What To Know
- The 2500 boasts a maximum towing capacity of 19,320 pounds and a payload capacity of 4,010 pounds, making it a versatile workhorse for various tasks.
- 4-liter V8 Hemi engine achieves an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, while the Cummins diesel engine delivers 17 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.
- The V8 Hemi engine gets an EPA-estimated 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway, while the Cummins diesel engine achieves 16 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway.
The world of heavy-duty trucks is a competitive arena, with manufacturers constantly striving to outdo each other in terms of power, capability, and features. In the realm of single-wheel heavy-duty trucks, the Ram 2500 and 3500 stand as two prominent contenders. Both trucks offer impressive capabilities and a range of configurations, making them popular choices for a variety of tasks. However, discerning buyers may wonder which one is the better choice for their specific needs. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between the Ram 2500 and 3500 single wheel, helping you make an informed decision.
Power and Performance:
At the heart of these trucks lies their powertrains, which determine their performance and towing capabilities. The Ram 2500 offers a choice of two potent engines: a 6.4-liter V8 Hemi producing 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 6.7-liter Cummins inline-six diesel generating 370 horsepower and a staggering 850 lb-ft of torque. These engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering smooth and responsive power delivery.
The Ram 3500, on the other hand, takes performance to a whole new level. It boasts the same 6.4-liter V8 Hemi engine as the 2500, but with a significant power boost, producing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, the 3500 offers an upgraded version of the 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engine, churning out an astonishing 400 horsepower and a mind-boggling 1,075 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, providing exceptional towing and hauling capabilities.
Towing and Payload Capacity:
When it comes to towing and payload capacity, the Ram 2500 and 3500 single wheel excel in their respective classes. The 2500 boasts a maximum towing capacity of 19,320 pounds and a payload capacity of 4,010 pounds, making it a versatile workhorse for various tasks.
The 3500, however, takes the lead in this category. With its more potent engines and heavy-duty construction, the 3500 can tow up to 35,100 pounds and carry a payload of up to 7,680 pounds. This exceptional capability makes it an ideal choice for heavy-duty towing and hauling applications.
Interior Comfort and Features:
Inside the cabin, both the Ram 2500 and 3500 offer comfortable and well-equipped interiors. They feature spacious seating with supportive seats, providing ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The trucks come standard with a range of amenities, including a touchscreen infotainment system, climate control, cruise control, and power windows and locks.
However, the 3500 offers a few additional features and refinements that enhance the overall driving experience. These include a larger touchscreen display, a premium audio system, heated and ventilated seats, and a panoramic sunroof. Additionally, the 3500 offers more customization options, allowing buyers to tailor the interior to their specific preferences.
Off-Road Capability:
Both the Ram 2500 and 3500 single wheel offer impressive off-road capabilities, thanks to their robust suspensions and four-wheel drive systems. They feature solid axles with coil springs at the front and leaf springs at the rear, providing excellent articulation and ground clearance. Additionally, both trucks come standard with skid plates to protect vital components from damage while tackling rough terrain.
However, the 3500 offers a few additional features that enhance its off-road prowess. These include an electronic locking rear differential, which provides improved traction in slippery conditions, and an optional off-road package that adds features like all-terrain tires, a raised suspension, and a front-mounted winch.
Fuel Efficiency:
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Ram 2500 and 3500 are not exactly known for their frugality. However, the 2500 offers slightly better fuel economy than the 3500 due to its lighter weight and more efficient engines. The 2500 with the 6.4-liter V8 Hemi engine achieves an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, while the Cummins diesel engine delivers 17 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.
The 3500, with its more powerful engines and heavier construction, has slightly lower fuel economy ratings. The V8 Hemi engine gets an EPA-estimated 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway, while the Cummins diesel engine achieves 16 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway.
Price:
The Ram 2500 and 3500 single wheel come with a range of configurations and trim levels, which affect their pricing. The base price for the 2500 starts at around $34,000, while the 3500 starts at around $36,000. However, the price can quickly climb as you add more features and options. Fully loaded models of the 2500 and 3500 can reach prices in the $70,000 to $80,000 range.
Takeaways:
The Ram 2500 and 3500 single wheel are both exceptional heavy-duty trucks that offer impressive capabilities and a range of features. The 2500 is a versatile workhorse with a good balance of power, towing capacity, and fuel efficiency, making it a great choice for a wide range of tasks. The 3500, on the other hand, is a true powerhouse, offering exceptional towing and payload capacity, along with a more refined interior and additional off-road features. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your specific needs and budget. If you require maximum towing and hauling capabilities, the 3500 is the clear choice. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable and fuel-efficient option with still plenty of capability, the 2500 is a great choice.
Information You Need to Know
1. What is the difference between the Ram 2500 and 3500 single wheel?
The Ram 2500 and 3500 single wheel differ in terms of powertrain options, towing and payload capacity, interior features, off-road capability, and price. The 3500 offers more powerful engines, higher towing and payload capacities, a more refined interior, and additional off-road features. However, the 2500 is more fuel-efficient and has a lower starting price.
2. Which one has better towing and payload capacity, the Ram 2500 or 3500 single wheel?
The Ram 3500 single wheel has a significantly higher towing and payload capacity than the 2500. The 3500 can tow up to 35,100 pounds and carry a payload of up to 7,680 pounds, while the 2500 has a maximum towing capacity of 19,320 pounds and a payload capacity of 4,010 pounds.
3. Which one is more fuel-efficient, the Ram 2500 or 3500 single wheel?
The Ram 2500 single wheel is slightly more fuel-efficient than the 3500. The 2500 with the 6.4-liter V8 Hemi engine achieves an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, while the Cummins diesel engine delivers 17 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. The 3500, with its more powerful engines, has slightly lower fuel economy ratings.