Tundra vs Sierra-Silverado Part One: Mechanicals

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Here’s our official comparison of the Toyota Tundra to the Chevy Silverado aka GMC Sierra. For all you GMC fans out their, we know that the Chevy and GMC are technically different – different options and packages, different standard features, etc. However, where it counts (under the sheet metal), these trucks are the same. So we’re going to roll them into one to save everyone some time.

Tundra vs GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado

ENGINE:

General Motors has continued to amaze the auto industry by getting tremendous results out of push-rod engines. While many manufacturers currently offer single or dual overhead cam (SOHC or DOHC) motors with their trucks (Toyota, Ford, Nissan, Dodge), GM has stuck by the venerable overhead valve design to great success. All four of the GM engines available – a 4.3L V6, and 4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L V8’s – offer excellent power and torque using this older, simpler technology. Kudos.

GM also offers an Active Fuel Management (aka cylinder deactivation) system on their 5.3 and 6.0 L V8’s, as well as a failsafe cooling system. The 5.3L has a respectable 315 hp @ 5200 RPM and 338 lb-ft of torque @ 4400 RPM, and the 6.0L offers 367 hp @ 5500 RPM and 375 lb-ft of torque @ 4300 RPM. Finally, GM offers the classic 4.3L Vortec V6 in this truck as well. Since the V6 engines in these trucks are common in the work versions, they won’t be discussed here.

Comparing the Tundra’s 4.7L V8 to GM’s 4.8L, the GM wins by a slim margin. The GM 4.8 offers more power – 295 hp vs. the Toyota 4.7L’s 276, but slightly less torque (305 vs. 313). Driving the two, they seem pretty comparable power-wise – adequate, but nothing special. The GM 4.8L does get better gas mileage – 1-2 mpg on the highway – so it seems like a better choice. However, if we were looking at the GM, we’d definitely upgrade to the 5.3L – the fuel economy is better despite it’s larger size.

Comparing the Toyota 5.7L V8 to the Chevy 5.3L is pretty straightforward – the Toyota 5.7L defeats the GM 5.3L in nearly every measurable way. The 5.3L’s saving grace is the EPA rated fuel economy is pretty damn good – depending upon configuration, 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway is possible. If you compare the Toyota 5.7L to the GM 6.0L (which seems a little more appropriate), Toyota still comes out ahead.

First of all, Toyota’s 5.7L produces 14 more hp despite it’s smaller size. The same can be said of torque – the Tundra’s 5.7 makes 26 more lb-ft than the GM 6.0L, again, despite it’s smaller size. While GM’s 6.0 has more low-end torque than the Tundra’s 5.7, it’s hard to notice because GM matches up the 6.0L with an outdated 4 speed transmission – the Tundra’s 6 speed multiplies torque much better simply because of the greater gear range. Perhaps if the GM trucks came with a better transmission, this comparison wouldn’t be so one-sided. In any case, the Toyota 5.7L produces more power with less displacement, and the 2008 fuel economy ratings are nearly the same for both engines (13-14 mpg city, 17-18 mpg highway, depending on 2wd or 4wd).

WINNER: Toyota. The 5.7L has more power and feels substantially faster when compared to the GM 6.0L, with fuel economy being very similar. The 5.3L GM beats the 5.7L in terms of fuel economy, but the two aren’t even close when it comes to power. If you’re looking for a powerful truck (and a lot of people are), the Toyota is the way to go.

TRANSMISSION:

GM has really dropped the ball here – they just redesigned their half ton trucks in 2007, yet their transmissions are stuck in the past. Granted, Ford offers 4-speed autos in their trucks, but GM redesigned much more recently (Ford’s 4-speed is from 2004). In fact, the GM’s 4-speed automatic is probably the biggest mechanical handicap on the truck – the Tundra’s 6 speed helps to make the Tundra much faster while still keeping it efficient. Not to mention the Tundra shifts smoother and more seamlessly. We can only imagine what the GM’s would drive like if they had better transmissions…

WINNER: Toyota’s 6 speed clearly outperforms the GM’s 4 speed. Leave it to GM to stick with an old design regardless of what everyone else is doing.

BRAKES:

Amazingly, GM doesn’t offer 4 wheel disc brakes as standard equipment. One must upgrade to the LS/SLE model to enjoy that feature. GM’s brakes are also smaller – 13 inch front rotors vs. Toyota’s 13.9. When you get rear discs on a GM truck, they’re also 13 inches in diameter, smaller than Tundra’s 13.6 inch rear rotors. Unsurprisingly, when Edmunds.com tested a 5600lb Tundra, it’s 60-0 distance was 131′. A 5400 lb Silverado required 150′ to make the same stop, despite it’s smaller weight. Clearly, the Tundra’s brakes perform better. Having said that, it’s difficult to notice the difference driving the trucks empty – they both stop pretty good.

WINNER: Toyota. GM – get with the program and offer disc brakes at all four corners as standard equipment already, would ya?

