In the event you’re contemplating buying a brand new Tesla Cybertruck in 2024 then you definitely’re in all probability not cross-shopping it with a closely modified 1994 Dodge Ram 2500. However hey, when you have entry to each automobiles, then why not see how they match up? That is precisely what the crew at TFL Offroad did.
In one in every of their current YouTube movies, Tommy and Kase pit the most recent in electrical automobile expertise towards this tried and true diesel pickup. Each opponents provide 4WD and are using on all-terrain tires. The Cybertruck weighs 6,600 lbs with just below 600 hp. Sadly, Tesla doesn’t present official torque numbers, not less than none that make for a simple comparability. However estimates have pegged it as roughly 550 lb-ft of torque.
The 1994 Ram Cummins weighs in at 6,300 lbs with 175 hp from the manufacturing unit. Nevertheless, the Cummins has been modified over time and now options greater than 300 hp with torque figures “within the 600 vary”.
Tug-Of-Struggle
The primary take a look at was a tug of struggle between these two titans. Their methods? The Cybertruck would lock the rear differential to show off traction mode, then ground it. The Cummins would keep in low vary (low gear) mode to ship as a lot torque to the wheels as potential at slower speeds.
This ended up being fairly uneventful. Regardless of extra horsepower and heavier curb weight, the Cybertruck was unable to win out over the Cummins which doubtless has extra torque. However on these all-terrain tires, neither truck may get sufficient traction to drag away.
Strategy and Departure Angles
On this take a look at, the high-riding Ram sleepwalked up the “near-vertical climb” with out incident, though the rear simply barely prevented scraping the grime. The Cybertruck additionally made it up the hill however not as easily. The suspension was set to Extract, lifting the truck from 8 inches of floor clearance to 16. The Cybertruck did battle on its method up and briefly scraped the bottom.
Articulation and Traction Take a look at
On the subsequent take a look at terrain take a look at, the vans should first make a 360-degree flip in a good area onto a tough patch of highway. Because of its 4-wheel steering, the preliminary portion of this take a look at was a breeze for the Cybertruck. “That is the primary vehicle-truck, automobile, whatever- I’m capable of make this flip with out having to do a 3-pointer.”
Tommy then units the truck to a low pace, locks his rear diff, and lets the truck try to navigate the terrain with out him touching the throttle. Initially, the Cybertruck carried out very properly however ultimately bought hung up. Following about 30 seconds of spinning wheels and nothing to point out for it, Tommy locked the entrance differential as properly. After that, the Tesla was shortly capable of clear this troublesome part. “You’re higher off simply utilizing the pedal. Simply use the accelerator pedal and drive it like a truck.”
Regardless of the brief wheelbase of the Cummins, Kase needed to make a large 3-point flip in the beginning of the take a look at. It carried out higher within the second portion of the take a look at. Because of the strong axle, the Cummins had higher articulation and maintained fixed contact with the bottom. Whereas the Cybertruck’s articulation was virtually nonexistent whereas at most journey peak.
Sadly, that benefit did not save the Cummins from tripping up on the very same impediment because the Cybertruck. As soon as the wheels began spinning and the truck started sliding backwards, Kase needed to reverse course. After regaining traction, he ultimately constructed up sufficient momentum to exit the ditch. Though doing so required numerous flex and a symphony of noisy creaks and clanks that overpowered the sound of the Diesel engine.
Utility
The Cummins is a daily cab work truck with an 8-foot mattress. The Cybertruck is a crew cab with a 6-foot mattress. So relating to utility, this one is a bit of apples-to-oranges.
Nonetheless, the Cybertruck does have loads of factors in its favor with an spectacular 2,500 lbs payload and 11,000 lbs tow score. As a heavy-duty diesel, the Cummins is equally rated for two,550 lbs of payload and 11,900 lbs of towing.
The Cybertruck has a handy powered tonneau cowl whereas the Ram has a handbook cowl. Like many trendy vans, the Tesla additionally has on-board energy accessible from the mattress.
Nevertheless, the oddly formed mattress makes reaching over the aspect to seize one thing subsequent to not possible until it’s sitting close to the tailgate. There’s additionally an inward slant the place the mattress meets the cab, lowering the quantity of helpful mattress size. When loading up a pair of futons, this protrusion saved the tailgate from closing. By comparability, the common cab, 8-foot mattress of the Cummins may very well be loaded up with room to spare.
Nonetheless, each futons match within the Cybertruck and will simply be tied down. “It’s a real crew cab truck.” Explains Tommy. “A variety of full-size vans could be 5.5-foot whereas it is a 6-foot mattress.”
Day by day Driving
You already know which truck will come on high right here. As a day by day driver, the Cybertruck is best in mainly each method. Until you actually love creaks, rattles and the sound/scent of burning diesel, the Cybertruck is the way in which to go.
“Hear, I actually suppose that that is the proper truck for non-truck individuals.” Tommy concludes. With its fast acceleration, easy journey and quiet inside, the Cybertruck fits most automobile wants extremely properly whereas additionally having a degree of utility that almost all automobiles lack. “In the event you drive this automobile and dwell with this automobile like an outsized station wagon? It has large advantages.”
In the event you’re a Cybertruck proprietor, what automobile or truck did you improve from? How does your new truck examine to your earlier journey? Tell us within the feedback beneath.
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