The U.S. truck market is pretty divided, so comparisons like this one are usually just an opportunity for fans of both brands to tell the author either how right or how wrong he is in his review.
That being said, for the very few neutrals - or those who like to listen to the unbiased opinion of someone who drove the two trucks back-to-back - these videos provide plenty of insight, not to mention the chance to form their own impression based on what they can see and hear with their eyes and ears.
Even people from outside the U.S. know the Ford F-150 is the best-selling vehicle here, cars included, so a head-to-head comparison with any other model feels like a foregone conclusion. There must be a reason why it sells that well, after all.
Well, the truth is these reasons aren't always so immediately obvious. For instance, it could in large part be down to reliability, and that's not something you can assess by spending a few days - let alone hours - with the truck.
The two models analyzed here - the 2021 RAM 1500 and the 2021 Ford F-150 - are part of their brands' Limited range, meaning they fall into the weird segment of luxury trucks. Yes, workhorses turned into parade horses. In theory, those are two contradicting concepts, and yet the recipe obviously works since the concept isn't exactly new.
Despite competing in the same market with the same target audience, the two trucks go about things quite differently. Starting with the engines, the RAM uses a tried-and-tested 5.7-liter naturally aspirated HEMI V8 with 395 hp and 410 lb-ft (556 Nm) of torque, whereas Ford opts for the well-known 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 for the F-150 Limited. However, unlike when deployed in the Raptor, here it only develops 400 hp and 500 lb-ft (677 Nm) of torque.
Despite the de-tune, the F-150 is still massively more powerful than the 1500 and the blowers also make sure that power is available earlier on in the rev range. When it comes to sound, though, it's hard to even compare the two, with the RAM emerging as the clear winner.
It's hard not to prefer the Ford's dashboard, particularly thanks to that digital instrument cluster with crisp-looking graphics, but the RAM looks very elegant in black and features a large central display that more than makes up for its analog dials.
On the road, the coil rear suspension makes the Ram feel more comfortable compared to the leaf springs in the F-150, a setup more suitable for hauling big payloads than equipping a luxury-oriented truck. However, they both feel smooth, and the Ford might even take a point back through its more accurate steering.
The exterior design is clearly a matter of taste and brand affinity, but Ben does make a good point by mentioning the fact that the Ram Limited has more personalized elements to set it apart from the more pedestrian versions, whereas the Ford only gets a special grille and some badges.
The two clips below will provide a more in-depth analysis of the two Limited trucks, but if you don't have the time, here's a brief conclusion. Buy whichever you like most and you won't be disappointed. Alternatively, if you can arrange it, drive both one after the other and you should instantly know which one you prefer.
"Boy meets car, boy loves car, boy gets journalism degree and starts job writing and editing at a car magazine" - 5/5. (Vlad Mitrache if he was a movie) Full profile
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