Ram vs Ford Trucks
Ram vs. Ford trucks comes down to what you ask of your pickup, from daily work to weekend towing. At Serra Traverse City, we help truck owners from Traverse City, Petoskey, and Charlevoix, Michigan, compare half-ton and heavy-duty models every day. A contractor hauling tools needs something different than a family pulling a fifth-wheel camper each summer. Both brands build full-size lineups with gas and diesel power, so the specs decide it.
Compare Ram and Ford Truck Lineups
Ram trucks lead where you feel it every day: more half-ton horsepower, stronger base diesel torque, and the only coil-spring rear suspension of the two lineups. Here is how Ram and Ford trucks compare when properly equipped:
| Spec | Ram Trucks | Ford Trucks |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Size Lineup | Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Ram 3500 | F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450 Super Duty |
| Top Half-Ton Engine (Non-Performance) | 540 hp, 3.0L Hurricane High-Output I6 (Ram 1500) | 430 hp, 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 (F-150) |
| Base Heavy-Duty Diesel Torque | 1,075 lb-ft, 6.7L High-Output Cummins I6 | 1,050 lb-ft, 6.7L Power Stroke V8 |
| Max Towing (Half-Ton / Heavy-Duty) | 11,610 / 36,610 pounds | 13,500 / 40,000 pounds |
| Rear Suspension | Coil springs on Ram 1500 and Ram 2500 | Leaf springs across F-150 and Super Duty |
Ratings vary by engine, axle, and cab, so the sticker on the door jamb gives the final word for any specific truck.
Weigh Towing and Payload by Truck Class
Ram covers every towing tier, from fishing boats to gooseneck trailers. When properly equipped, the Ram 1500 tows up to 11,610 pounds, the Ram 2500 reaches 20,000 pounds with the Cummins diesel, and the Ram 3500 pulls up to 36,610 pounds with up to 7,590 pounds of payload.
Ford's maximum ratings edge higher at the top of each class, a difference that only comes into play above those Ram figures.
For a fifth-wheel camper bound for Interlochen State Park, the Ram 2500 pairs its coil-spring rear suspension with available Auto-Level Rear Air Suspension, which keeps the truck level under a heavy hitch load.
Choose Gas, Turbo, or Diesel Power
Ram offers a strong engine for every job. The Ram 1500's 3.0L Hurricane High-Output inline-six makes 540 hp, more than any F-150 except the Raptor R, and the 5.7L HEMI® V8 returned for 2026.
Ford counters with the PowerBoost hybrid in the F-150 and a High-Output Power Stroke diesel rated at 1,200 lb-ft in the Super Duty.
On the heavy-duty side, the 6.7L High-Output Cummins® Turbo Diesel I6 delivers 1,075 lb-ft at just 1,800 rpm, which Ram rates as best-in-class base diesel torque. That low-rpm pull keeps a loaded trailer moving steadily when you merge onto US-31.
FAQs
Do Ram trucks offer built-in bed storage?
Yes. The class-exclusive available RamBox Cargo Management System adds weatherproof, lockable, drainable storage bins along the bed, with LED lighting and a 115-volt outlet, on Ram 1500, Ram 2500, and Ram 3500 models.
Do Ram trucks ride smoother than Ford trucks?
Yes, in most cases. The Ram 1500 and Ram 2500 use rear coil springs instead of leaf springs, absorbing bumps more like an SUV. Edmunds says the Ram 1500 rides more comfortably than any of its contemporaries.
Does Ram offer diesel trucks?
Yes. The Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 offer the 6.7L High-Output Cummins Turbo Diesel I6, rated at 430 hp and 1,075 lb-ft, and tow up to 36,610 pounds when properly equipped.
Is the HEMI V8 still available in Ram trucks?
Yes. The 5.7L HEMI V8 returned to the Ram 1500 for 2026 with 395 hp, and the 6.4L HEMI V8 with 405 hp powers the Ram 2500 and Ram 3500.
Schedule Your Ram Truck Test Drive
In the Ram vs. Ford trucks debate, Ram comes out on top with more half-ton horsepower, stronger base diesel torque, and a smoother ride, plus a truck rated for everything from a fishing boat to a gooseneck trailer. Serra Traverse City serves truck owners across Traverse City, Petoskey, and Charlevoix, MI. Bring your trailer weight and weekly mileage, and our team will help you choose the right Ram. Contact our team to get started.
*Source: Ram Trucks