The GMC Sierra HD’s independent front suspension is much lighter than the F-Super Duty 4x4’s solid front axle, which allows the Sierra HD’s wheels to react more quickly and accurately to the road’s surface, improving both ride and handling.
The Sierra HD’s independent front suspension is much lighter than the Ford F-Super Duty’s I-beam semi-independent suspension, which allows the Sierra HD’s wheels to react more quickly and accurately to the road’s surface, improving both ride and handling. The twin I-beam design is also expensive to maintain in proper alignment.
For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Sierra 2500 HD Standard Bed Double Cab’s wheelbase is 1.6 inches longer than on the F-250 Standard Bed SuperCab (149.4 inches vs. 147.8 inches).
The Sierra 2500 HD Standard Bed Denali Crew Cab handles at .72 G’s, while the F-250 Standard Bed King Ranch SuperCrew 4x4 pulls only .71 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.
The Sierra 2500 HD Standard Bed Denali Crew Cab executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.2 seconds quicker than the F-250 Standard Bed King Ranch SuperCrew 4x4 (28.5 seconds @ .6 average G’s vs. 29.7 seconds @ .56 average G’s).
For better maneuverability, the Sierra HD’s turning circle is tighter than the F-Super Duty’s:
| |
Sierra HD |
F-Super Duty |
| Extended Cab Standard Bed |
49.5 feet |
51.1 feet |
| Extended Cab Long Bed |
53.9 feet |
56 feet |
| Crew Cab Long Bed |
57 feet |
59.6 feet |
| Extended Cab Standard Bed 4x4 |
49.5 feet |
49.5 feet |
| Extended Cab Long Bed 4x4 |
53.9 feet |
54.3 feet |
| Crew Cab Standard Bed 4x4 |
51.8 feet |
53 feet |
For greater off-road capability the Sierra 2500 HD Crew Cab has a 1.5 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the F-450 Long Bed Regular Cab (10.1 vs. 8.6 inches), allowing the Sierra HD to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Sierra 3500 HD Standard Bed Crew Cab’s minimum ground clearance is 1.5 inches higher than on the F-250 Long Bed SuperCab (11.2 vs. 9.7 inches).