Dodge Ram Wagon 1500 SWB 3.9L
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Engime
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Engime
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3.9L V6
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Numbers of cylinders
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6
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Maximum horsepower (hp. t rpm)
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175/4800
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Maximum torque (lb.- ft at rpm)
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225/3200
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Chasis
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Standard transmission
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3 speed Automatic
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Optional transmission
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4 speed Automatic
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Drive wheels
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Rear wheel drive
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Steering
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Recirculating ball
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Turning circle (m)
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7.0
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Suspension front/rear
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ind./ rigid axle
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Weight distribution front/rea %
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Data not available
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Curb weight (kg)
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2484
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Brakes front/rear
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discs/drums
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Tires front/rear
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P235/75R15
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Dimensions
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Wheelbase (mm)
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2776
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Length (mm)
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4892
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Width (mm)
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2002
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Height (mm)
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2009
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Front legroom (mm)
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990
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Median legroom (mm)
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1056
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Rear legroom (mm)
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1029
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Front headroom (mm)
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988
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Median headroom (mm)
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1016
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Rear headroom (mm)
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996
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Performances
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Acceleration 0-100 km/h (sec)
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11.20
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Top speed km/h
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168
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Stopping distance of 100 km/h(m)
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62.00
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Power/weight ratio
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14.19
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Coefficient of drag (Cd)
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Data not available
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Recommended fuel type
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Unleaded
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Average fuel consumption (L/100 km)
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15.20
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Volumes and Capacity
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Towing capacity (kg)
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2500
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Interior volume (L)
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Data not available
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Trunk volume (L)
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1249
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Fuel tank capacity (L)
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117.0
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REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS
An Old Friend
You certainly could never accuse Dodge of fussing over the Ram Wagon. Since its 1971 launch, the Ram has only been treated to a new radiator grille, set of bumpers and redesigned rear lights. That was back in 1994, the year that Chrysler also yanked the manual transmission from its catalogue. As the competition started to heat up in recent years, Dodge was forced to pay more attention to the Ram but that phenomenon was short- lived.If it ’ s been a few years since you stepped inside the Ram Van, you ’ re in for a surprise. The dashboard, instrument panels and controls have been completely redesigned, and a new pair of airbags has even been installed. There ’ s also much more space between the front and second row of seats, as the large floor hump at the middle of the dash has been minimised and the spare wheel has been removed and tucked away underneath the vehicle. Unfortunately, the front seats don ’ t provide quite enough support, the rear bench seats are heavy and unwieldy, and the visibility is mediocre, thanks to its excessively low and narrow windshield and side windows. Still, the quality of the assembly has definitely improved.Technically, Dodge has done wonders to modernise a 30- year-old van. The chassis is stronger, the brakes are more powerful, and the suspension is more finely tuned.
But even these improvements can ’ t compensate for an imprecise handling ability that gets worse in windy conditions. Still, the Ram Van has long been known for its powertrain, and its new technology doesn ’ t disappoint. With its modern transmission, this van is capable of decent acceleration and speed recovery—as long as you don ’ t sign on for the V6 engine. Either of the two V8s would be a far better choice, provided you can turn a blind eye to the massive quantity of fuel they consume. The 5,9 litre V8 stands out for its ease of acceleration and impressive ability to tow heavy trailer loads.
PROS
More modern interior
Choice of models
Responsive V8 engines
CONS
Poor visibility
Dated chassis
Heavy drinker
CRASH TEST (five stars indicate the best protection)
Driver: * * * *
Passenger: no data