A little bit about the Dodge Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi® Magnum

You can lock the transmission into first or second, but there is no third or "overdrive off" mode. Putting the transmission into second when starting will not limit it to second gear, but actually start it out in second, for use on snow or other slippery surfaces (equivalent to the "winter mode" on other automatics).

With the stock Hemi acceleration from a standing stop is stunning - with quarter mile times at or under 16 seconds and 0-60 times around 7 seconds.

Brakes have been substantially upgraded. The big, heavy Ram now stops faster than a Ford Police Interceptor, and in roughly the same distance as an Intrepid. That's quite an achievement.

Cornering is amazingly good considering the bulk and height of the truck, providing a decent feel while keeping its grip. The Ram does as well as many cars around sharp turns, though it's generally a bad idea to put a tall pickup through sports car paces. 

At the same price as the Silverado 1500 , the Ram provides far more power (60 hp, 50 lb-ft), a longer bed, and a better looking interior. The Ram intimidates even large-SUV drivers, and people seem to want to get out of the way, both on the freeway and in the city, and that's both nice and rare (only experienced it with the Ram).  But it really is a matter of taste, and both trucks are at the top of their class, well above the Ford F-150. The Ram is, thanks to the Hemi engine, more comfortable with very heavy loads, barely noticing added weight. If more Ford pickup buyers tested out a Ram, Dodge might find itself short of trucks.