So you want a new truck, and you don’t want to screw around with any undersized engines that underperform. Well, that right there is already going to kick every single compact pickup to the curb. That’s also going to slash most trims from your list as well. This leaves you with V8 trucks. Because even if you have zero desire to tow, there’s simply nothing like the sound of a V8 coming to life. There’s a vicious snarl in there you’ll never get from a V6 or a turbocharged I4. Sure, Ford loves to talk about its charged up I4 engines, and yeah, some of these engines can put out some solid performance numbers, but it simply can’t replicate the sound and feel of a V8. True car lovers know every car not only has a distinct feel but a distinct sound and smell. All of these features come to a point with the few V8 trucks that put out the kind of performance, feel, sound, and smell you will want in trucks for sale in the US: the Silverado and the Ram 1500. But which delivers the goods more than the other? Well, to figure that out, we’ll need to compare the Silverado 6.2L vs Ram 5.7L.
What Trims Come With the V8 Engines
You’re going to find more engine options on trucks than pretty much any other vehicle. And with these different options, it means both the Silverado and the Ram start with smaller powertrains. Now, you can usually spring to upgrade the engine while keeping the other trim features, but usually, it’s easier to just opt for the trim containing the engine you like.
So what does it take to get a 6.2L V8 in a Silverado 1500? Well, first, we want to point out that this is the largest V8 currently available in a half-ton pickup. Yeah, you can land a 6.2L in the three quarter or full-ton pickups made by other manufacturers, but in terms of the 1500 half-ton, you’re not going to find anything bigger. However, you will want to keep in mind that because it is bigger, it is considered an upgraded engine. The LTZ, LT Trail Boss, RST, Custom Trail boss, and High Country trims come with a 5.3L V8 as standard, although you can opt for the 6.2L V8.
What’s truly surprising, though, is the 5.7L HEMI V8 on the Ram is also considered an upgraded engine. Just about all of the trims will come standard with a base 3.6L V6 engine. You then will decide which engine to upgrade to, if you’re interested in an upgrade. This includes an EcoDiesel option, a 5.7L HEMI V8, and a 5.7L HEMI V8 featuring eTorque.
Engine Specs
Okay, so one engine is bigger. And yes, the larger 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 from Chevy does add some instant power to the truck, allowing you to drive off the starting line faster (although the exact acceleration will depend on the trim and other features). While you’re probably not going to be going from 0 to 60 at a dead heat anytime soon, knowing the engine performance numbers may help you decide between the EcoTec3 and the HEMI.
With the Silverado 6.2L V8, the engine produces 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. It also uses a 10-speed automatic transmission. As for the 5.7L HEMI V8 on the Ram 1500, there are two versions you’ll need to consider because of the eTorque attachment. With the standard HEMI, it produces 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. This engine version on the Ram 1500 uses an eight-speed automatic transmission. Now, when you look at the 5.7L eTorque HEMI V8, you’ll see the initial specs are the same. 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. However, that isn’t exactly the case. The eTorque feature replaces the standard alternator, which pulls energy off of the engine. The eTorque replacement instead pulls energy off of your brakes, which is then stored in a localized battery. This torque will then come out when you need it, such as when accelerating up hills or when first departing with a trailer. This has the potential to add bursts of up to an additional 130 lb-ft of torque. These numbers are not sustained because the eTorque battery needs to be recharged, which is why it is not reflected in the base engine performance numbers. However, it is worth mentioning as if you’re considering a Ram 1500, you may want to spring for the additional eTorque feature.
Towing and Payload
If you want a big engine, you probably want it not only for the sound and to have the V8 badge branded on your pickup, but because you will be doing some hauling. Whether this is in the form of towing a trailer or filling up the bed, you’ll want to know what each engine can give you.
These are two trucks that pack some serious performance punch. You’re not going to be the truck struggling to hit 20 on the highway while driving up a hill with a trailer like some of the other guys out there (trust us, we’ve been there, and it’s not fun… Especially when you think at any minute the transmission might blow and you’ll start rolling backward).
With the 2020 Silverado 1500 6.2L V8, the truck comes with max available trailering of 13,400 pounds. This is the most of any half-ton pickup out there. Now, to hit these numbers, you’ll need to go with some very specific features, including the Double Cab Standard Bed RST 4×4 with Max Trailering Package and 20-inch wheels. However, if you do that, you’ll be king of the hill regarding your towing. Do keep in mind though that the 4×4 feature will impact your max payload. Rear-wheel drive trucks will be able to transport more in the bed than four-wheel drive, so you’re never going to have the best of both trailering and payload, although the numbers will be close (max payload on the Silverado is 2,250 pounds).
For the Ram 1500 5.7L V8 HEMI, the max towing is 12,750 pounds. You’ll need to go with the eTorque HEMI V8 if you want to hit these towing numbers. In terms of max payload, the Ram will sneak in just a bit ahead of the Silverado with a maximum of 2,302 pounds. Chances are those 52 pounds won’t be the difference between you selecting a Silverado and a Ram, but hey, 52 pounds is 52 pounds (of course, the lighter engine weight of a 5.7 versus a 6.2 is part of that difference).
King Of The Trucking Roads
When comparing brand to brand, there aren’t any other trucks that can compete with the Silverado 6.2L V8 and the Ram 1500 5.7L HEMI V8. Both of these trucks are solid, but for pure power, acceleration, and towing potential, there’s no surprise that the Silverado 6.2L V8 takes the crown. But what do you think? Is there a particular truck that you salivate over? Maybe you’d rather go with the aluminum Ford? Or are you a Toyota or even a Nissan fan?
