When a truck buyer begins their search, it’s common for the top consideration to be the truck’s power and how hard it can work. More than any other type of driver, truck drivers care about how much their vehicles can do when the going gets tough and have plenty of plans to put their truck’s toughness to good use before they have even left the lot. Some drivers also consider the entertainment and technology features or best features that make a truck stand out.
If you’re ready to begin shopping for a new or used truck, it’s common to compare similar models to find out which one provides the best performance for your needs. A truck’s ability to tow a large load and its ability to carry a heavy payload in back are two of the most important measures for assessing a truck’s value as a utility vehicle. If you’re considering purchasing a Dodge Ram or Chevy Silverado and are having trouble picking, here’s what you need to know about the working capacities of both.
Chevy Silverado vs. Dodge Ram: Engine Power
When comparing the capabilities of two different truck options, the first place to look is what’s going on under the hood. The engine of your truck is its core, and knowing that you have the strongest possible engine under the hood can provide peace of mind knowing that you have a premium truck. When choosing between a Dodge Ram and the Chevy Silverado, both manufacturers provide options that alter the truck’s engine, so take the time to learn about all your options with each.
The 2021 Dodge Ram 1500 is available with three engine options. The low-end offering is the 3.6 liter V-6 with eTorque. Capable of generating 305 horsepower with its 269 pound-feet of torque, it’s an economical option for Dodge Ram owners. The 5.7-liter V-8 engine is available with or without eTorque and generates significantly improved performance numbers, including 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. While the 3.0-liter V-6 diesel engine may not match those high marks for horsepower, with the lowest mark of the group at 260, it exceeds torque generation of both, coming in at 480 pound-feet.
The Chevy Silverado is available with five different engine options that offer premium performance levels in excess of many of the Dodge Ram options. With a base engine option generating 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque in the 4.3-liter V-6 engine, even the Silverado’s lowest option offers serious power. More options include a 5.3-liter V-8, generating 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.7-liter I-4 with 348 pound-feet of torque and 310 horsepower. On the high end, a 3.0-liter I-6 diesel engine offers 277 horsepower and an impressive 460 pound-feet of torque, while the 6.2-liter V-8 matches that torque with a leading 420 horsepower.
Chevy Silverado vs. Dodge Ram: Towing Capacity
The ability to hook up a trailer to the back of your truck and tow a large load is one of the major benefits of owning a powerful truck, so knowing the towing capacity of your truck options is a crucial step in choosing the right truck for you. The different engine you choose affects your ability to tow, so it’s important to understand the different options brands offer and how they can satisfy your towing needs.
First up for examination are the options available for the 2021 Dodge Ram. The standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 offers the lowest towing cap, with the engine capable of hauling a load of up to 7,730 pounds behind a Ram. Stepping up to the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 provides a significant boost to a Ram’s towing capacity, adding nearly 4,000 pounds for a total towing capacity of 11,610 pounds. Maxing out the Ram’s capabilities is the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6, which uses its increased torque to max out at 12,560 pounds of towing capacity.
The Chevy Silverado offers a range of engine options, with a superior towing capacity than its Ram counterpart at both the low and high ends. The 4.3-liter V-6 and 2.7-liter Turbo engines offer 7.900-pound and 9,600-pound capacities each. The diesel option includes 9,500 pounds of towing capacity. The 5.3-liter V-8 engine can reach capacities of 11,500 pounds while also still offering an impressive 10,000-pound capacity with active fuel management engaged. The leader of the pack for both brands, however, is the Chevy Silverado, with a 6.2-liter V-8 that tops out at a 13,300-pound towing capacity.
Chevy Silverado vs. Dodge Ram: Payload Capacity
What your truck can tow behind it isn’t the only important consideration when choosing a truck that can get even the toughest jobs done. Your truck’s payload capacity is an important measurement for ensuring your truck can match any test you put it up against. Whether you’re loading machinery and tools to take to a job site or hauling components away from a site, it’s important to choose a truck with a payload capacity that satisfies your professional and personal needs.
While there was a marked difference in top-end capacities when it came to towing, on the payload capacity the two trucks are much more comparable, with just 20 pounds separating the two. While the Dodge Ram offers an impressive 2,300 pounds of payload carrying capacity, the Chevy Silverado is right on its heels with a capacity of 2,280 pounds. No matter which truck you choose, you can be confident knowing that you’re getting a truck with substantial payload capacity to help you handle even the biggest jobs.
If you’re shopping for a new truck, the experts at Huffines Chevrolet Plano are here to help. We can discuss your needs with you to determine what you’re looking for and help you find a truck that matches your wants, needs, and budget. Come on down to the dealership to see us, or reach us online to discuss your options and learn how we can help get you behind a truck that fulfills all your towing and payloads needs.