QOTD: Is Too Much Not Enough?

Matthew Guy
by Matthew Guy

America’s truck wars are in full swing, with torque ratings going though the ceiling and the level of manufacturer braggadocio reaching a fever pitch. Where one goes, the other attempts to stomp.

That level of competition was on full display at last week’s drive event of the new Chevy Silverado HD. With Ram having snatched the torque crown to the tune of 1000lb-ft, The General was quick to point out their trucks accelerated faster despite the difference in twist. Ram, predictably, was quick to clap back.

Asserting their acceleration dominance, GM reps showed stats alleging their 3500 DRW diesel pickup scoots to 60mph in 7.4 seconds, two ticks quicker than Ram. Burdened with an 18,000lb trailer, that gap stretches to 2.6 seconds — measured as 19.9 and 22.5 seconds respectively.

Here’s our question: would any of this matter to you as a HD truck buyer? Would you sign on the line that is dotted simply because the truck has four-figure torque? Or because of manufacturer-provided acceleration times? At what point is it all for bragging rights instead of actual functionality?

Your author, of course, loves this stuff and encourages truck manufacturers to after each other with hammers and tongs. Competition improves the breed, whether that’s interior comfort, powertrain tech, or trailering aids. I think it’s great. How about you?

[Image: © 2019 Matthew Guy]

Matthew Guy
Matthew Guy

Matthew buys, sells, fixes, & races cars. As a human index of auto & auction knowledge, he is fond of making money and offering loud opinions.

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  • 427Cobra 427Cobra on Jun 25, 2019

    Price creep seems to be in full effect... and getting a bit out of hand for my wallet. (price is my biggest concern) In 2016, I decided to replace my 2000 SuperDuty supercab v10 4x4. I just needed more room for the dog. The prices on used trucks were to the point where it wasn't much of a stretch to buy new. I looked at a leftover '15 SuperDuty, but they just wouldn't deal on it. I bought a '16 Ram 2500 crew cab 6.4L Hemi 4x4... Tradesman (base) trim level. It has everything I need/want... cloth/carpet interior, chrome package, 4.10 gears, trailer brake controller, park sense, backup camera, LED bed lights, etc. It is the most comfortable/quiet vehicle I own. I got nearly $11k off of sticker. I am extremely happy with the truck AND the deal.

  • Schmitt trigger Schmitt trigger on Jun 25, 2019

    In the end, it is all about bragging rights. It is human nature. Similar to whether your audio amplifier has 8,000 or 10,000 watts, it will still be deafening.

  • Tankinbeans Tankinbeans on Jun 25, 2019

    I'm more interested in the way a vehicles looks and its overall cost of ownership as long as its specs are adequate to get out of it's own way. I don't tow so wonder if there is a functional difference, really between these fire breathing diesels of today and the less powerful forerunners. I legitimately wonder if the 2.7T in the current F150 is functionally better than the 4.9 I6 of 22 years ago. My car is commonly derided as being slow, but I have never felt the need for more power.

  • Ttacgreg Ttacgreg on Jun 25, 2019

    Vehicles are primarily marketing and fashion. There will aways be trends that eventually burn themselves out. I rather expect pickup trucks that are half the size of a school bus to be a trend that burns out.

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