I test drove drove 2013 RAM 1500 with coil spring and air suspension plus 8 speed transmission - it was pretty nice. This is my favorite motor/tranny combo of the 1/2 tons right now. Everything was smooth and the ride was "soft" and comfy in all conditions I threw at it. Maybe the best overall comfy pickup I've been in.
However, I am not too excited about it - not really much fun to drive. The hemi had a nice braaaw to it, but not nearly the guts as the Ford Scorpion turbo 6.7 diesel in the Super Duty. I think that the Ram would be maybe 15% more comfortable than my 2012 F250 Super Duty. I guess I really shouldn't be that concerned about the lack of "fun factor" in a pickup truck, right?
I could actually get excited about driving the TDI Touareg - it is fun. Not twin turbo X5 V8 fun. but not bad. This is the direction I am leaning right now. In my mind I see the Touareg being 25% more comfortable (overall) than the F250 and I see it being about 50% more fun to drive. But, it has about 50% less hauling utility. OK, just thought of a weighted decision making exercise. I will assign an importance to Comfort, Fun Factor and Hauling Utility and then score the Toaureg against the Super Duty and the 13 Ram 1500 8 speed air suspension.
OK, Here goes:
Importance to me (on a scale of -10), in my work vehicle (in which I spend about 2,700 hours per year) of the following factors:
Comfort - 10
Fun Factor - 5
Hauling Utility - 6
Image Presented to Customers - 7 - I am not saying this factor isn't important to me - I am saying it is not that critical to customers - they are far more concerned about quality of my company's product & service. I didn't score this one because I feel that all three of the following vehicles have a perfectly fine presentation towards my customers.
2012 F250 Crew Cab Super Duty Turbo Diesel
Comfort - 10*6 = 60
Fun Factor - 5*5 = 25
Hauling Utility - 6*10 = 60
Total Score = 145
Ram 1500 - 8 Speed V8 Hemi Air Suspension
Comfort - 10*7 = 70
Fun Factor - 5*5 = 25
Hauling Utility - 6*9 = 54
Total Score = 149
2013 Touareg TDI Lux (or maybe EXEC)
Comfort - 10*9 = 90
Fun Factor - 5*8 = 40
Hauling Utility - 6*7 = 42
Total Score =
172
There you have it - Touareg is the winner (for my weighted needs and wants)!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lubehead
Actually, I think the Dodge may be a great alternative. With the coil spring suspension, the ride will be good and I must admit, in your business, it does "fit" better. And since your wife supports it, how can she be wrong?
Let us know how the test drive goes.
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