My opinion - we test drive, we compare dollars, we buy the truck that fits our needs. A lot of these 'figures' mean less than the actual use factor.
Brand arguments are just that, brand arguments. All these truck get upgraded as the engineering develops over the years, and as regulations change.
We just bought a new 2015 GM - 2500HD 4x4 - I also drove a Ford 250, but not a Dodge (don't have a reason, except don't like the look as much) I was really thinking I'd change to Ford based on price and options and abilities, until I drove it - much rougher ride and felt like I was driving a tank compared to the GM. All things considered, price, power, ability to haul TC and cargo/toy trailer, the ride was simply smoother in the GM, and by A LOT.
We spend a lot of time in our trucks (All of us RV'ers, not just us here) and that means we need comfort as well as function. In my opinion, you can't go wrong with any new truck, you'll choose what you choose just to fill your own personal needs. In the big picture, we choose what we like, not just what the numbers say.
I can't imagine any new truck buyer choosing a Ford over a GM or a Dodge, for example, just because one or the other gets .5 mpg more, or has 10 more HP - it makes no sense - maybe 2 or 3 mpg if you travel a lot, and all other needs are met.
In the real world of 'truck driving and RV hauling', those numbers mean very little. All compare under extremely controlled situations, and never under the individual conditions each of us encounter. Every test team sets up the driving situation or testing situation to make that specific design perform to the top of its potential.
When it comes time to actually write that check, we all buy what we like for different personal reasons, and the performance numbers mean very little because in 'truck driving reality', all those performance numbers end up pretty close.
Monkey44
Cape Cod Ma & Central Fla
Chevy 2500HD 4x4 DC-SB
2008 Lance 845
Back-country camping fanatic
