1997 Dodge Sidewinder vs. 2012 Dodge Ram
To start off, 2012 Dodge Ram is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Dodge Sidewinder. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Dodge Sidewinder would be higher. At 8,000 cc (10 cylinders), 1997 Dodge Sidewinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Dodge Sidewinder (641 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 251 more horse power than 2012 Dodge Ram. (390 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Sidewinder should accelerate faster than 2012 Dodge Ram. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dodge Ram weights approximately 1289 kg more than 1997 Dodge Sidewinder.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1997 Dodge Sidewinder (719 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Dodge Ram. (551 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Dodge Sidewinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Dodge Ram.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Dodge Sidewinder | 2012 Dodge Ram | |
| Make | Dodge | Dodge |
| Model | Sidewinder | Ram |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 8000 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 641 HP | 390 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 719 Nm | 551 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1057 kg | 2346 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5817 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 2017 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1877 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 3569 mm |
