Ok so they aren’t exactly twins, however both fall under the General Motors umbrella, and when it comes to the automotive world, there are no two models as similar as the 2018 Chevy Silverado 3500HD vs 2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD. Looking at the stats alone anyone can see how identical they seem in both exterior boldness and performance capability. That being said, taking a more in-depth look at these pickup trucks can, and will, show that their differences stem from something that goes beyond machinery.
Stunning Similarities
The similarities between the 2018 Chevy Silverado 3500HD and the 2018 GMC Sierra 3500 are truly uncanny. Both are extremely bold in design and powerful in performance, leaving only twice as much efficiency to love. Some may even say they are the two best pickup trucks the world has to offer.
Design
The design of a pickup is all about size and configuration options. The size and configuration of the 2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD and the 2018 Chevy Silverado 3500HD are side by side identical. Measure to be 224-258″ L x 80-96″ W x 78″ H, they both offer plenty of legs and headroom for your comfort and convenience. Both options offer three cabin sizes and two box size options. You will get the choice between either a regular cab, double cab, or Crew cab and a standard or long box. The regular cab offers two full-doors and no rear seating for those with few passengers who like to keep it simple and save some money by getting the most towing potential for the least amount of money. The double cab offers two-full doors and two half-doors with limited rear seating for a fair middle ground option. But, if you need something more spacious, the crew cab offers four full-door and plenty of rear seating for the whole gang, and with its size increase the largest engine options you will be offered to get the highest towing-potential possible. As for the box options, the regular box is 78.86 inches while the large is 97.76 inches and the regular cab can only have a large box for the Silverado 3500 and GMC 3500.
Performance
Being heavy-duty trucks, these two are always ready to give it everything they have to perform beyond your expectations. The 2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD and the 2018 Chevy Silverado 2500HD offer the exact same two commanding engine options that all drivers will be in awe of. The standard is a 6.0L Vortec V8 engine with variable valve timing which delivers 360 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque that is paired with a 6-speed heavy-duty automatic transmission. But, if even that isn’t enough, the advanced option is a 6.6L Duramax Diesel engine which produces 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque that pairs with a 6-speed Allison automatic transmission and for even more towing potential and accelerations. Both of these trucks can tow a max of 23,300 pounds when properly equipped with the diesel engine. They also both provide a fuel flex option for those that take extra care of what they put into their precious automotive.
Definitive Difference
Now that the similarities are covered let’s discuss the differences. The main differences you will find are not something that has to do with engines or configurations, but something much less tangible. Any true automotive enthusiast and specialist know that every model has its own spirit or personality. Some are bold, some are refined, and some are a little of both, and it is within that spirit that you will find which one of these two pickups was meant for you.
Brand
The first thing you will notice is one comes from Chevy while the other comes from GMC. This may not seem like a big difference, but knowing how these two brands operate will give you some insight into why this matters.
The Silverado 3500 is a heavy-duty truck made by Chevy. Chevy is well-known for their ability to supply the everyday driver with vehicles for every lifestyle. Their inventory is vast, versatile, and most importantly affordable for the working class. This is the most likely reason the 2018 Silverado 3500 is the cheaper of these two options. Chevy believes everyone deserves a mode of transportation that suits their needs no matter what their budget or lifestyle is like, that is why the Silverado 3500 is the heavy-duty truck for the everyday driver.
The 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD, on the other hand, is a heavy-duty pickup truck made by GMC. GMC has always specialized in large SUVs and trucks gaining them recognition from truck enthusiast everywhere who admire their passion. GMC believes that those that want a general model will go to Chevy, but if they want to go to someone who truly understands the art of large vehicles, they will come to them. This philosophy has gained them many enthusiastic fans who live and die by their GMC truck but has also made them feel like they are sort of a second-hand luxury brand. This is why GMC will often change at least $1,000 more than there Chevy twins.
Demographic
The demographics of a vehicle says a lot about what type of person is will gain the most from it. This is where you will have to truly key into the personality of the vehicle to see where it stands.
When you picture a pickup truck, you generally will think of durable and hardworking, and that is exactly what the 2018 Silverado 3500 is all about. The Silverado 3500 focused mostly on the working class who gains fulfillment as they put in their days and will end the day with a cold well-deserved beer. The Silverado 3500 doesn’t want you to just give it your loyalty for free; it wants to earn it through raw power and perseverance. This is a truck you can truly admire for its down-to-earth presence and hardworking spirit that is undeniable.
The 2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD, on the other hand, is aimed more towards luxury truck buyers. The exterior may be just as bold as the Silverado, but there is a sense of elegance that cant be mistaken behind that GMC badge. You will find all kinds of luxury installments like quieting technology, soft touch instruments, and high-quality seating that is clearly aimed towards those who seek refinement. This is not the truck for just the hard-worker, but for those who want a side of class with their tough.
2018 Chevy Silverado 3500HD vs 2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD – Research Conclusion
Even the most similar things will have something deep inside that makes them special and unique. The 2018 Chevy Silverado 3500HD and the 2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD are just examples of how no matter what the numbers and facts may say, choosing a vehicle is all about where your heart is. So if you want something with a high and mighty personality, go with the Sierra, but if you want a truck that wants to work hard for you, the Silverado will not be beat. In this battle of the 2018 Chevy Silverado 3500HD vs 2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD, the winner will ultimately come down to your personal preferences in a heavy-duty pickup truck.