Why Buy a Ram 1500 When You Can Buy a Ram 1500 Classic?
The Ram pickup truck has been a trusted truck for years. But what are the real differences between the new Ram 1500 and the Ram 1500 Classic. The Ram 1500 is an all new generation, while the 1500 Classic is an old faithful. The 2020 Ram 1500 Classic has a bargain starting price point and earned the top spot on the Consumer Reports full-size pickup truck ratings list. What features would encourage people to buy one instead of the other? Why would you spend more on a Ram 1500 when you can buy a Ram 1500 Classic?
The all-new Ram 1500, redesigned in 2019, didn’t have to say goodbye to its previous generation. In fact, Ram still offers each truck side by side. Why did they do that? If the Ram 1500’s fourth generation was so good they kept it, why even bother with the new generation full-size Ram? Here are some compelling reasons to pass up the cheaper Ram 1500 Classic to splurge on the 2020 Ram 1500.
Performance and engine options
The Ram 1500 Classic is available with two engine options. It can come equipped with either the 5.7 liter Hemi V8 or the 3.6 V6. The Ram 1500 carries these two options as well, but also offers the 3.0 liter EcoDiesel engine.
Additionally, the new Ram generation gets hybridized technology called eTorque. The 2020 Ram 1500 pickup truck can tow 12,750 pounds when equipped with the eTorque V8, but if you want to opt for the more fuel efficient ecoDiesel, the towing capacity maxes out at 12,560 pounds. The Ram Classic tows a decent capacity of around 10,620 pounds, but comes up short of the redesigned model’s towing specs.
The Ram Rebel
This performance oriented Ram 1500 trim is dedicated to off-road adventure. It has a significantly lower towing capacity as the other models (11,500 pounds) but has other capabilities that we felt deserved mention in terms of Ram pickup performance. This off-roading beast is ultra equipped with the available Ram off-road package (which can be added to any 4×4 model) and 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires and upgraded Bilstein dampers.
It looks extra tough, boasting more rugged exterior features like a chunky black grill and black wheels. While these exterior features can be found on the Warlock trim of the Ram Classic model, that’s where these options stop short for the budget Ram 1500 Classic.
The Ram 1500 is more expensive, but you totally get what you pay for
The Ram 1500 Classic has a starting range from $28,200 – $34,300, according to Edmunds. The new generation Ram 1500 starts from $32,145 – $57,515. While this may seem like a huge price gap from one model to the next, there is a reason why the 2020 Ram 1500 made Car and Driver’s 10 Best list and the Classic isn’t even on their radar. The luxury both in terms of interior materials, technology, and connectivity for the new Ram far out paces even the highest trim options for the Ram Classic.
In fact, both of these trucks –– while in the same class, and and some respects the same truck all together –– hardly compare. The sheer volume of modern amenities that are available to the Ram 1500 and not for the Ram 1500 Classic sets the new Ram apart in a league of its own. The base model of the Ram 1500 –– called the Tradesman trim –– comes standard with more features than the Warlock Ram Classic trim. This includes new safety and driver assist features as well as additional tech options.
Budget pickup truck
The Ram 1500 Classic is a “budget pickup truck” though and through. If you want a Ram pickup truck, it’s worth the splurge to upgrade to the new Ram 1500 generation. Why buy the Ram 1500 when you can buy the Ram 1500 Classic? The new 1500 Ram generation is an all around vehicle, truck or not, with a long list of standard and optional features. The new Ram is the perfect go between from family night out to another day on the job. The Ram Classic is still a decent pickup truck (it’s a Consumer Reports favorite), but its cheaper price point means a lot fewer perks. The Ram 1500 is worth the upgrade.
