We are considering a Ram 1500 with a Big Horn and 5.9L Hemi. How would that compare to a top of the line Dakota Crew Cab with the V8? Comparable equipped vehicles with employee pricing considered. We are not sure whether to go with a Ram or Dakota.

 

The Dakota V8 has much less HP and is also going to be smaller.

 

Price wise they are offering such good deals on the Hemi Bighorns that there won't be that much difference. I got my Hemi Bighorn for 19,995. I looked at the Dakota and a similarly equipped one wasn't much cheaper and only came with the small V8.

 

I paid $18,999 for my Ram QC SLT 1500 Bighorn, Hemi and 20" chrome wheels.

My buddy bought the Dakota SLT V-8 Magnum USED for $14K. The Dakota is nice, in fact a trip in his is what got me to thinking about the Ram. For a small price difference I'd go for the Ram QC

 

A 5.9? I thought there was only the 5.7 for the Ram

 

I had a 2000 Dakota with the 4.7 V8 and it wasn't a bad truck. Decent power and toated around some gear and the family okay. I traded it in last year for an '05 Ram 2500 w/the Hemi and all I can say is what a difference! All the power you could ask for and more and I don't have to listen to the kids gripe about a small back seat (the dak was club cab).

In my opinion unless you want a smaller truck the Ram is a far better value....after a year mine has been absolutely trouble free and I love it whereas the Dakota had a few minor issues (warped rotors, dead battery, etc.) that in fairness the dealer did cover....

 

Stuff is the word! Dakota's are nice trucks for sure but there is absolutely nothing like the Hemi and you can sure put a lot of stuff in a Ram Quad!
I love my truck!
Pig

Wouldn't it be nice if they built a Dakota with a Hemi in it!! 6 speed manual!! Dreamin!

 

WE had the same delima. I'm very glad we chose the larger truck. More room and hauling capacity. It's better to have it and not need it than to need it an not have it.

Actually we got our 1500 for about 1k less than we could have got the Dakota.

 

We just figured if there was only 3-4000 dollars difference between a Ram with a Hemi versus a Dakota with the big V8, it would make more sense to go with the Ram.
One problem is that the Ram will take up the lions share of my garage. My wife isn't enthused about leaving her car outside at night just so I can park my big truck inside.
On another note: We're from Michigan. Anyone know of any dealers to stay away from? We are in GM country here as we are near Flint and Saginaw. But I see a ton of Dodge trucks on the road around here. The GM dealers sell 85% of their new vehicles to those who get the GM Employee Discount. And if you are not eligible for the discount, they treat you like dirt.

 

I see only one solition to the dilema. You will have to give your wife the keys to the Ram! It will be worth it. Shop around, take your time. Steal-deals are out there everywhere right now.