Does the Ram 1500 or Ram 1500 Classic Have a Better Consumer Reports Road Test Score?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2021 Ram 1500 and 2021 Ram 1500 Classic seem like similar trucks, but just how similar are they really? Their likenesses only go as far as their names. When it comes to their road test, safety and reliability, Consumer reports says the Ram 1500 is the clear winner. 

2021 Ram 1500 | Ram

The Ram 1500’s road-test score is higher

The Ram 1500’s road-test score is an 83, while the Ram 1500 Classic only gets a 74. The reason for this is in the test scores. 

Consumer Reports gives both the 2021 Ram 1500 and 2021 Ram Classic a 4/5 for acceleration. Both pickups can reach 0 to 60 in 7.1 seconds. Both trucks also score 5/5 for transmission. 

Braking is fair in both the Ram 1500 and Ram 1500 Classic, at a 3. The Ram 1500 takes 137 feet to brake from 60 mph on dry pavement and 150 feet on wet pavement. The Ram 1500 Classic takes 141 feet to brake from 60 mph on dry pavement and 154 feet on wet pavement.

Both Rams’ headlights score a 3/5.

The similarities end there. The Ram 1500 score a mediocre 3/5 for routine and emergency handling. The Ram 1500’s max avoidance speed is 48 mph. On the other hand, routine and emergency handling receive a fair 2/5. The Ram 1500’s max avoidance speed is 47 mph.

Although the Ram 1500 doesn’t come standard with a ton of safety equipment, the Ram 1500 Classic comes with even less

The 2021 Ram 1500 comes standard with a minimal amount of the Consumer Reports recommended advanced safety features. Only a rear view camera, anti lock brakes, traction control, stability control, and daytime running lights are standard. 

If you want additional safety equipment, you’ll have to pay. Forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist are all optional. Blindspot warning, automatic emergency braking and rear cross-traffic warning are also optional. 

In the Ram 1500 Classic, only a rearview camera, anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, and daytime running lights are standard. 

If you want additional safety equipment, you’re out of luck. Forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist are not even optional in the Ram Classicl. Neither are blind spot warning, automatic emergency braking and rear cross-traffic warning. 

The IIHS crash-tested the 2021 Ram 1500, and gives it all good marks. The NHTSA also crash-tested the 2021 Ram 1500 and gave it five stars for its overall crash and overall frontal-crash, driver side. However, overall frontal crash and overall frontal-crash on the passenger side get four stars. The overall side crash, side-crash driver and rear passenger side, and side pole-crash all get five stars. The rollover rating for both the 4WD and 2WD score is only four stars.

The crash-test results in the 1500 Classic are mixed. It scores a good for its front moderate overlap, side crash, and rear crash. The front small overlap, driver rating as well as the roof crush ratings are just marginal. There is no score for the front small overlap, passenger. 

The NHTSA also crash-tested the 2021 Ram 1500 Classic and gave it four stars for its overall crash and overall frontal-crash, driver side, overall frontal crash and overall frontal-crash on the passenger side. The overall side crash, side-crash driver and rear passenger side, and side pole-crash all get five stars. The rollover rating for the 2WD score is only four stars. Even worse, the 4WD rating is just three stars.

Neither truck has great reliability

Both the 2021 Ram 1500 and Ram 1500 Classic score a 2/5 for reliability. Reliability for the 2019 and 2020 Ram 1500s isn’t great. Major problem areas in the 2019 include the power equipment and in-car electronics. The worst rating for the 2020 1500’s reliability is for the climate system.

There aren’t any reliability scores for the Ram 1500 Classic in 2020, but the 2019 has only mediocre reliability ratings. Problem areas in the 2019 include the engine major, drive system, suspension, brakes, and exhaust. The power equipment and in-car electronics are other problem areas.

Although the Ram 1500 and Ram 1500 Classic share a similar name, it’s clear they’re different trucks. If you’re in the market for a new pickup truck, the 2021 Ram 1500 is the way to go.

