Ford and Ram have been busy overhauling the diesel powertrains of their three-quarter-ton and full-ton pickups over recent years, bumping their output levels to well above what GM currently provides with its veteran 6.6L Duramax diesel and Allison transmission combination. But for them, it was all moot, according to PickupTrucks.com’s latest HD truck comparison.
Every year, the monster comparison seems to get more and more intricate and detailed. Tests included: braking distances, with trucks being both full and empty; recorded fuel economy, empty on a closed testing course and again loaded with a 5th wheel trailer in a challenging mountain road; and refinement and technology were also factored in. There were pages of tests, spanning multiple categories, with scoring dictated by a 3,000-point system — the results of which separated first and third place by a mere 100 points.
Third place, shockingly, went to the HD market sales kingpin: the F-350. Despite winning in the acceleration tests, the Super Duty’s age was showing, and wasn’t on the level of refinement or ride quality of either offerings from Ram or General Motors. Second was the Ram 3500 HD, which won the unladen fuel economy testing and most of the braking tests. And first went to a 2015 GMC Sierra 3500 HD, which won the judges over with its overall refinement, towing fuel economy, unladen acceleration and braking, and more. The 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD can also celebrate the result with its fraternal twin.
For the full test, visit PickupTrucks.com.
Comments
No surprise there. GM has been making the best HD truck since the advent of the Duramax / Allison combo in 2001.
It might not have the highest HP and Torque numbers. I like what BMW does with their numbers. May not be the highest rated, but they impress with their performance. I guess “Walk softly and carry a big stick!”.
There has never really been an issue with these trucks. The only real black mark on them now over past models are the aftermarket companies reluctant to make performance parts due to the government regulations. The older GMC and Chevys are holding their value with the performance crowd because of this.
The truth is even the lowest numbers in this class in towing is more than most people will ever even think about towing. The numbers are like the 707 HP in the Dodge and so much of it will never be used or even reach the ground. It is all marketing.
Your correct its all about marketing.
What they need to do is bring the new dmax??gm is faster the first 50mph,,after is the ford,,