How to Compare Chevy 1500, Ford F150 and Dodge Trucks
Since the early days of American automaking, Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge have been among the most prominent and well-known pickup truck brands. Names like the Chevy 1500 and Ford F150 have been applied to trucks that have evolved drastically over the decades. Comparing trucks from the three American brands can be a daunting task, but taking important factors into account will make it easier to choose the right new or used truck.
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Instructions
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Compare Prices
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Begin by visiting local dealerships and noting the prices of Ford F150, Chevy 1500 and Dodge trucks. Make note of the option packages and their cost as well.
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Use the Kelley Blue Book to compare prices of used trucks. The Blue Book is available at most public libraries and is issued in a revised edition each year. Compare the Blue Book prices to dealer prices to determine if one truck brand is more highly valued locally.
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Read newspaper classified ads and browse the Internet to find prices on many different F150, 1500 and Dodge models.
Compare Power
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Prepare a simple chart listing models from Chevy, Ford and Dodge. For each model, note the average price from your research.
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Prepare columns for each truck to list engine displacement, horsepower, torque and maximum payload and towing weight. This information can be found at your local dealership in the form of a printed brochure, or on the Internet, including at the automakers' websites.
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Record the engine RPM at which maximum horsepower and torque are produced. This will help determine whether or not you will be able to take full advantage of the truck's power under normal driving conditions.
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Consult Internet reviews from edmunds.com, cars.com and pickuptrucks.com. These sites are useful for reading professional auto critics who compare power and handling characteristics based on test drives.
Compare Features
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Create another chart (or extend your existing chart) to include any notable options that may affect price of performance.
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Note features such as all-wheel drive, a second row of seating, and the type of transmission used. These features can drastically affect price.
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Indicate other features such as interior convenience options, resale value, fuel efficiency, and the terms of the warranty offered by the automaker or dealer.
Final Assessment
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To assess your collected data, use a colored marker to circle the features of the best truck in each of your categories. Underline the names of the categories that are most important to you.
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Check to see which truck scores the highest on your system by outperforming the competing models in many categories. Add up the number of categories each truck is best in for a final score.
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If making a decision to buy a truck, take note of which categories were not one by the model of your choice. Consider these the disadvantages of that model and be sure that they are offset by more important factors that make it the best truck for you.
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Tips & Warnings
Consult as many sources as possible when collecting data. Internet forums are an excellent resource since truck owners share their personal experiences and may even answer questions you have about a certain model or feature.
Remember that professional auto critics often score a vehicle on specific criteria which may or may not be the most important factors in your decision. Before comparing trucks, consider your needs and establish what tasks for which your truck will be used, along with your budget.