FRAME:

The frame is clearly one of GM’s strengths – the truck is rated to haul more, and the frame is largely responsible for this. There’s also the well documented “bed bounce” issue that some people are experiencing on their Tundras. When Toyota re-designs the Tundra, we hope they use a frame that’s more comparable to the GM and Ford products.

WINNER: GM. Years of truck experience building trucks can definitely come in handy.

PAYLOAD:

Like we said, the GM trucks haul more than the Tundra, even in real world configurations, i.e. trucks that most people buy and drive. When you compare common configurations – like extended cab LS to double cab SR5, you’ll find the GM hauls the same or a little more (200-400 lbs). GM definitely deserves recognition here. However, as we’ve said before (to much criticism), a lot of people that buy trucks don’t need to haul much, and they don’t need to do it very often. If you don’t agree with us – and a lot of people don’t – than the Tundra’s tailgate assist and standard tie-downs deserve some recognition too.

WINNER: GM. Same or better payload ratings across the board.

TOWING:

Depending upon configuration, the GM truck with the 6.0L and the MAX trailer tow package will pull 10,500 in both the crew and extended cab. The Tundra will pull 10,100 (4×4) or 10,400 (2wd) in a crew, and 10,300 (4×4) or 10,600 (2wd) in a double cab. They’re pretty close, but we can’t say for sure how they’ll feel at max load. To be brutally honest, we don’t like the idea of towing this much with a half-ton in the first place. But, if you’ve got to do it, both trucks will handle it.

WINNER: It’s a tie, but ties always go to the older design. GM wins.

Next up for our comparison, Tundra vs Sierra-Silverado Part Two: Features and Pricing.

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  1. Mickey says:

    Isn’t a 6.0 optional at a high price? 5.7 isn’t an option. Being a new design is a penalty as well as being a smaller engine? I’m lost in this tie….You know it before you printed it that people will disagree with this result…. It isn’t my lost the GM is out….

  2. Music says:

    “the GM

  3. I am surprised to see a review that seems fairly objective on “tundraheadquarters.com”. I was expecting to read a review that would inappropriately tilt the scales towards the tundra. This builds a lot of respect for this website.

  4. Justin says:

    I’d have to agree with Daniel Espejo. This was a very respectable review and I feel it’s spot on. Seems the reviews are getting better as time passes. Good job tundraheadquarters!

  5. admin says:

    Justin – Thanks a lot man – that’s a great compliment! If only everyone agreed with you…check out part 3 of the comparison. Kind of fun to read the comments on that one…

  6. Josh says:

    You think the Tundra 5.7 is more powerful than the GM 6.0? Have you driven a GM and a Tundra 5.7 back to back? The GM 6.0 is smoother and more powerful than the Tundra 5.7 and I have driven both trucks multiple times.

  7. Rickey says:

    Actually, I thought the comparisons were fairly acurate. The one thing though that sits them apart as far as I’m concerned is that when you’re in a Tundra in you’re in a Tundra. They handle better, ride better, creature comforts are better and at the end of the day, the Tundra will take you home no matter what. Try shutting the door on a GM truck and then walk over and shut the door on a Tundra! My Lab can shut the door on a Tundra with her tail, lol. Good review.

  8. Shon says:

    The GM 4 speed only becomes a handicap when towing on steep grades. I have the 6 liter 3.73 gears and I tow a 7k lbs toyhauler when loaded. I had a Nissan Titan that towed better in steep hill situations, usch as the cajon pass

  9. Mickey says:

    Shon good try but you’re way off. The 6 speed completely out does the 4 speed. It doesn’t have to be on a steep incline.

  10. Shon says:

    Mickey you didnt read what I said. I agree that the 6 speed tranny makes huge difference for the better. I had a titan with 5 speed tranny and it was better then my current GM was the point I was trying to make. I am about to toss my GM with that old school, out dated 4 speed tranny and get a Tundra in the next month or so.

  11. Mickey says:

    Shon my mistake sorry about that. Thanks for correcting me. I gave up on GM with the problems I had with an 06 LT3.

  12. Fatman says:

    Shon, Let me be the First to tell you are going to be making a Huge mistake, going from the GM to a Tundra! I did and now I have 4 years to pay for this mistake. But, if you don’t want to take my word for it, when you test drive it, make sure you take it down some roads that you will see for sure how it drives. I drove it on the route the dealer had arranged, so I never got to see what this “Bounce” issue was until after I signed and drove away. I heard GM will be coming out with a 6 speed trans next year. Wait until then before you decide. If I could swap trucks without the loss, I would in a hart beat. After owning a Tundra for 4 months, I hate this thing! The saleman I delt with won’t even listen to my issues, the Service manager deny’s there’s a Bounce issue and told my it was in my head. I am not trying to be loyal to GM, I just know what I had, and know what I got. You know what they say, “Grass is greener on the other side, until you get there”. I am there and it aint so green! Just my 2 cents, I just thought I should let you know what I am gooing thru. This truck is junk! Rides like it, anyway.

