subject: Detroit Trucks Duel in MI Auto Times Competition [print this page] DETROIT, M.I. Detroit Trucks have begun their battle in the MI Auto Times contest "May the Best Truck Win." Deciding the winner from the first two Detroit trucks in the competition, the GMC Sierra 1500 SLE and the Ford F150 STX, was a Gargantuan task because both Detroit trucks have many good points in their favor; however Detroit Trucks owners who own Ford F150 may find themselves left in the lurch and out of the competition.
MI Auto Times rates Detroit trucks according to these categories, each with a possible top score of 4 stars: Value: What are the current factory incentives available and estimated expense of ownership (including fuel, financing and upkeep). Power: Payload, towing, horsepower, engine size, torque. Comfort: Interior, safety, and built-in user-friendly technology and entertainment features. Factory Warranty: How do the automotive producers back their vehicles?
The GMC Sierra 1500 continues in the competition, as Ford F150 Detroit Trucks owners lose their likelihood of becoming the MI Auto Times Best Truck Competition champion.
The GMC Sierra received 4 stars against the Ford F150's 3 stars in the power category. The Sierra surpasses the Ford by 1,300 pounds of towing muscle (7,200 pounds total towing capacity). The Ford F150 carries a larger payload capacity, but the GMC Sierra MI has more torque and more horsepower2. To get those a snow plow package, Detroit Trucks buyers should choose the GMC Sierra SLE as the Ford F150 STX doesn't have one available.
The GMC Sierra earned 3 stars against the Ford F150's 3 stars in the comfort category. A great amount comfort comes from GMC's OnStar subscription for one year. In the Ford F150, buyers must move up to the SYNC In-Car Connectivity System in order to use their MP3 player which boosts the cost by $395. Added GMC Sierra comfort features include cruise control, rubber floor mats, power door locks and windows, mirrors, heated mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel, MP3 connectivity, and available rear-window defroster. Most of these benefits would either be optional or not available in the Ford F150.
The GMC Sierra earned 4 stars against the Ford F150's 3 stars in the value category. Even though Ford represents Detroit Trucks with lower MSRP, Ford's current factory incentive of 6.9 percent at 72 months, puts the net cost1 of the F150 at $1,701 more than GMC's net cost, thanks to GM's current factory incentive of percent at 72 months.
The GMC Sierra earned 4 stars against the Ford F150's 3 stars in the factory warranty category. GMC provides full backing on Detroit trucks with a 100,000 mile/5-year transferable no deductible required Powertrain Limited Warranty; 100,000 mile/5-year 24/7 roadside assistance; and 100,000 mile/5-year courtesy transportation. The Ford F150 only offers a 60,000 mile/5-year Powertrain, 60,000 mile/5-year roadside assistance and no courtesy transportation program.
The first round winner is: The GMC Sierra 1500 SLE, never send a truck to do a Sierra's job.
Detroit Truck owners who want to find the full details of the MI Auto Times competition can visit http://www.miautotimes.com to read more or watch the video.
MI Auto Times covers all Michigan automotive news all the time, featuring newly released vehicle recall information, relevant Michigan automaker news, vehicle ratings and comparisons, and everything else auto-related Michigan and world readers need to know.
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1Est. total cost for Ford F150 includes assumed down payment of $2,000, monthly payment of $375.64. Figure assessed through MSN Auto Affordability Calculator.
