Comparing a Used Chevy Silverado vs Used Ram 1500 Classic

Going the used truck route is a fantastic way to save major cash on your next pickup. Trucks are not the cheapest vehicle option out there, so being able to save thousands of dollars on a slightly used purchase is a smart way to go. As is the case with any vehicle, as soon as the original owner drives off the lot, it immediately takes a significant drop in value. By purchasing a used truck, you let the previous owner swallow that financial loss. This lets you buy a pickup without risking the major financial depreciation. But which used pickup is right for you? Sometimes you don’t have selection options. You go with a Silverado or a Ram 1500 or a Ford F-150 because those are the only options around you. Even if you wait a few weeks if you have no other options and you need a truck, you need to go with what’s available. And those are not bad trucks at all. But what if you do have a choice? And, for argument’s sake, what if all the vehicles had similar miles and the same model year? Well, then you’ll need to compare the performance features and vehicle specs. This is why when shopping for a used Chevy Silverado 1500 or a Ram 1500 Classic, you will need to do a side by side comparison.

Kelley Blue Book Values

Pinpointing the exact price comparison isn’t an exact science. There are so many variables thrown into pricing a vehicle, ranging everywhere from the mileage to the number of previous owners, if there is any body damage, and if the owner made alterations and if these alterations improved or decreased the value. Are the warranties still intact, or has the warranty expired? So for this comparison, we’re going to line up the trims for the Chevy Silverado and the Ram 1500 Classic as closely as possible to give you the best price comparison (it isn’t exactly an apples to apples comparison, but more like a Golden Delicious to a Fuji apple comparison).

And, in case you’re wondering, yes, there is a difference between the Ram 1500 Classic and the Ram 1500. Ram recently made a model upgrade, but, in a rather unusual move, it kept both the Classic body design and the upgraded generation design for the 2019 model year. The look did fundamentally change the Ram look (moving away from that classic cross grille it has had for decades), so this proved to be a bit of a transition year. The Classic, as you might guess, is the old school cross grille look. 2019 is also the only year of the Ram 1500 Classic title, so we will make the used comparison for only the 2019 model years.

So, according to Kelley Blue Book, the price for a Certified Pre-Owned 2019 Chevy Silverado base trim from a dealership ranges between $27,709 and $34,156.

We are comparing certified pre-owned instead of a regular used pickup because as these trucks are just a year old the only way they would not be certified pre-owned is if the previous driver put on over 70,000 miles in one year (which would be downright impressive as that’s just over three full times around the earth), or if it was in some kind of large accident.

As for the average asking price for a base Ram 1500 Classic the price point will likely be between $25,557 and $28,532. Both of these prices are without options and going with as base of a package as possible. So the price point will be somewhat similar, although again, it depends on the specifics of the used truck you are specifically looking at.

Engine Performance

One of the main differences you’ll want to look at whenever comparing slightly used pickups is engine performance. It’s also what makes buying a used truck a great value. That’s because most truck manufacturers do not upgrade the engines every year. You might find a new diesel offering from time to time, but for the most part, the engines you see this year will be the ones you see next year (outside of generation updates).

The base 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 uses a 4.3L V6 that produces 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque. Do be aware than the base can come with an upgraded V8, so it is possible to find a Work Truck trim with a V8. As for the base Ram 1500 Classic, it comes with a slightly smaller 3.6L V6 that produces 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. So for this, you’ll need to decide if you’d rather have a bit more power accelerating or a bit more strength in towing.

The High Country Silverado 1500 trim uses a 5.3L V8 engine, with optional diesel and V6 engines available. However, the V8 that comes standard produces 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The Big Horn is the top trim offering for the Ram 1500 Classic. This pickup doesn’t have any engine options outside of the 5.7L V8 that comes standard. This particular engine offers 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque.

Towing And Hauling

The towing potential for the 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 depends on a few factors. First, when using the base engine, you can tip the scales at 7,900 pounds. However, if the used Silverado 1500 comes with several towing packages combined with a higher trim, the Silverado can tow up to 12,200 pounds. And don’t worry, even if the truck doesn’t have added trailer and towing packages, there’s a good chance it can be added with the help of the service department here at Rick Hendrick.

The towing potential for the 2019 Ram Classic tops out at 10,470 pounds, so even without the additional towing features installed on the Silverado 1500, you will likely be able to tow more than whatever the Classic design offers.

Regarding the 2019 Silverado 1500’s total payload, the base trims with the entry-level engines can haul 1,745 pounds, while the upgraded trims with more powerful engines can handle up to 2,543 pounds. As for the Ram Classic’s payload, it will depend on the engine and the trim offer you go for, but it tips the scale at 1,880 pounds.

Shopping For Used Chevy Trucks At Rick Hendrick

If you’re still reading, you’re obviously looking for a used pickup. Well, we have you covered here at Rick Hendrick. We know you want a truck for work. A truck that can haul wood for those summertime campfires and a boat to the lake. We also know you want a truck that can handle those storms that either creep out of nowhere or just want to linger for days at a time. As your local Chevy dealer in Buford, GA, we have not only new Chevy pickups, but we typically have used Chevy Silverado 1500s in stock. And if, by chance, you still want to shop for a Ram 1500 Classic? There’s a good chance we have some of those used pickups on hand as well. So come on by and compare for yourself. Because after all, sometimes the best way to decide on the perfect used pickup is to get behind the wheel and give it a test drive.