  13. ZZ CHOPPPER says:

    Fatman,
    I’m about to pull the trigger on buying a new truck tomorrow. I’m really on the fence – Tundra / GMC. What’s this bonce issue? What’s it do? I need to haul custom bikes. Total weight tailer and bikes – 5200 pounds. I like the idea of having the 5.7 tundra. I drove one months ago, seemed stronge. I now have a 2500 HD 6 liter 2003. It’s ok but I’m not wowed by it. Alot of rear brake problems. Really rough riding, really not that powerful and a gas hog.
    What’s the best gas milaage you can get with the tundra 5.7?
    Thanks,
    ZZ Chopper

  14. Mickey says:

    Hey fatman evryone has an opinion. I can say the same for your beloved GM product. You worried about a bounce I had to worry if my tailights would stay on or if the brakes would ever stop vibrating from the back end. If you hit them hard enought the vibration almost make you loose control. Oh yeah the worse problem how do you keep your headliner up. Yes replaced 8x. You say the saleman misled you how about this talking straight up with a sales manager showing him 3 of his trucks on the lot had the same headliner issue I had. You think he would disclose that information? Hell no he stated when they see it we have a great warranty to fix it. You may not want to call it I will it’s downright defrauding the public. Knowing you have a defect and not disclosing it. Now that is great salesmanship.

  15. Fatman says:

    Mickey, you need to stop coming across like a salesman. If you could read, I BOUGHT A TUNDRA! So stop trying to put me down like you tried to do to the other guy who stated he liked his Silverado. You act like you have something to gain if someone buys a Toyota?? I bought one and I regret it evry time I get into this and have to drive down the highway. I have no loyalty to GM or Ford, I will buy what seems to be the best bang for my dollar. I thought I was when I bought this Tundra? MY MISTAKE! I have had this for almost 5 months now, and after I brought it home, and started driving down the highway, I found it to be not as nice a ride as my Chevy was. That’s all! You seem to try and use things like Headliners as your reason to not by GM, I use my butt and the comfort of the ride, and I say the Toyota does not ride near as comfortable as my Chevy did, TOO ME!!! It appears others have the same opinion as I do on this site. So stop acting like a crybaby about your experenses with GM and then try and undermined those who are not agreeing with you on your choice os buying the Tundra.
    ZZ CHOPPER, All I can say is my wife and I own our own buisness, and we spend a lot of time on the highways of Chicago, Illinois and the ride in this thing is bouncy! Before you buy the Tundra, drive one at highway speeds and see what you think. If you want to haul, try the 2500 HD with the Duramax, or even the F-250 with the Diesel, they both tow very well, but then the ride in either one, I think, is far better then the Tundra is, but this is my opinion, judge them for yourself. I get between 15 to 17 MPH in my Tundra, Depends on how I am driving. When the wife goes with me, we get 24 MPG Average, but that is because we take her car. She won’t ride the the Tundra unless she has too.

  16. Mickey says:

    Fatman you have a right to your opinion and that’s what it is. If you don’t like my opinion you know where you can put it. Who’s the one crying about a bounce. Not only a headliner came down guy ABS was a major player not to mention how come the taillights fall off. Things like the headliner don’t happen Jack. If you knew as much as you’re preaching then you wiull have something. Funny thing is you people with some kind of problem don’t like someone who doesn’t you feel intimidated by it. Now if you regret it so much get rid of it and quit your complaining. I did!!!

  17. Fatman says:

    Mickey, Your an Idiot! Read your past posts and you tell me who comes across as sounding “Intimidated”? YOU! I won’t even start to get into this with you. I bought a Tundra, I regret the purchase. So that’s it! I won’t make this mistake twice!
    And unless you work for Toyota and want to give me another truck to prove it is just not this one that rides like this, then you can put your own opinion in the place you would like me to put it!
    Your opinion means nothing as to what I like and what I don’t and your issue you say about GM I never had, so I guess according to your own response, you are acting the very same way. Grow Up!

  18. Andrew says:

    I never had any of these issues Mickey wants to claim he had either. My Chevy’s have been rock solid and he tried to claim I do not get the miles I say I did. I think from what I have read from this guy, he sounds like someone pushing a agenda not really worth much since most likely works for Toyota and will loose his job if they don’t sell. TYPICAL!
    Fatman, I am sorry you have to deal with this, I wish I would have talked to you before you bought one. I am sure you will loose money trading it in, Hell, maybe Mickey will buy it from you? Lets see him put his money where his mouths is?
    At least look at your value and see what you can get out of it? You will just keep loosing money every year anyway, but then you can get what you want.
    Just wondering which Chevy Model did you have? I still like mine after 8 years later. Too bad you can’t say the same thing in less then a year?

