If you are shopping for a Ram 1500, you will not only have to choose between the different cab and bed configurations, but also between a V6 and V8 engine. Which option is best suited to your needs? What are the features offered by these powertrains? We have compared the RAM 1500 V6 vs V8 so as to help you make the right decision!
Features offered by the V6 engine
You can choose to equip your RAM 1500 with a 3.6 L Pentastar V6 with 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft. maximum torque. Moreover, the eTorque mild hybrid technology –which comes standard with the V6- will allow you to take advantage of an added 90 lb-ft. for added accelerations at low speeds.
By opting for the V6, your RAM 1500 could also –depending on selected cab-bed configuration- provide you with a maximum towing capacity of up to 7,460 pounds, if you choose a 4×4 drivetrain. This capacity climbs to 7,710 pounds if you choose a RAM 1500 with 2- wheel drive.
Why opt for the V6?
If fuel economy is an important element in your decision making and that you only need a minimal towing capacity, then a RAM 1500 with a V6 engine is a great choice. In fact, it offers city/highway fuel consumption numbers as low as 11.9/9.4/100 km, which makes it a truck with remarkable energy efficiency.
What trims offer the V6?
The V6 powertrain is found as standard offered equipment on the RAM 1500 Tradesman and Big Horn; it is coupled with an 8- speed automatic transmission.
Features offered by the V8 engine
Do you need a more performant powertrain? The V8 engine is an excellent choice! In fact, it would be more accurate to speak of the V8 engines, since several options are available to you.
You could opt for a RAM 1500 equipped with a 5.7 L HEMI V8 with 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft. maximum torque; you could also choose a RAM 1500 with a 5.7 L HEMI V8 with eTorque technology, also offering 395 horsepower, but with an added 130 lb-ft. during accelerations at low speeds.
Towing capacities are the same for both of these V8 powertrain options, with maximum capacities that vary between 11,410 (4×4) and 12,750 pounds (4×2), depending on the selected cab/bed configuration.
Why opt for the V8?
If you need to tow heavier loads like a tent-trailer, a boat or any other heavy equipment, the RAM 1500 with V8 engines are the perfect candidates. Moreover, although they offer more power than the V6 powertrain models, these trims still remain quite reasonable in terms of fuel consumption, with numbers for city/highway driving as low as 13.5/10.5 L/100 km.
What trims offer the V8?
By choosing a RAM 1500 Sport, Rebel, Laramie, Limited Longhorn and Limited, you will have this powertrain as standard offered equipment; you can also choose it as an added option on the Tradesman and Big Horn trims.
As for the V8 with eTorque technology, it can be selected as an added option on almost every trim, which means the Tradesman, Big Horn, Sport, Rebel, Laramie, Limited Longhorn and Limited. Take note that both of these V8 are coupled with an 8- speed automatic transmission.
An even more powerful V8?
The Ram 1500 also offers the possibility of choosing a powerful 6.2 L turbocharged V8 with a phenomenal 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft. maximum torque, making it the most powerful powertrain for its category.
However, towing capacity is limited to 8,100 pounds for this engine, which does remain interesting and will allow you to tow heavy enough loads for work or leisure activities. When it comes to energy consumption, it reaches 16.5 L/100 on highway which, taking into account the astounding power it offers, is quite reasonable.
Why opt for this V8?
Are you looking for a truck with impressive cavalry, high maximum torque and that offers exceptional off-road skills? Then the TRX is definitely the truck for you!
What trims offer this V8?
This powertrain is only offered on the RAM 1500 TRX trim, which is at the very top of the RAM 1500 list. You will also take advantage of an 8- speed automatic transmission with manual mode, along with 6 different driving modes as well.
Would you like to find out more?
Come and visit us directly at Duclos, your RAM dealership in Laval, to find out more about what the RAM 1500 V6 vs V8 offer, and how they differ!
Morevoer, we will tell you more about all of the 2023 and 2022 RAM 1500 we have in stock, along with our very advantageous financing options and current special offers!
