A new Tesla Cybertruck was put against a 1990s Dodge Ram with a turbo diesel engine in a tug of war
- This YouTuber put a Cybertruck against an old truck in a tug-of-war
- The EV took on a Dodge Ram, specifically the Cummins turbo-diesel model
- People were impressed at how the Ram held its own
Published on Dec 10, 2024 at 4:32 PM (UTC+4)
by Andie Reeves
Last updated on Dec 10, 2024 at 4:32 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Tom Wood
What happens when you pit the Tesla Cybertruck against one of the most reliable and durable trucks ever made?
These YouTubers decided to answer this question using the iconic Cummins turbo-diesel Dodge Ram.
They paired them in a classic tug-of-war test, and the results were surprising to EV enthusiasts and old-school petrol heads alike.
Let’s get into it, shall we?
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The Tesla Cybertruck vs an old classic
Ever since its release, the Cybertruck has found itself in various tests of its capabilities.
From testing its range against a Rivian R1T to competing with a Porsche 911 Turbo S in a drag race, this Tesla has been through it all.
And seeing it parked next to a Ford Model A from the 1920s really shows how far modern technology has come.
But newer doesn’t always mean better, as is proven by the Dodge Ram, which remains a standout vehicle in the history of pickup trucks.
Better yet is the Cummins turbo-diesel model, which was introduced in 1989 for those who needed serious towing power.
It was produced in partnership with Cummins Engine Company, and the engine was so well made they were known to outlast the trucks themselves.
Tommy Mica, from the YouTube channel TFLclassics, decided to put his brand new Foundation Series Cybertruck up against the Dodge.
“This is a Foundation edition, which gets you some really cool stuff like a bigger price tag and stickers,” Mica said.
The EV weighs 6,600 pounds while the Ram comes in at 6,300 pounds.
The Ram produces significantly less horsepower than the Tesla though, around 215 compared to 600.
No one knew which car would fare better, but the Dodge driver was hoping he could use gearing to his advantage.
“I’m going to be the idiot Cybertruck owner and just give her hell, and we’ll have to see what strategy works the best,” Mica said.
A game of tug of war
Before the Tesla Cybertruck could take on the Ram, the hitch had to be found, hidden under a hitch cover, that could only be unscrewed using a special tool: a coin Mica found in his pocket.
Meanwhile, the Dodge Ram is always ready to get to work, with its hitch out in the open.
Tommy also had to protect the Cybertruck’s trademark LED strip tail lights with tape, in case of flying rocks caused by the Dodge’s lack of mud flaps.
The YouTubers connected the vehicles using a 30,000-pound tow rope and got behind their wheels.
After generating a fair amount of smoke and the Dodge lurching forward—but not enough to call a winner—the competition ended in a tie.
“I’m sold: my next truck is going to have to be at least 30 years old,” one commenter said.
“Best Dodge commercial ever,” another commenter said.
Andie is a content writer from South Africa with a background in broadcasting and journalism. Starting her career in the glossy pages of Cosmopolitan and Marie Claire, Andie has a broad portfolio, covering everything from sustainability solutions to celebrity car collections. When not at her laptop Andie can be found sewing, recording her podcast, taking board games too seriously or road-tripping in her bright green Kia.