  19. Mickey says:

    Sorry don’t work for Toyota, don’t own stock for Toyota or it’s parts. I did work for a Chevy dealership and did go through GM school. Like you I did regret the same for an 03 F-150 11x to fix the computer and the 06 which you know the major problems it had. All manufacturer’s have their problems hence recalls on all manufacturers. Intimidated you are. Read your first sentence to shon Mr. Salesman. I had my bad adventure since July 03. As of July 07 I haven’t had that and it has been great. The Tundra isn’t the best truck I had but is very close to the 98 Silverado I had. Only twice in the shop but I had to fix 5 items and one I fixed myself Andrew which was an alternator replacement. The brushes in an alternator don’t last 300,000 miles just like the tensioner for the serpetine belt. If you get 75,000 to 125,000 you’re doing great for both parts. They don’t last 300,000 miles Andrew. Those are minor things. I didn’t say anything aboput the minor things that had to be fixed on each vehicle. When you take your truck to the shop over 22x in less than 16 months for 30 things to be fixed is a bit much to swallow for a $33,000 truck. Just like you Fatman being told there’s no fix or they don’t believe you in your claims. Or how about Steve Malloy factory rep telling me there is a defect that the new headliners were cut too short thus the falling of the headliner to John Bartnick factory rep accusing me 3x for pulling down my headliner. Just to see his face after he fixed it for it to fall on the fourth time opening the door. Or how about Customer assistance wanting to know if you own another GM vehicle. Ford didn’t do that. So from this I will talk about what happened to me like the both of you will talk about what happened to you. That’s where the matter of opinions come in. We are on a site where both views good and bad are seen. That’s where both of your comments that I’m a Toyota salesman or work for Toyota and loose my job it shows the same I’m putting out I’m giving a positive comment which both of you don’t like and the same for your negative comment. For the mileage I put on my Tundra it’s doing what needs to be done staying on the road. Also Fatman before you call someone an idiot look in the mirror Mr. Salesman.

  20. Andrew says:

    Mickey, It appears you seem to have a lot of problems with several of your trucks. You make me laugh!

  21. bob says:

    Here are some points on recient 4000 kilometer round trip [north westren Canada] with a [1 month] newly purchased 2007 trundra reg, cab 2WD 5.7. Light load.
    A+ – highway passing and acceleration
    – comfort 1400 KM 1 way, 1 day
    – tailgate silky operation
    – in cab storage, pockets, duel glove box, behind the seat, ect. everwhere
    B- – sterio

    I would concider a OEM backed supercharger but power is not an issue
    The truck seems great, looking foward to see how it will work as a 8000 lbs trailer hauler

  22. Mickey says:

    Andrew what did you expect for domestic trucks? Problems of course.

  23. David says:

    Boy, you guys take this truck thing way too serious. I’ve owned Dodge, Ford, Chevy and now a Tundra. They all had their share of problems but I must say that the 2002 Tundra had the least, BUT, it is the most advanced and the newest. Things should improve with technology advancements.
    I will buy an 08 Double Cab Limited nexgt week. Already got it culled from the herd. But the best thing about being a Tundra driver is my Die Hard Chevy Lover Father-in-Law. We have great fun teasing each other about our trucks. I bragged about the big rebate the 07 Tundra was offering, he said ” Its a wonder they don’t pay you to take it off the lot”. I just laughed. Then Chevy came out with these HUGE discounts and employee pricing and I turned the tables on him saying Chevy must be desparate to get theirs off the lot too. He said, “they just felt sorry for Toyota:. He’s a blast. And boy does he brag on his 2500 HD Duramax. He even called me from his cell phone to brag about it while he was taking it in to shop for the 3rd repair on the same item. I just laughed, and gave the front bumper of my Tundra a little buffing.
    Lighten up guys. Have fun with it. That way, when XYZ company comes out with the BEST thing since sliced bread, you won’t have to eat crow just to buy something different.

  24. David – Good advice. Thanks for visiting!

  25. Mickey says:

    David I did what you said. Had an 03 ford with problems went with an 06 Chevy. Chevy had way too masny problems moved on to an 07 Tundra. The problems stop….Imagine that.

  26. TripleCrownNC says:

    Guys, I pull a 7,500# boat. My GM dropped its rear end twice in 54K miles. The dealer blamed it on me pulling a too heavy a load. Not to mention a long laundry list of things always going wrong with it. Just bought an 08 Tundra and will pull the boat as soon as I get past the break in period. If its like other Toyotas I have had I expect many years will pass before I will be thinking I need to move on

  27. David L says:

    I have an 03 Silverado run across this site accidentally as I was looking for alternator brushes. Toyota seems to be an ok thing except their headquarters are based in china or japan. I much prefer our corporate offices in USA. Since late 02 when i purchased my Silverado I have had about 6 problems with it. First the bumper is to low and it can snag a curb when backing up. Second about a year ago it wouldn’t idle. A mechanic told me to get some carb cleaner and spray into the intake throttle and that is now fixed. The other few times, my fault hooking up a trailer and shorting out some fuses. Other than that it has been just fine and oh yea my fault I didn’t change oil for nearly 120 plus thousand miles but now change every 15000 miles and it needs to be washed. i think other than the rain that to has been nearly 2 years. My wife just likes her Mercedes. I call it a foo foo car. I know my truck. We know how to work.

  28. Mickey says:

    David you lost me on the oil change. You state 120 plus thousand miles. That’s quite a distance. You sure you didn’t mean 12,000+ miles? One I know your truck couldn’t go 120,000+ miles before an oil change simply the oil will break down way before then.

