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Dodge Ram & 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.

Available Engines & Drivetrain

GMC Sierra 1500 Engines

403-hp, 6.2-liter V-8
295-hp, 4.8-liter V-8
315-hp, 5.3-liter V-8
195-hp, 4.3-liter V-6

GMC Sierra 1500 Transmissions

6-speed automatic w/OD
4-speed automatic w/OD

Dodge Ram 1500 Available Engines

345-hp, 5.7-liter V-8
310-hp, 4.7-liter V-8 (flexible)
215-hp, 3.7-liter V-6

Dodge Ram 1500 Available Transmissions

5-speed multi-speed automatic w/OD
6-speed manual w/OD
4-speed automatic w/ODickup 1500 doubtless handle about the same into and out of tight spots.

Utility

The Dodge will definitely prove handier than the GMC for those of you with frequent kid-cargo. There's no clear winner between the GMC Sierra 1500 and the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 as far as transporting cargo. Towing is considerably more the GMC Sierra 1500's forte than it is the Ram Pickup 1500's.

Convenience

The GMC's fuel tank will need to be replenished more often than the unit in the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500.

Comfort

While the front cabin in the GMC Sierra 1500 offers a bit more head room than the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500, there really isn't much of a difference. The ampler interior dimensions of the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 make it roomier for your passengers than the GMC.

Dimensions

The Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 is considerably more ponderous than the GMC Sierra 1500. Your wallet will hurt more every time you fill up the Dodge than the GMC Sierra 1500 because of its bigger tank. The GMC Sierra 1500 and the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 compete for the same parking spaces. The GMC Sierra 1500's shorter wheelbase will give a more maneuverable feel in daily traffic. On the other hand, the Ram Pickup 1500 is likely to have a smoother, more stable ride.

Cost

The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs approximately the same to get the GMC to the dealership as the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500. The Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 uses a lot of gasoline compared to the GMC Sierra 1500. Producing an exact gas mileage evaluation is so tricky that some think not even the federal government can do it, but it looks as though both the GMC Sierra 1500 and the GMC Sierra 1500 perform approximately comparably when it comes to gas mileage. Regarding MSRP, the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 costs approximately as much as the GMC Sierra 1500 (though the GMC Sierra 1500 is a bit cheaper).

GMC Sierra 1500 Pricing

MSRP   $17,590 to $42,210
Invoice Price  $16,623 to $38,622

GMC Sierra 1500 EPA Fuel Economy

City: 12 - 15
Highway: 18 - 20

Dodge Ram 1500 Pricing

MSRP  $21,485 to $40,685
Invoice Price  $19,157 to $35,854

Dodge Ram 1500 EPA Fuel Economy

City: 12 - 16
Highway: 16 - 19

Overview

The Sierra 1500 and the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 have the same basic after-sale protection. With respect to after-sale protection against corrosion, the GMC Sierra 1500 has significantly better coverage than the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500.

Other

The GMC emits fewer smog-forming pollutants per 15,000 miles than the Dodge Ram Pickup 1500.

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