It'd sure be nice if these truck tests were run on trucks purchased by the magazines rather than trucks supplied by the manufacturers. I sure doubt the ones they're testing have the de-tune re-flashes like a lot of us are running.

 

CONSUMER REPORTS.


only true, non-biased opinion you will find.

now, when are they going to test the big 3's oil burners?

 

Good question Matt I'd sure like to read that one too..

 

Probably never, until the Japs build their own diesel pickup, then CR will spend all their time bashing the Big 3 about how their quality isn't as good as the Japanese model(s), how the Jap interior is so much better, blah, blah, blah

 

just to clarify with a different source, trucktrend magazine, version of motor trend, nov/dec 2003 stated towing between ford f-350 super cab xlt fx4 vs. gmc sierra 2500 hd crew cab
6.0 vs. 6.6

ford empty standing quarter mile
15.95 sec at 87.3 mph

ford with 2650 lb load standing quarter mile
16.97 sec at 79.4 sec


gmc empty standing quarter mile
16.46 sec at 83 mph

gmc with 2650 lb load standing quarter mile
17.56 sec at 77.4 mph



just some different numbers for everyone, but these numbers clearly beat the cummings unloaded, and with the load


just wanted to point out that the best diesel, right now on the market, as far as acceleration and towing goes, is the powerstroke.....as long as they fixed the reliability issues, which it seems like they have...





-tim

 

Very good point! I never thought of that. One of my magazines tested the 6.0 PSD against the 6600 DMax and the Ford was nearly 7 seconds faster from 0-60 with a 7200lb trailer. Both trucks were supplied by the manufacturers. Dodge chose not to participate in the test since it was held in California, (had something to do with the CA emission Cummins being short on power). I bet Ford reprogramed the software before they delivered the truck.

As far as the PSD vs. Cummins vs. DMax thing goes, it's obvious that all 3 have tons of pulling power. All the engines are capable, just de-tuned from the factory to keep other parts (read "trannys") from failing. I think it's been said on this forum many times, "it's not the engine, but the package it comes in". The reality is that neither Ford, Dodge or GM can build a solid diesel engine....that's why all 3 get their engines from somewhere else. I think Ford was pleasantly surprised how well their injection system worked on International's 7.3....I don't think Dodge or GM would get as much out of the PSD if they had it.

That being said......the real question is: If you could buy a Ford, Dodge or GM with whatever engine you wanted (PSD, Cummins or Duramax)....what would you choose? I think the answer would depend on the dealership in your area. Here in Arizona, the PSD is king.....probably because the Ford dealers take better care of their customers. In "Jebs" area....sounds like Chevy is king. Again, probably because the dealership takes care of their customers. Some other area may be a strong Dodge following, probably for the same reason.

If Isuzu made a full size heavy duty pickup....I'd most definately give it a test drive. Why? Because the local Isuzu dealership here is light years ahead of all the other places in customer service, satisfaction etc. I wish they would find a way to get their diesel into the Ascender, (even though I know it's really a Chevrolet Trail Blazer). Something like that would be perfect for my wife to tow a boat. She loves the PSD, but feels the Excursion is too big for her. Oh well, what can you do?

 

I'm sure GM supplies good running trucks to the tests, too. My concern is that all the flashes on the 6.0 really make it detuned motor that most of us are really driving. With my dmax, there was never any reflash done or available for the 2 years I owned it so I'd guess the street trucks had the same basic power as the tested trucks.

My dream truck is a 3/4 ton 'burb with the dmax/ally. I just don't understand why GM isn't stepping up to the plate with that.

 

THAT would be cool! Last night my wife asked me if Chevy made something like that as well. Looks like the market demand is there. Her idea came from reading a marketing brochure that Ford send us in yesterday's mail. Get this. It was a 8 1/2" x 9" fold out brochure for the '04 F250/F350 Super Duty trucks. Inside, they offer a comparison to the 2500 Silverado, which the F250 didn't stack up well at all. Basically, Ford's OWN brochure pretty much says that Chevrolet has a better truck! Let's see...I have the brochure right here (had to bring it into work to show the guys...)

Ok, here is the comparison. Standard seating, AM/FM Radio, CD Player, Power Door Locks, Manual Transmission, 4 wheel ABS, Rear Suspension(???? what the heck are they trying to say here???), Brakes, Warranty basic are standard for both trucks.

The differences are: Chevy doesn't offer power windows (according to this brochure). Chevy doesn't offer cassette player.
Chevy has more horsepower (300 vs. 260) and more torque (360 vs. 350) and the Chevy has more interior room as well!

Next to the comparison Ford has written in big letters: "Best-in-class torque. Best-in-class interior room" Well, I guess they didn't take a hard look at their OWN comparison did they?

So, anyway....when I get home from work my wife shows me the brochure and says..."The Chevy trucks don't have power windows?" I said, "Of course they do." Then she showed me the brochure and said...."Maybe we should go look at the Chevy's again?" Maybe so. (she is in the market for something....not quite sure what though. Been leaning towards the diesel Excursion.)

 

I had my mom test drive an 04 6.0L all black EX fully loaded. She didn't like it. (I can't believe the Excursions don't have moonroofs, but yet the trucks do) So, now we're looking at the Caddy SUV's. Oh well, I tried to get her to buy a Ford

 

My wife loves her Escalade. Caddy treats you right, too.

 

What's wrong with the Lincoln? They're Aviator just won the latest shoot out in Motor Trend Magazine. Very powerful and capable tow vehicle. Just out of Curiousity.

 

Why, because we see TOO many "basterdized" lincoln Navigators, etc. (you know, the ones with the black tinted windows, 50" Rims, and all the other crap done to them). So far it looks like she's aiming at the Escalade, or the Benz S500.

 

Jeb- Does the Escalade come with a moonroof, programmable garage door openers, etc. ? Just wondering, we haven't looked into the Escalades that well yet. How does your wife like her's?

 

How does the Chevy have more interior room??? My legs felt cramped up in a Silverdo, but for some reason, in an F-250 there was room to spare. Keep in mind, I'm 6'6". Now, for the backseat in the SuperCab, I would agree, that the Ford is smaller, but in regular and crew cabs, I disagree.

 

excursions are offered with sun-roofs, And over the comment of the navigators being "*******ized", your entitled to your opinion, and i think they look fine, some people buy their trucks to race...others to tow and haul, and the rest to show them off with nice big wheels and billit grills and screens on the head rest.....some people spend money to make their truck/suv have more power and torqe and things of that nature because thats what they like and thats what pleases them, while the others slap on 26 inch spree wheels and 6 lcd screens and 15 inch woofers because that makes them happy.....if i had a bit of exttra chage id add sound, power, wheels and all to my blacky.....and if needed to go offroad id switch the tires....itsnot that hard you know.....besides, i would need a 5ft lift to be able to hold 50inch rims..........now that is nasty,.......just my opinion...dont flame me for it...