  29. JR says:

    I don’t know about all these urban cowboys. The Toy is a good truck but a truck is a truck, it is not a sports car. First if you are dropping your rear end towing a trailer, what gear ratio was it? 3:23 or 3:73 or 4:10? Did it have a locking rear end? Did you change the fluid at 10K to get the break in fluid out and a good synthetic gear oil in? There is a little cutting oil in the factory gear oil that over time looses its viscosity. Always change out the gear oil on a new truck, and know what you have in there.
    .

  30. MK says:

    GM wins only in suspension, gas mileage, towing capability, smoother riding, and higher strength/thicker tailgate-bed metal.

    Tundra wins in engine/transmission performance, turning radius, interior dimensions and seat of the pants interior comfort, handling and braking.

    If Tundra could get a little bit better gas mileage (1-2 mpg more) and a smoother ride and thicker quality bed/tailgate sheet metal like GM has, then Tundra is the ultimate truck hands down.

    I should know, I have bought Silverados for the past 16 years until the new 07′ Tundra came out.

  31. Ryan says:

    I agreed with the thicker sheetmetal on the tundra… I am very good to my truck but it dents with ease… sheetmetal is to thin.

  32. Mickey says:

    Mk I would have to disagree with the GM towing to the Tundra. Tundra can way out pull the Silverado. Other than that you’re right on.

  33. Tera says:

    And the frame award goes to GM, what you don’t like weak rusty frames. All that power and no platform, such a waste of good well I can’t think of anything that is good on a Tundra, give me a minute. Engine- crankshaft and accelerator issue, overall design substandard frame assy, substandard materials (paint, sheetmetal, interior), bed bounce, and why do you have to retorque the chassie bolts. I understand once like the lugnuts after you take of the tire, but are you removing the chassis every 5k? No so why do you have to torque them 20k after is was built? They should be tight and if they are not them there’s a issue (substandard frame and materials).
    Mickey-“Tundra can way out pull a Silverado”. Really which one a SILVERADO 1500, 2500, 3500. Oh that’s right they have more than one model. Where’s Toyota’s 2010 Diesel that will outperform a Duramax? Must be with those accelerators that don’t stick with a frame that will last, hint it isn’t a Toyota!

  34. Tera – What’s your point? The Sierra/Silverado has a better frame – the article says as much.

  35. Mickey says:

    What Tera wants is their wonderful recall the winshield washer. The heater kept melting the bottle and fluid all over. Tera please use common snese you know what I said the Tundra will out tow the Silverado it’s matched up to the 1/2 ton to 1/2 ton. Also using another thread to put into this one. You know Toyota killed the plans on a HD version. Now do I have to list all your issues that GM has? I’ve been there and had one of yours. You want me to send the pics of the issues too? You know why GM owners keep duct tape in their vehicles. You tell me Tera how does the tail light fall off a chevy truck while you’re traveling down I-95? Need I say Headliner????? Best thing Tera for you to keep is who has the better RESALE????? How many parts of your vehicle is made in the USA? You need to keep your own backyard clean before you come into someone else’s and boast.

  36. Mike says:

    I have owned Toyota’s, a Lexus and two Tacoma’s for the good part of 15 years. The last four or five years I’m finding myself very disapointed in the quality. My last Tacoma was rusting to the point of disinegration and I took advantage of Toyota’s generous trade program. I bought a Tundra and I deeply regret that decision. I’ve had paint problems from the begining, crankshaft sensor failure, squeaks and rattles from some unknown location under the dash that the dealer has given up looking for, the stock radio has failed twice, bed bounce to the point of damaging the cab of which the dealer’s mech says the truck at a certain speeds has a frequency resonence or vibration problem and advised to not cruise at that speed between 45 and 65 mph, lousy gas mileage, and to top it off rust on the frame that for a two year old truck makes it look like frame rust on a thirty year old Dodge truck.
    I’ve thrown in the towel on this truck and for that matter, Toyota. I can’t pretend to know just what’s happened to my once favorite car maker but not only the Tundra, the last Camry and Tacoma have been problems after problems. The Lexus has had it’s share as well but not like the Camry.
    I tried to trade the Tundra on an F150 and two dealers gave rediculously low trade in quotes. One of the dealers pointed to two Tundra’s on the lot claiming he can’t sell those. I ended up at a GMC dealer, took a beating, but now I can sleep at night.
    You lost me Toyota and more importantly, you lost all respect I ever had for you.

  37. Dan says:

    I hate to hear that folks are having so many issue’s with their trucks, I know how it feels. After years of domestics and countless trips to the dealerships I, at my wife’s prodding, shopped the Tundra and was blown away… WHAT A TRUCK!

    Powerful, sturdy, strong, fast, efficient and classy enough that my wife is proud to drive it as well. We first purchased a 07 DC 4X4 then, after it was lost in a storm, went back and bought a 08 CM 4X4. Both Tundras have been flawless and we look forward to many years of service.

    The Tundra is the first truck that I can say I’m proud to own.

