GMC Sierra
vs. & Dodge Ram 1500
Comparison
2008 GMC
Sierra 1500 Overview
Undergoing a major redesign
last year, the 2008 GMC
Sierra 1500 offers a variety
of body styles, powerful
engine choices, and flexible
seating configurations. In
the ultra-competitive
full-size pickup category,
the Silverado and its sister
model, the Chevrolet
Silverado, compete with the
Ford F-150, Toyota Tundra,
and Nissan Titan for king of
the hill.
The GMC Sierra 1500 comes in
regular, extended and Crew
Cab body styles and offers
short, standard and long
cargo box lengths. All
models have standard
rear-wheel drive or optional
four-wheel drive for
improved handling and
control. There are eight
powertrain combinations,
five suspension packages,
and three trim levels to
choose from. A variety of
powerful Vortec engines are
available. Starting with a
marginally powerful 4.3
liter V6, the engine
offerings ramp up to a 4.8
liter V8 or a 5.3 liter V8
with FlexFuel capability,
which is able to run on a
combination of gasoline and
ethanol. The available 6.0
liter V8 packs a big wallop,
and is the best choice for
major towing or hauling
duties.
With a wide range of towing
capacities, the optional
Vortec Max Performance Pack
includes a super-duty
four-speed automatic
transmission, auto locking
rear differential, ride
control suspension, and
heavy-duty trailering
equipment package, providing
a towing capacity of 10,400
lbs. – the most of any
half-ton pickup available.
All Sierras are equipped
standard dual front airbags
and four-wheel anti-lock
brakes, preventing wheel
lockup during braking. The
brakes also include Dynamic
Rear Proportioning, which
regulates front and rear
brake pressure to optimize
performance under varying
load conditions. Traction
assist is available on
select 2WD models, limiting
wheel slippage on wet or
slippery surfaces.
Interior amenities include
an optional DVD
entertainment system with a
flip-down seven-inch
display, remote keyless
entry, and an AM/FM stereo
with in-dash six-disc CD
changer and Bose® speakers.
Crew Cab models include rear
audio controls.
Battling with some of the
toughest competition on the
market, the 2008 GMC Sierra
has the power and capability
to stay near the top of the
heap.
Dodge
Ram 1500 & GMC Sierra 1500
Comparison
Performance
As far as horsepower, the
GMC Sierra 1500 packs quite
a punch and will knock the
Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 down a
few rungs. On the other
hand, keep in mind that high
horsepower engines often
command higher insurance
premiums. The Ram Pickup
1500 is likely to feel a
little sluggish because of
its high
horsepower-to-weight ratio
compared to the GMC Sierra
1500.
Handling
With its tighter turning
radius, the GMC Sierra 1500
is quite certainly more
maneuverable than the Dodge
Ram Pickup 1500, something
to consider if you do a lot
of city driving; on the flip
side, note that a vehicle
with a tight turning circle
may feel a bit twitchy on
the highway.
Drivetrain
The Dodge Ram Pickup 1500
and the GMC Sierra 1500 have
similar-sized engines, with
a slight advantage to the
GMC Sierra 1500.