Tesla Cybertruck goes head-to-head with 1990s turbo-diesel Dodge Ram in tug-of-war and the result leaves everyone surprised

Published on Nov 28, 2025 at 2:51 PM (UTC+4)
by Daisy Edwards

Last updated on Nov 28, 2025 at 3:28 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones

Tesla Cybertruck goes head-to-head with 1990s turbo-diesel Dodge Ram in tug-of-war and the result leaves everyone surprised

A Tesla Cybertruck went head-to-head with a 1990s turbo-diesel Dodge Ram in a well-matched tug-of-war, and the result left everyone surprised.

New kid on the block EV power lined up against old-school diesel to battle head-to-head in a tug-of-war in Colorado.

Most people expected the six-figure Tesla steel pickup to pull the old Dodge with ease.

Instead, the showdown turned into an unexpectedly even battle that showed just how capable a 30-year-old truck still was.

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The Tesla Cybertruck looked like it would be victorious

When it came to a new-school EV vs an old-school diesel truck, it seemed that, on paper, the Cybertruck arrived with a huge advantage.

It packed around 600 horsepower and a curb weight of roughly 6,600 lbs, plus all the software Tesla is now known for.

The 1990s Ram 2500 weighed in at about 6,300 lbs, and with significantly less power.

This YouTuber thought it was finally time to put both pickups to the test, and so a tug-of-war ensued.

When the competition began, both trucks dug into the dirt and barely moved each other.

After a smoky, noisy effort on both sides with literally no movement from either, the tug-of-war was called as a draw, which already felt like a win for the three-decade-old Dodge Ram.

1990s turbo-diesel Dodge Ram still pulled its weight

After the tug-of-war, the Cybertruck and Dodge Ram were tested using different metrics, like how well they handled different surfaces, like steep climbs.

The Cybertruck seemed to fight for traction, but the Dodge just trucked on, handling things with a reassuring pluckiness.

When it came to payload, the Ram was rated to carry a slightly higher one, so it outshone its EV rival.

The Tesla delivered outrageous acceleration, wild styling, and plenty of techiness, yet the 1990s Cummins proved it could still stand tire-to-tire where it mattered for truck fans.

In the end, the flashy Cybertruck didn’t embarrass the old diesel; in fact, it absolutely refused to be left behind.

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Daisy is a technology and automotive journalist covering artificial intelligence, consumer tech, Apple news, cryptocurrency, emerging technologies, and transportation innovation. Since joining the team in 2025, she has reported on everything from AI-powered startups and major iOS updates to viral car stories and the latest developments shaping transportation and the digital economy. Drawing on her background in automotive journalism and a degree in History and Journalism from Goldsmiths, University of London, Daisy specializes in breaking down complex topics into clear, engaging reporting for a global audience. Her work spans cutting-edge technology, innovative vehicles, and the people driving change across both industries. Daisy has gained first-hand access to some of the world's most talked-about technologies and innovators, including meeting Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot during its first European appearance in London. She has also discussed the future of space exploration with an astronaut, bringing unique insights and real-world perspectives to her coverage of emerging technology.