  38. Wilimo4 says:

    I bought on a 2010 Tundra it is by far a superior truck to the Chevy or the GM. It is a matter of opinion. If you’ve never driven one and you’ve driven a Chevy I would personally pick the Tundra. HP it will blow the doors off of the Chevy 6.0 even in comparison 7.9 second, and with the Tundra depending on which rearend you get, 4:30 5.86, 4:10 6.0-6.3. I will challenge and GMC or Chevy if they will step up. I don’t have any thing personal against GM or Chevy because if Toyota did not have the Tundra my chioce would have been the GMC with the high priced option 6.0, my choice was the Tundra based on HP, looks, ride and price. It is really the better choice.

  39. micah says:

    mickey, man you need blood pressure meds i agree with fat man. you have a problem with domestic trucks and i believe it is in your head… i own an 04 silverado with 216,000 miles and ive not replaced a tensioner or an alt. yet. the only thing ive replaced is a fan clutch and battery.ive done mant on it but that is it. my company has owned several trucks from different companies over the years. tundra is a great truck. but the chevys are just as reliable as the tundras. the tundras do have a bounce problem but feel better when fully loaded down. however fully loaded the chevys get better gas milage.i had more problems getting tundras warranty than gm has. gm has been on the spot and fast with no questions. toyota has been a fight every time. ive had ecm prblems and yes the the darn pedal sticking problem has been a HUGH issue for us. i was told by toyota to park the trucks and leave them sitting until we find a fix. trucks were out of service for 3 weeks or better.as to wilmo4 i will take that challenge as i have more i can do to my truck in the form of HP and torgue than you can do to your toyota.ill show you what a 2010 chevy can realy do!you buy it over your toyota parts counter ill buy it from gm parts counter you will have more in your truck money wise but ill have more power torque and it will be my everyday driver. i said i own an 04 silverado. i didnt say that was the only vehicle or truck i own. i like the toyota however for the price and reliabilty i would have to lean toward the GM, because of the warranty issues that have come about and how they were handled.i have know idea what the heck MICKEY is talking about because ive had none of those issues ever!!! no one i know has.i would have to say over all for people that its just a personal choice both are great trucks!

  40. Jason says:

    micah – I think that individual trucks can have a lot more problems than average, and I think that Mickey would agree a big part of his problem with GM trucks was the lousy service he received from his dealership.

    I certainly agree with you that both are great trucks.

  41. Anonymous says:

    Hey ZZ Chopper I added a cold air intake and now the milage varies from 17 to 19 but 18 is more accurate. In the winter to the spring it was about 16 now since we are in the summer and they changed the gas over my milage is 14.8 city and 18.8 on the hwy, in the winter and maybe it was due to me breaking it in is why the milage was bad 13- 15.9 or 16. As you drive on the hwy and if you are cruising 65-70 you will get 17.8- to 18.9 but if you go faster than 75 up t 80 expect to see it drop a little. If you are in to red lite drag race it is a monster to the euro racers and the ford f150 and the gmc and chevy trucks the won’t try you but the dodge hemi will give you a tiny scare but the cant’t touch it either.Adding the super charger will set you back a bit about 8000 dollars but you will be thrilled to no end when you mash the pedal.

  42. wilimo4 says:

    Hey ZZ Chopper I added a cold air intake and now the milage varies from 17 to 19 but 18 is more accurate. In the winter to the spring it was about 16 now since we are in the summer and they changed the gas over my milage is 14.8 city and 18.8 on the hwy, in the winter and maybe it was due to me breaking it in is why the milage was bad 13- 15.9 or 16. As you drive on the hwy and if you are cruising 65-70 you will get 17.8- to 18.9 but if you go faster than 75 up t 80 expect to see it drop a little. If you are in to red lite drag race it is a monster to the euro racers and the ford f150 and the gmc and chevy trucks the won’t try you but the dodge hemi will give you a tiny scare but the cant’t touch it either.Adding the super charger will set you back a bit about 8000 dollars but you will be thrilled to no end when you mash the pedal.

  43. idaholandho says:

    Since 1999 Ive traded for a new GMC from every Vortec motor to the 2008 Duramax….while working at a GM dealership. In 2008 I purchased the 5.7 Tundra Crew. I am trading now for a 2010 Tundra this week. They are great trucks. I have no problems w GM exept the axle leaks, rear dif leaks, intake manifold issues, door moldings, exhaust manifold leaks, and a few unidenified noises…still love the GMC truck line but my 2.5 year history of the Tundra was fantastic and I drive the shit out of it. on a side note – the whole bailout smeeled of fish to me. Everyone relax…takes way to much energy to get hostile over any overpriced pile of rolling metal.

  44. johnny says:

    “excellent power and torque using this older, simpler technology”
    OHC is also a very old technology. it isn’t even technology but engine design.

  45. Jason says:

    Johnny – Semantics

  46. johnny says:

    wrong information really. Did you bother to look when OHC engines were designed before writing the article?

