The heavy-duty pickup truck market is a realm of giants, where the Ram 2500 and Chevrolet Silverado 2500 stand as titans. Both armed with potent gas-powered V8s, the Ram 2500 6.4 and Chevy 6.6 gas engines ignite a fierce rivalry. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the intricacies of these two powerhouses, pitting them against each other in a battle for heavy-duty supremacy.

Engine Specifications and Performance

Displacement and Power:

• Ram 2500 6.4: 6.4L Hemi V8, 410 horsepower, 429 lb-ft of torque
• Chevy 6.6: 6.6L V8, 401 horsepower, 464 lb-ft of torque

The Chevy 6.6 boasts a slight edge in torque, which translates to stronger pulling power at lower RPMs. However, the Ram 2500 6.4 compensates with its higher horsepower, providing more acceleration and top-end speed.

Transmission and Drivetrain:

• Ram 2500 6.4: 8-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD)
• Chevy 6.6: 6-speed automatic transmission, RWD or 4WD

The Ram 2500 offers a more advanced 8-speed transmission, promising smoother shifts and better fuel economy. The Chevy 6.6’s 6-speed transmission is still capable but may exhibit slightly slower shifts. Both trucks offer the option of RWD or 4WD for enhanced traction on various terrains.

Towing and Payload Capacity

Towing Capacity:

• Ram 2500 6.4: Up to 19,780 lbs (RWD) / 17,540 lbs (4WD)
• Chevy 6.6: Up to 18,500 lbs (RWD) / 16,520 lbs (4WD)

The Ram 2500 6.4 reigns supreme in towing capacity, with a maximum rating that exceeds the Chevy 6.6 by a significant margin. This advantage makes the Ram 2500 a more capable choice for heavy-duty towing tasks.

Payload Capacity:

• Ram 2500 6.4: Up to 4,190 lbs
• Chevy 6.6: Up to 3,979 lbs

The payload capacity, which indicates the amount of weight the truck can carry in its bed, is another area where the Ram 2500 6.4 excels. Its higher payload capacity allows it to handle heavier loads, making it more versatile for hauling equipment and materials.

Fuel Economy

City/Highway MPG:

• Ram 2500 6.4: 15/21 (RWD), 14/19 (4WD)
• Chevy 6.6: 15/20 (RWD), 14/18 (4WD)

Fuel economy is a crucial consideration for heavy-duty trucks. The Ram 2500 6.4 and Chevy 6.6 offer comparable fuel economy figures, with the Ram 2500 having a slight advantage on the highway. However, it’s important to note that these estimates can vary depending on factors such as driving habits and payload weight.

Interior and Features

Cab Options and Seating:

• Ram 2500 6.4: Crew Cab (5 passengers), Mega Cab (6 passengers)
• Chevy 6.6: Crew Cab (5 passengers), Double Cab (6 passengers)

Both the Ram 2500 6.4 and Chevy 6.6 offer spacious crew cabs with ample seating for up to five passengers. The Ram 2500 also provides the option of a larger Mega Cab, which can accommodate six passengers.

Technology and Amenities:

• Ram 2500 6.4: Uconnect 5 infotainment system, 12-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation
• Chevy 6.6: Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation

The Ram 2500 6.4 boasts a more advanced infotainment system with a larger touchscreen and a more user-friendly interface. It also offers a wider range of available amenities, such as heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

Safety and Reliability

Safety Features:

• Ram 2500 6.4: Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control
• Chevy 6.6: Lane departure warning, forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking

Both the Ram 2500 6.4 and Chevy 6.6 offer a comprehensive suite of safety features to enhance driver and passenger protection. The Ram 2500 6.4 has a slight edge with its more advanced blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems.

Reliability:

• Ram 2500 6.4: J.D. Power reliability rating: 81/100
• Chevy 6.6: J.D. Power reliability rating: 83/100

According to J.D. Power’s 2023 Vehicle Dependability Study, the Chevy 6.6 has a slightly higher reliability rating than the Ram 2500 6.4. However, both trucks are considered to be within the average range for their class.

Verdict: The Ultimate Champion

In the battle between the Ram 2500 6.4 and Chevy 6.6 gas engines, the Ram 2500 6.4 emerges as the ultimate champion. With its superior towing capacity, payload capacity, and advanced features, it proves to be the more capable and versatile choice for heavy-duty applications.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Which engine has more horsepower?

A: The Ram 2500 6.4 produces 410 horsepower, while the Chevy 6.6 produces 401 horsepower.

Q: Which engine has more torque?

A: The Chevy 6.6 produces 464 lb-ft of torque, while the Ram 2500 6.4 produces 429 lb-ft of torque.

Q: Which truck has a higher towing capacity?

A: The Ram 2500 6.4 has a higher towing capacity of up to 19,780 lbs, compared to the Chevy 6.6’s 18,500 lbs.

Q: Which truck has a higher payload capacity?

A: The Ram 2500 6.4 has a higher payload capacity of up to 4,190 lbs, compared to the Chevy 6.6’s 3,979 lbs.

Q: Which truck has a better fuel economy?

A: The Ram 2500 6.4 and Chevy 6.6 have comparable fuel economy ratings, with the Ram 2500 having a slight advantage on the highway.