I've driven both the Toyota Tundra and the Dodge Ram and compared not only the features of the trucks but also the specs and my impressions of both trucks. While I didn't compare every aspect, I have highlighted what I believe are the key differences between the trucks. I encourage anyone thinking about buying either truck to drive both of them and to read as many reviews as you can before making a decision.

Comparing the Dodge HEMI SLT QuadCab to the Toyota 5.7L Tundra DoubleCab SR5, both in 4x4, was quite a bit of fun. Both trucks are big. Both trucks are fast. Both are capable of making their owners very happy. However, there are some key differences.

When comparing the 5.7L HEMI to the 5.7L iForce, it's important to note that the HEMI is a pushrod setup and the iForce is DOHC. While pushrod gives the HEMI good low-end power, it lacks the efficiency of the Toyota's DOHC setup. Most importantly, that lower efficiency results in lower fuel economy. The decent performance of the HEMI makes it worthy of recognition, but that recognition is overshadowed by poor fuel economy as a result of the old push-rod engine design. The Toyota is more powerful and in my test got better mileage.

Both of the trucks have automatic transmissions as standard equipment with their respective engines, but the Tundra has a six-speed and the Ram only a five-speed. This difference helped the Tundra accelerate faster and shift better than the Ram, and may be another reason the Tundra go better fuel economy. The Tundra is also rated to pull about 2000 pounds more than the Ram, and I take that to mean the Tundra's transmission is probably stronger and more durable than the Ram.

As far as braking goes, the Ram and Tundra are basically tied in terms of stopping distance. But the Ram lacks standard 4 wheel ABS, has smaller diameter front rotors, and offers only non-ventilated rear rotors. The Toyota has both more standard features and superior brake system components.

The Tundra's frame isn't as good as the Ram - at least on paper. I think both trucks are probably strong, but the Tundra uses a combination of fully boxed and c-channel steel for its frame whereas the Ram has a fully boxed frame from head to toe. Toyota has a history of making a great vehicle, but I think going with a fully boxed frame would have been a better decision.

When you get inside both the Ram and the Tundra, the differences in comfort, features, and quality of materials is substantial. The Tundra is definetely a nicer truck on the inside. Considering the Ram is an older design this isn't that much of a shock.

The Ram handles as well as the Tundra, and the Ram's safety rating is actually higher than the Tundra. The Ram also is a better looking truck than the Tundra. However, in most other aspets the Toyota Tundra is superior to the Dodge Ram. Frankly, that really shouldn't come as a surprise. Toyota's truck is a newer design and has the benefit of a lot more technology. I can't wait to see how the new Ram (due out in 2009) will compare to the Tundra.