RELATED: If You Buy One of These Four Pickup Trucks, You’d Better Have Night Vision

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Watch: Protesters Demand GM Bring Back Saturn Brand

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The protesters are genuine Saturn fans, even if they’re protesting as a goof. Wait, what? Yes, though sincere in their love of the Saturn brand, this was all just for fun. Taking place just outside of the GM headquarters in downtown Detroit, all those involved were in town for the Concours d’Lemons event. 

Hundreds of Saturn protesters showed up in Detroit

Saturn protesters at GM headquarters | YouTube

Hundreds showed up to join in on the fun. We don’t know what GM’s reaction was to it, but at least one local news station took it as being real. Fox2 Detroit followed the action and even interviewed some of the protesters. 

As their reporting says, many were from out of town, carrying handwritten signs extolling the virtues of the plastic econo-car. Signs like “Cheap Shitboxes Again” should have clued the news crews to the true nature of the protest. Or how about “Make America Plastic Again.”

Calls had been made to local news affiliates informing them of the coming protest. Later on, news crews were apprised of the fake intentions. But at least Fox2 went with the story anyway.

Why would GM bring back Saturn?

2009 Saturn Aura
2009 Saturn Aura | GM

Just for the record, we are absolutely positive that GM won’t be bringing back Saturn. With the electric revolution happening right now, all of the car companies have plenty to do. There are no companies wanting to launch a new brand in this atmosphere. 

The other thing is that it never made a dime for GM. Launched in 1990 as “A Different Kind of Car Company,” it was hobbled with debt until the very end. When GM filed for bankruptcy protection, the question being asked was, “Why produce Saturn cars if they cost you money to sell?”

Both Saturn and Pontiac were killed in 2010. Nobody lamented the end of Saturn. By then, production had already stopped the year before. It was only a matter of time. 

Saturn just couldn’t cut the GM apron strings

Saturn protesters at GM headquarters |
Saturn protester at GM headquarters | YouTube

But many loved their Saturns. At first, formed as a separate corporation from GM, it slowly shed some of its unique features, marketing, and autonomy. In the end, it couldn’t cut the apron strings with Mother GM. 

Over the years GM hacked at Saturn trying to get it to profitability. The thinking was that as it conforms to how GM does things, the more financially stable it will become. But the problem with GM was that the entire corporation was losing money at a prodigious rate. Saturn was a microcosm of everything wrong with how GM did business. 

It turned out that the old GM culture was too entrenched to keep it different. And it didn’t matter because the old GM culture was tanking GM. As for the protesters, Saturn is the perfect brand to demand GM revive. Never loved, never profitable, and a steaming husk of how not to run a car company. 

RELATED: Avoid These 20 Most Hated Cars of All Time

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Legende Automobiles’ 400-Hp Turbo 3 Is the Renault 5 Turbo Reborn

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Restomodding isn’t just a matter of giving a vintage car some fancy leather and new metal. It gives beloved classic icons a second chance to thrill drivers thanks to modern tech and quality standards. But for some, the ‘basic’ restomod process doesn’t go quite far enough. Instead of restoration, these clients and businesses go for full-on reimagination. And that’s exactly what Legende Automobiles’ Turbo 3 is the Renault 5 Turbo.

The Legende Automobiles Turbo 3 resurrects the Renault 5 Turbo in carbon-fiber glory

1985 Renault 5 Turbo 2 Type 8221 | Bring a Trailer

Rallying has been the driving force behind some iconic and bonkers cars. Many of them have been hot hatches like the Lancia Delta Integrale. But before the Delta and AWD cars like the Quattro ruled the rally stage, rear-wheel drive was the default choice.

