History
In the early 1910s, a business competition was forged by greed and espionage. Their rivalry was so great, it still affects our lives and decisions today. This competition was between Henry Ford and John & Horace Dodge, founders of Ford and Dodge auto producers, respectively.
As 10% shareholders, the Dodge brothers were the largest minority shareholders in the Ford Motor Co., next to Henry Ford. Determined to revolutionize American production, Henry Ford revoked shareholder dividends to further invest in company growth. A historical legal battle ensued and is still taught in law schools today as an example of corporate greed trumping charitable management.
With their dividends, court settlement, and insight into auto production, the Dodge brothers created the Dodge Model 30—a direct competitor to Ford’s Model T. And so began the Ford vs Dodge debate.
Today we ask: Dodge or Ford? Between these two companies with such a history of producing quality vehicles, which is the better auto brand? With fiercely competing vehicle lines, Dodge and Ford both fight for their share of the market. Now that we’ve staged the history of these two brands, let’s compare the flagship vehicles offered today in the truck, SUV, and car categories.
Ram 1500 vs F-150
With two great options, it’s easy to see why Go Auto Outlet’s pickup truck shoppers are the first to ask “Dodge or Ford.” With a lower sticker price than the F-150, Dodge RAM’s 1500 is known as an affordable do-all pickup truck with best in class legroom,noise dampening, and a high strength frame make for a very comfortable ride. With over 100 safety features to boot, the Dodge Ram 1500 is no slouch.
However, as North America’s best selling pickup for over five years, the F-150 has seen far greater success than any competitor. With more engine options, greater towing capacity, and extensive standard interior features, the F-150 stands about the Dodge Ram 1500 in this category.
Durango vs Explorer
With no exception in the SUV category, Dodge and Ford continue battling for customers with the Durango and Explorer. Dodge offers a faster, more powerful SUV with far more bells and whistles. The Durango comes with countless features such as standard all-wheel drive, brake assist, and electronic stability control. It also offers a far greater towing capacity and power output than the Explorer, not to mention an available stomach churning 6.7 V8 Hemi option. The Ford Explorer is a tried and true low-cost SUV option. Now entering its eighteenth year of production, buyers choose the Explorer for third row seating, an efficient EcoBoost engine, and it’s spacious interior. There’s no doubt that the Explorer is a the most cost effective SUV option, but the Durango owns the SUV category.
Challenger vs. Mustang
Every brand has a flagship vehicle that speaks to the capability and spirit of the producer. For Dodge and Ford, those vehicles are the Challenger and Mustang.
Dodge’s Challenger returned from a 35 year hiatus in 2008 with a vengeance. Harking to a history of mean styling and muscular power, the Challenger straps a 6.2L supercharged HEMI Demon V8 into a pony car chassis. With up to 840hp of torque and 770 lb/ft of torque, Dodge offers unheard-of power
Ford also stayed close to their roots with the modern day Mustang. Like golf, whiskey, and off-color jokes, the Mustang is for the working man who wants a little more excitement in their day. While being certainly more affordable than the Challenger, but the Mustang Shelby GT350R’s 526 hp motor seems almost small next to the Dodge alternative. In the arms race of power and performance, Dodge seems to win the flagship car category.
After 100 years of competition, Dodge offers more capable flagship vehicles than Ford does, but be prepared to pay for it. Despite the 1500’s lackluster performance, Dodge’s Durango and Challenger demonstrate superior engineering and will to create an exciting vehicle. To inquire about one of the vehicles reviewed here, don’t hesitate to contact a Go Auto Outlet near you or view our online inventory here.