The United States is currently engaged in a significant battle that doesn’t involve military force or taxpayer funding. This “war” involves the competition among major automotive manufacturers like Ford, GM, and Ram as they vie for dominance in the pickup truck market. The competitive landscape is characterized by bold advertisements on television and social media, with Ram’s new Heavy Duty pickup facing the latest challenges.
During a recent event unveiling Chevrolet’s all-new heavy-duty pickup, the Silverado HD, the company highlighted its superior acceleration compared to the newly designed Ram Heavy Duty when both vehicles are towing an 18,000-pound trailer.
Specifically, data presented showed that the Chevrolet Silverado 3500 DRW (dual rear wheel) accelerates more quickly from a standstill to 60 miles per hour, and from 25 to 60 and 40 to 60 mph, compared to the Cummins-powered Ram 3500 DRW. This information is significant because, despite the Ram’s higher torque rating—which theoretically enhances its towing abilities—the Silverado still outpaces it in acceleration. The Silverado produces 910 pound-feet of torque, while the Ram boasts an impressive 1,000 pound-feet.
Beyond torque figures, there are notable differences between the two trucks. The Silverado produces 445 horsepower, while the Ram generates 400 horsepower. In terms of transmission, the Silverado features a sophisticated 10-speed automatic, offering four additional gears compared to the Ram’s traditional six-speed. For towing capacity, the Silverado can pull a maximum of 35,500 pounds, whereas the Ram is rated at 35,100 pounds.
Chevrolet attributes the Silverado’s ability to reach maximum torque in first gear to its advanced driveline components, eliminating the need for electronic torque limits. While its 910 pound-feet of torque may not lead the class, innovative engineering allows it to achieve the best-in-class towing capacity.
During the product presentation, Chevrolet explained that they conducted comparisons on the Milford Proving Grounds, where both trucks were attached to an 18,000-pound trailer for acceleration tests. Ultimately, the Silverado accelerated to 60 mph an impressive 2.6 seconds faster than the Ram, which features a high-output diesel engine.
Although both trucks have different weight distributions and gearing configurations—these specifications are designed intentionally—Chevrolet argues that the additional four gears in the 10-speed transmission allow for superior performance compared to the Ram’s six-speed setup.
While firsthand driving experiences with the new Silverado HD are not yet available, Chevrolet’s testing data suggests that enhanced gearing may provide advantages beyond merely having higher torque figures.
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