The Ram 1500 (DT) has two cab configurations: Quad Cab (two full front doors and two half doors at the back with a short second row of seats) or Crew Cab (full doors at the back and two full rows of seats).

The Ram 1500 Classic (DS) has three cab configurations: Quad Cab, Crew Cab, and also a Single Cab option.

DT VS. DS: ENGINE & TOWING CAPACITY

Both the DT and DS have the option of the same two gas engines, but the DT also has a diesel option. 

The two gas engines are the 3.6-liter V6 that produces 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque, and the 5.7-liter V8 HEMI that produces 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. The diesel option (only available on the Ram DT) is a 3.0-liter turbocharged EcoDiesel that produces 260 hp and a muscular 480 lb-ft of torque. 

All engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Despite the similar engines, the Ram DT (1500) is going to give you more strength for towing and payloads, with a maximum towing rating of 12,750 lbs. That's almost as powerful as the Heavy Duty trucks (up to 19,800 lbs for the 2500 & up to 35,100 lbs for the 3500). The Ram DS (1500 Classic) has a maximum towing rating of 5,020 lbs of trailer. So if you are looking to tow trailers but don't want a heavy-duty truck, your best bet is a Ram 1500 DT.

The same goes for payloads. The Ram DT can carry up to 2,302 lbs compared to 1,923 lbs on the Ram DS. For comparison sake, the Ram 2500 can carry up to 4,010 lbs of cargo and the Ram 3500 up to 7,680 lbs. 

The Ram 1500 (DT) offers two different sized payload beds. You can get a short bed with a 5 foot 7-inch box (53.9 cu.ft.) or a long bed with a 6 foot 4-inch box (61.5 cu.ft.). The Ram 1500 Classic (DS) has only one cargo bed with room for 57.5 cu.ft. of cargo. So, with all of that information in mind, the newer Ram 1500 DT has more capability and options in terms of performance. However, not everyone needs such high capabilities, which could lead some in the direction of the DS.

DT VS. DS: INTERIOR & TECHNOLOGY

One of the first thing you'll notice when you hop in a Ram 1500 (DT) is a huge infotainment system touchscreen (available on most trims). While some entry-level DT trims feature the 5-inch Uconnect (the standard option on the DS), most trims feature an impressive 8.4-inch touchscreen, with the top trims featuring an astounding 12-inch touchscreen (pictured on the left below). 

These large touchscreen make it easy to access all the features on your Uconnect system, like Bluetooth connectivity, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and your 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Most of these features are standard on the DT, unlike the DS, especially if you're looking to buy an older model. 

The other thing you are going to notice is the attention to detail in the Ram 1500 (DT). Even though the Ram 1500 Classic (DS) has a comfortable, well-designed interior, it just doesn't compare to the luxurious materials and features you are going to find in a Ram 1500 (DT). 

If you're looking to buy a truck solely for work, you probably won't need a large touchscreen or fancy seats for you and your co-workers. It all comes down to what you need and what you're willing to pay for. If you have any questions or need help analyzing which is the better choice for you, call or text us at 613-745-7051. We're always happy to help!