Specifications of RAM 1500 Classic 5.7 HEMI V8 (395 HP) 4WD Automatic

General characteristics of RAM 1500 Classic 5.7 HEMI V8 (395 HP) 4WD Automatic

With regular cab, quad cab, and crew cab options, the 1500 Classic's dimensions differ depending on the body style you go for. The shortest length of 209 inches applies to the regular cab with the 6'4" box, while the crew cab with the same-sized box is the lengthiest at 237.9 inches. Similarly, the shortest wheelbase of 120.5 inches applies to the regular cab with the smaller box, increasing to 149.4 inches for the crew cab with the 6'4" box. All versions share a width of 79.4 inches, while height varies between 74.4 inches for the 4x2 regular cab with the eight-foot box to 77.7 inches for the 4x4 quad cab. Only the crew cab can be paired with the smallest 5'7" box.

For the most space to carry a load, you'll want the regular cab with the eight-foot box which has a bed length of 98.3 inches. The bed width between the wheel housings works out to 51 inches across the range.

In terms of curb weight, the lightest version of the 1500 Classic is the 4x2 regular cab with the 6'4" box which weighs in at 4,520 pounds, while the 4x4 crew cab in Tradesman trim with the 6'4" box is a much heavier 5,375 lbs.

Starting off the range is the well-known 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar engine which produces 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. It's mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The bigger 5.7-liter HEMI V8 generates a more muscular 395 hp and 410 lb-ft - it is also fitted with an eight-speed auto. 4x2 is the standard drivetrain on all models, but 4x4 can be optioned.

When not heavily laden with passengers and/or cargo, the V6 does a reasonable job of contending with the 1500 Classic's bulk and is pleasingly responsive, but it's the V8 that you want when towing heavier loads or need to pass slower traffic with more urgency. The eight-speed automatic transmission does a good job of working through its ratios smoothly and is a solid pairing with both engines.

The most efficient Ram 1500 Classic is the 4x2 with the 3.6-liter V6 engine, which returns EPA-rated estimates of 17/25/20 mpg on the city/highway/combined cycles. Not far behind is the 4x4 V6 with figures of 16/23/19 mpg. The 4x2 V8 is expectedly heavier with figures of 15/22/17 mpg and the 4x4 V8 uses the most fuel in the range, managing just 15/21/17 mpg. By comparison, the newer 1500 is quite a bit more efficient, with its turbodiesel engine allowing it to return a best of 23/33/26 mpg. The Chevrolet Silverado also has a turbodiesel engine option and manages a best of 23/33/27 mpg when equipped with this powertrain.

While most variants make do with a 26-gallon gas tank, a 32-gallon tank is found on models with the largest eight-foot bed. Taking this into account, the maximum range will be about 640 miles on the 4x2 with the V6 engine and the larger gas tank. On the other end of the spectrum, the V8 4x4 paired with the smaller tank will only manage 390 miles in the city.

Although the new 1500 has moved the game on in a big way when it comes to its interior, the 1500 Classic still has a comfortable, well-built, and spacious cabin. The controls are easy to use and the Uconnect infotainment system works well, even if the touchscreen measures just five inches, which is tiny by today's standards. In the crew cab, space for rear-seat occupants is excellent. The Tradesman feels utilitarian, however, as it comes with heavy-duty vinyl seats and black vinyl floor coverings, but this does mean it'll be easier to maintain. This trim has a ParkView rearview camera, six airbags, and manual air conditioning. Higher up in the range, the comforts extend to power windows/locks, carpeted floor coverings, cloth upholstery, a folding rear seat, and available dual-zone automatic climate control.