Nissan Titan vs. Dodge Ram 1500 Comparison

Nissan Titan Overview

Staking a claim to usurp the dominance of the American pickup trucks, the 2008 Nissan Titan offers the most powerful standard V8 engine in its class, along with a revolutionary bed and longer wheelbases than last year’s model.

The Titan is available in four trim lines – XE, SE, PRO-4X, and L – in King Cab or Crew Cab configurations with optional extended wheelbases. The standard 5.6 liter V8 offers 317 horsepower and 385 lb.-ft of torque for up to 9,500 lbs. of towing capacity when properly equipped. The 5-speed automatic transmission is designed to take full advantage of the engine’s power.

Standard safety features include a 4-wheel anti-lock braking system with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist for excellent stopping ability. Standard front dual airbags, side-impact airbags, and roof-mounted curtain airbags with rollover protection keep passengers safe in a collision. Available Vehicle Dynamic Control creates additional stability in evasive maneuvers.The fully-boxed steel frame is very rigid, giving added strength to heavy-duty jobs. Bed utility options include a Utili-track Cargo Channel System featuring adjustable tie-down cleats and a 5-channel system. A factory-installed spray-on bedliner adds durability. A lockable bedside storage compartment and a tailgate workstation with two lights and a 12-volt power outlet make it an ideal, flexible workspace.

Also the first full-size pickup with wide-opening rear doors, the interior has smart storage capabilities, including 60/40 flip up rear seats, an oversize center console that can hold a laptop computer, and available front bench seating for six-passenger capacity. Additional amenities include rear sonar, which emits an audible beep as you back up closer to an object. The available Navigation System offers a choice of conventional maps or a 3-D Birdseye view, while the optional DVD Mobile Theatre features a flip-down 8” color monitor to entertain your crew.

The rough and rugged 2008 Nissan Titan offers a spacious interior, amazing off-road capability, and unique options that make it a truly unique full-size pickup truck.

Dodge Ram 1500 & Nissan Titan Comparison

Cost

The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. The Nissan is considerably cheaper to get to the dealership than the Dodge. As far as gas mileage, the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 is a bit better than the Nissan, but not by much.

Dimensions

The Dodge is a little more ponderous than the Titan. Your wallet will hurt more every time you fill up the Dodge than the Nissan Titan because of its bigger tank. The Nissan Titan rides lower than the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500, which is a good thing for its center of gravity and ease of access. The Nissan Titan and the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 compete for the same parking spaces. The Dodge Ram Pickup 1500's longer wheelbase will result in a smoother, more stable ride; on the other hand, the Titan may give a more maneuverable feel in daily traffic

Performance

When it comes to horsepower, the Titan packs quite a punch and will knock the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 down a few rungs. On the other hand, note that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums. With that kind of horsepower, the Nissan Titan is a full-blown sportscar. The Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 is likely to feel a little sluggish because of its high horsepower-to-weight ratio compared to the Nissan Titan.

Handling

With its tighter turning radius, the Nissan Titan is doubtless more maneuverable than the Dodge, something to consider if you do a lot of city driving; however, note that a vehicle with a tight turning circle may feel a bit twitchy on the highway.

Drivetrain

The Nissan Titan's engine is substantially larger than the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500's. Remember that more sizeable engines may use more gas than smaller ones. Torque is the force that lets you accelerate quickly, and in this respect, the Titan is considerably more powerful than the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500. The Ram Pickup 1500 could learn a lesson or two from the Nissan Titan when it comes to pickup.