it and getting a bad taste in my mouth right off, I do have to say that the interior was very big, but square. Seats were not as comfortable as my 02 but, they were good. This was a extended cab like my truck and the rear seat was no where near the size of mine. I am not saying a B-ball player could camp out in the back of mine but the rear of that ford was terrible.



Pulled out onto the road and noticed that this Ferd had more low end than my truck. Was quite a bit quieter than my truck, but that is the new thing, "quiet" Turning radius was lacking, wind noise was about the same. High speed acceleration was about the same. Stopping has to go to The Dodge though. Handling is a bit of a toss up. Ride is another one that goes to the Dodge. It isn't a Caddy but it is managable. The ford had every bump go straight to the steering wheel. I would think it could have been better.



So just to get a rise out of her (she doesn't like FERD's) I pulled up to the house and called her out. With a dirty look on her face she asked what it was doing there. Why does it sound stupid, and where is her truck. I agreed with everything but the fact that it was "her" truck. The sound of the truck was very annoying. Sarge said it best when he pointed out that it sounded like BB's being dropped into a pie tin. It just sounds cheesy.



I have to say that if I did not already have my cummins..... The Ford would probably have a good chance. BUT, that is also taking into account that I would not have all the information the TDR and it's great members have provided me. I started asking teh salesman about the problems teh the trucks have and he stammered and stuttered and said they were working it out. They have been fixed, and they have great warranty service. Sorry but I don't want to be told that they have great warranty service when I ask about the problems a truck has.



Anyway thats is what I thought in my 45 minutes with the PowerStroke. I can't say I wouldn't buy one but I can say I am perfectly happy with the one I have.



Oh By the way, I sold Trucks for a couple years when I was living in Portland. I don't think its a good idea to bad mouth a nice looking dodge when it pulls on a Ferd lot. This was done to me today by a salesman. and I quote, "You planning on trading in your problem" with a stupid grin on his face. NOPE!

 

[Sarge]

Yeah Russ, I agree. If there were no Dodge, I probably give Ford a look. However, Doug, how old is the Ford you compared the seats to? The Ford I drove was an 03', and the seats were leather, but no where as comfortable as my Dodge seats. I do agree that the seats in my 01' seemed to have more cush tho.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

"With a dirty look on her face she asked what it was doing there. Why does it sound stupid, and where is her truck. "