The Renault 5 Turbo, aka ‘R5 Turbo,’ though, was an unusual RWD rally car. That’s because it started life as an inexpensive, front-wheel-drive subcompact hatch. However, to get the 5 race-ready, Renault’s engineers turned it from a front-engine car into a mid-engine one. They also widened the track, upgraded the suspension, and turbocharged and intercooled the now fuel-injected engine. Et voila, the 1980 Renault 5 Turbo. More specifically, the Renault 5 Turbo 1.

Because of homologation rules, Renault had to offer the road-going version with similar parts to the race car. That means a lightweight aluminum roof and rear hatch as well as a fiberglass hood, doors, and fenders. On top of that, the road-going Turbo 1 got a bespoke Bertone-designed interior, The Drive notes. All of this made the mid-engine hot hatch expensive to buy and make. Hence why the 1983-1986 Turbo 2 models have steel instead of aluminum and a conventional interior, Bring a Trailer explains.

A green-and-black Legende Automobiles Turbo 3 sliding around a lot filled with red shipping containers
Legende Automobiles Turbo 3 front 3/4 | Legende Automobiles

To be fair, the later Turbo 2 Evo cars did add the aluminum parts back in. Nevertheless, Renault’s “cost-cutting measures” mean the Turbo 2 plays second-fiddle to the earlier car, Top Gear says. And that’s where LA-based Legende Automobiles comes in with its Turbo 3.

Taking the Gunther Werks approach, the Turbo 3 doesn’t have aluminum, steel, or fiberglass body panels, Instead, its body is hand-made out of “mostly” carbon fiber. And while the Renault 5 Turbo’s fenders were already flared wide, the Turbo 3 is even wider. But that’s not just for looks: it’s because of the hatchback’s other upgrades.

It’s more advanced and more powerful than the original

The rear 3/4 view of a green-red-and-black Legende Automobiles Turbo 3 parked amongst shipping containers
Legende Automobiles Turbo 3 rear 3/4 | Legende Automobiles

Before it got the Turbo treatment, the Renault 5’s 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine made 92 hp in Alpine trim. But thanks to its modifications, the Turbo 1 makes 160 bhp and 163 lb-ft of torque, Evo reports. The Turbo 2, meanwhile, also makes 160 bhp but only 158 lb-ft of torque. And with its heavier curb weight, the Turbo 2 goes 0-62 mph in 7.7 seconds, rather than 6.6 seconds.

While those figures made the Renault 5 Turbo fast in its day, Legende Automobiles’ Turbo 3 should be even faster. That’s because its mid-mounted turbocharged four-cylinder engine makes 400 hp. Just like the original, the Turbo 3 is RWD. But instead of a five-speed manual, it has a six-speed manual—and there’s a sequential option, Motor1 notes.

The gray-and-black interior and roll cage of a Legende Automobiles Turbo 3
Legende Automobiles Turbo 3 interior | Legende Automobiles

To put that power down, the Turbo 3 rides on custom 16” front wheels and 17” rear wheels. They’re larger and wider than the Renault 5 Turbo’s original wheels, one reason for the wider body. The other reason is because of its double-wishbone suspension, an upgraded version of the racing 5 Maxi Turbo’s suspension. Legende Automobiles also fits its hot hatch with an extended rear wing, air curtains in the C-pillars, and a two-piece rear diffuser with dual exhausts.

In addition, the Turbo 3 features LED lighting as well as a redesigned interior with a digital gauge cluster and a custom two-spoke steering wheel. Plus, it comes with automatic dual-zone climate control, well-bolstered sport seats, five-point racing harnesses, and a rear-mounted roll cage. Also, cup holders, TG points out.

How much does Legende Automobiles’ Turbo 3 cost compared to the Renault 5 Turbo?

As of this writing, Legende Automobiles hasn’t released pricing details for the Turbo 3. But it’s safe to say this carbon-fiber ultra-hot hatch won’t be cheap. And don’t forget, you have to supply a donor Renault 5 Turbo.