  47. Wayne says:

    Traded in my 02 Chev H.D half ton on a 2010 Tundra crew.Chev 6 liter with allison trans and top option package.Over all no comparison.Trundra rides nicer feels better on long hauls and better gas mileage 17’s compared to 15’s. Both pull my 5th wheel equally well.At 12 thou miles no issues at all.Go Tundra!

  48. Jason says:

    Wayne – Cool! Glad to hear you like the Tundra compared to the old Duramax…that’s quite a compliment. Thanks for commenting.

  49. wilimo4 says:

    micah, I’m not talking about adding anything to it I’m comparing truck to truck straight out of the dealership. Chevy or GMC, Dodge, Ford can’t do anything with it. Your GM can’t do anything with it neither until you add the after market parts. If I add my after market part along with yours it still won’t touch it. If you add exhuast and a super charger to the Tundra it will still beat GM, Chevy from 0-60 and the 1/4 mile. What do they have for the Chevy- add headers, exhuast, flash the computer, change the rear end, you’d have to do alot to catch the Tundra. Tundra- add the super charger, exhuast 500 plus hp 0-60 4.6-4.8 depending on the rear end. Might set you back alittle but it will be well worth the investment when at the red light and you blow away a Corvette or a Mustang Gt, Dodge Challenger/ Charger SRT/8, Camaro SS.

  50. micah says:

    WILMO,
    IF YOU REALLY BELIEVER THAT YOU CAN AD A SUPERCHARGER AND BLOW WAY A CORVETTE AT A RED LIGHT WOULD YOU LIKE TO PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS? THIS IS ANOTHER TYPICAL POST OF PEOPLE NOT LIVING IN THE REAL WORLD….FIRST OF ALL IVE DONE ALOT OF DYNO TIMES AND CALIBRATIONS WITH ALOT OF VEHICLES. INCLUDING TUNDRAS I LIKE THE TUNDRA DONT GET ME WRONG HOWEVER, THE ADDAGE IT STILL TRUE. THERE IS NO REPLACEMENT FOR DISPLACEMENT. ON ANY DYNO AND ANY DRAG RACE ANY TEST OF POWER I CAN BUILD MORE OUT OF A GM THEN I CAN WITH A TOYOTA THAT IS THE BOTTOM LINE….REMEMBER MY TOYOTA FRIEND THIS IS WHAT I DO FOR ONE OF MY BUSINESSES THAT I OWN.BE IT HOW IT IS YOU WILL NEVER BEAT MY CORVETTE….MUCH LESS ANY TRUCK I BUILD OR DRIVE. NOW DONT GET ME WRONG I LIKE THE TUNDRA…IVE DRIVEN ONE AND WILL AGAIN BUT FOR PEOPLE LIKE YOU TO MAKE UNEDUCATED GUESSES ABOUT THE POWER OUTPUT OF THE TUNDRA….WELL I WOULD SAY STOP READDING MAG ARTICLES AND START LIVING IN THE REAL WORLD!!! JUST BECAUSE YOU LIKE YOUR TUNDRA DOESNT MEAN THAT YOU CAN BEAT EVERYTHING ON THE ROAD….. YOU KNOW SOME OF US THAT DRIVE GM VEHICLES ARE NOT UNEDUCATED REDNECKS. YOUR CLAIMS ARE A DREAM AT BEST. PLEASE GO GET THAT SUPERCHARGER INSTALLED AND FIND A VETTE…A REAL VETTE AND TRY TO PICK ON HIM… IF THATS NOT ENOUGH FOR YOU COME SEE ME I BET YOU I WILL TEACH YOU A THING OR TWO ABOUT POWER HELL ILL EVEN TAKE A FORD AGAIN YOU IF I WANT TO BUILD POWER….I TELL YOU WHAT ILL SPOT YOU TWO CARS IN THE QUARTE MILE AND ILL GIVE YOU YOU SUPERCHARGER AND ANY AFTERMARKET PART YOU WANT AGAINST MINE AND ILL STILL BEAT YOU…….. I WILL BUILD AND DRIVE STREETABLE MORE POWER THAN YOU EVER WILL.. BOTTOM LINE……. SO BACK TO YOUR ORIGINAL STAEMENT. BECAUSE IVE OWN BOTH RIGHT NOW GM AND TOYOTA YES I HAVE THE SUPERCHARGER FROM TRD AND IVE DONE ALOT MORE, ABOUT AS MUCH AS YOU CAN DO TO IT,WHICH WILL BE A LITTLE MORE THAN WHAT YOUVE DONE TO YOUR TOYOTA AND BELIEVE ME NOTHING I DRIVER IS SLOW. MY GM WILL BEAT IT SINCE IVE PLAYED WITH IT……..GOOD BYE AND GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR TUNDRA IT IS A GREAT TRUCK BUT PLEASE DO NOT SET YOURSELF UP FOR A DISAPPOINTMENT WHEN SOME EDUCATED REDNECK TEACHES YOU A THING OR TWO ABOUT REAL WORLD RACING AND YES WITH STATEMENTS IN YOUR POST YOU HAVE BROUGHT IT TO THAT LEVEL.IF YOU CANT STAND IT THEN DONT GET IN THE FIGHT…. ANYTHING YOU POST FROM THIS POINT YOU ARE3 BEING ARGUMENTIVE. BECAUSE IF YOU WANTED TO PROVE YOUR POINT YOU WOULD JUST BRING YOUR SUPERCHARGED TOYOTA DOWN HERE THERE IS NO MORE TALK NECESSARY!!!!!!!
    THIS IS FOR THE TOYOTA ENGINEERS. I LIKE THE FACT OF WHAT YOU ARE DOING WITH THIS TRUCK A GOOD SOLID TRUCK THANK YOU FOR THAT I DO ENJOY MY TUNDRA I ALSO ENJOY MY GMS I THINK BOTH ARE GREAT TRUCKS….