If you’re looking for that donor car, Turbo 2s are more plentiful and cheaper than Turbo 1s. ‘Cheaper,’ though, doesn’t mean inexpensive. A good-to-excellent condition Turbo 1 is easily worth $100K, Hagerty says. And a Turbo 2 in similar condition typically goes for roughly $80K on BaT.

Still, for those looking to revive a legend, the price might be worth it.

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RELATED: The Renault Sport Clio V6 Is a Mid-Engine Hatchback Supercar

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How Often Should You Stop On Road Trips?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Everyone loves a good road trip. Driving down hundreds of miles with good music and great company can make for some of the most amazing adventures. And hey, then it’s not always about the destination that’s important, sometimes the best part of the trip is the journey itself. However, it’s good to know a few road-trip tips and tricks, such as how often you should stop to take a break, as nonstop road trips can be dangerous

Road Trip At Sunset | Nano Calvo/VWPics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

How often should you stop?

The general rule of thumb is to stop for 15 minutes after every two hours of driving. This is good for you to just take a breather, stretch, and relax for a bit. Driving is intense work, and if you don’t get tired while doing it, you’re likely not paying enough attention. So give yourself time to step away from the wheel.

If you’re worried about long drives because you think your car can’t handle it, don’t be. Engines, especially diesel engines, were born to run (obligatory Bruce Springsteen reference). Just make sure your car is road trip prepared. Obviously, you don’t want to run out of gas, so be sure to refill before that happens. But unless you drive an overheating jalopy, you should be alright.

What happens if you don’t stop?

Car Driving Down Empty Desert Highway
Car Driving Down Empty Desert Highway | Matthew Williams-Ellis/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

The keyword in the equation is that you “should” stop. While I don’t condone unsafe driving practices, such as driving while exhausted, it’s important to be realistic. Most folks going on long road trips, myself included, only stop when the car needs gas. But not stopping for long periods of time can take a toll on your body in the long run.

CDS Drivers explains that veteran truck drivers, who haul cargo for up to 11 hours at a time, often experience sharp pains on the right side of their bodies. It can range from a slight pain in the lower back to a stabbing pain down their whole leg. This is known as sciatic nerve pain. If you’re young and spritely, you don’t have to worry about this yet. But if you’re on the older side, the chances of developing sciatic nerve pain grow higher. And if you’re obese or have diabetes, your odds don’t get any better.

So depending on where you are in life, it’s best to make stops as needed. Don’t push yourself while driving, as that’s a common road trip mistake that leads lapses in judgment and can make your road trip dangerous. It’s not something to take lightly, so stop when you need to, even if it’s just to stretch.

Where are the best places to stop on road trips?

Rest Stop In Naples, Florida off I-75
Rest Stop In Naples, Florida | Jeffrey Greenberg/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

My number one pick is to stop at a rest stop. Stopping to rest is what they’re built for (hence the creative name) and are usually protected at night. But they’re scattered across the interstate system, so unless you have a co-pilot or just happen to stumble upon one, they’re tricky to coordinate. You can find a map of each rest stop at the Interstate Areas website. So, if you can, be sure to plan ahead.

However, if you can’t find one of those, a large gas station such as TA or Pilot, the kind that offers truck fuel, would be the next best bet. While officers might not be on patrol while you step away from the car, there’s enough hustle and bustle that committing a theft would be hard to do. And you can get gas, so it’s a win-win!

If neither of those is an option, hotels like Comfort Inn are often a great choice as well. They offer clean bathrooms, lit up parking lots, and space to walk around. Just do your research, as there are plenty of places to pull over and even sleep through the night, but the moral of the story is to take breaks as needed.

Getting sloppy while road tripping dangerous for everyone, and the long-term health effects of constantly stepping on the throttle can be avoided by stopping for a bit. Take care of yourself by taking breaks, it’ll make the trip all the better.

RELATED: Going on a Road Trip? Make Sure You Look at This Checklist

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