  51. wilimo4 says:

    Ok micah I was reaching a bit on the Vette but the other cars are within my reach with the super charger when comparing numbers so I actually won’t know until I actually do it. This seems to get under your skin abit. If you own a Tundra you already know what I’m talking about. I didn’t know you were this serious but any GM or Ford truck from dealership cannot mess with the Tundra, well now they have the New Raptor with a 6 or a 6.3 400hp I don’t know the specs yet but I will be hunting for one. Yes I understand that I can’t beat everything on the road but a good red light race is what I enjoy. If I lose I lose. I probably won’t run into you unless you live some where close to Texas, if so I would like to see what your GM can do against my Tundra and may the best truck win. I don’t mind a good fight because I’m a fighter. I respect what you engineers do with the engines I think it’s great so don’t get me wrong you know your stuff I can see that but I’m just enjoying my Tundra.

  52. PCH says:

    I DONT USUALLY RESPOND TO THESE THINGS, BUT I THINK YOU NEED TO RE-CHECK YOUR DATA CONCERNING TRANSMISSIONS. MY 2009 GMC SIERRA 5.3 DOES INFACT HAVE A 6 SPEED TRANSMISSION.

  53. Jason (Admin) says:

    PCH – We wrote this in early 08′ – at that time, all GM trucks had 4 speeds. See this Edmunds review for confirmation: http://www.edmunds.com/chevrol.....eview.html

  54. Mac Daddy says:

    OMG…What a bunch of cry babies…

  55. Matt says:

    I’m surprised to see no one comments on reliability here.
    I work for a service contract company and I wouldn’t touch a Tundra. Not only is GM’s powertrain warranty better, it’s much more comprehensive. When your Toyota warranty does expire, get ready to take out a loan to repair it because Toyota repair costs are much higher than Ford, Chevy or Dodge.
    Typical issues I see w/ Toyota:
    -The entire emissions system is overpriced and weak:
    -air pumps and valve repair costs over $3k.
    Transmissions and diffs are not repaired but only replaced, since toyota does not offer parts, get ready to spend some cash
    -Toyota driveshafts and u-joints are weak, they don’t replace u-joints.
    -Toyota AC repairs are outrageous
    -The 5.7 valvetrain is weak
    -exhaust manifolds crack easy

    Silverado main weak points:
    -lock actuators
    -instrument clusters
    -hvac actuators
    -stereos

    just some tips when choosing and I own a Ford right now so am no bias here…

  56. Jason (Admin) says:

    Matt – Interesting. We’ve documented the emissions air pump and valve problem, and I agree its outrageous. However, I’ve never seen or heard any complaints about Tundra transmissions, A/C, or valvetrain, nor have I heard of any cracking exhaust manifolds or weak drive shafts.

    I do know that Silverados have quite a few problems with speedo and odometer failures that cost thousands, steering shaft problems, excessive oil consumption problems, etc.

    I would say that both trucks are generally reliable, and I would point to studies from JD Power and Consumer Reports as proof. However, if your warranty company were to release some sort of study documenting the average repair cost and frequency on vehicles, that would be great.

    Anecdotally, I will tell you this: a local dealership group that sells warranties for both the Tundra and the GM 1500’s has a higher cost for the GM warranty.

  57. canuck says:

    wow, a lot of frayed nerves here, i have a 2010 gmc sierra 5.3 4wd 6 spd z71 3.42 rear end, regular cab, not a lot of miles on it. its not broken in yet, some of the mileage figures i see seem full of sh!t to me, from both trucks, i do like my truck, if mr toyota wants to tell me how much better his truck is than mine, then go ahead, i have a nice truck and so do you, which is better, time will tell, they are all racing their way to the scrap yard, and it is one race that no one cares to win. cheers, enjoy your toyota and don’t pop a vein.

  58. micah says:

    canuck,
    LOL THIS IS SO TRUE!!!!

  59. Wilino4 says:

    The point is which one will see the scrap yard first. Yes both are very nice trucks the Gmc and the tundra. Hey even the dodge looks pretty nice too.

  60. Wilino4 says:

    Supercharger is going in thus summer in June or July. I will post my data then

  61. Jason (Admin) says:

    canuck – Good call. They’re all very good these days.

    Wilino4 – S/C sounds like a great time – congrats.

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