GMC vs. CHEVROLET

[85K304SPD]

What, if anything is the difference between GMC and CHEVROLET trucks? When were they different, before they became the same? Why do they continue to make both? Just something to chat about that has to do with SQUARES.

 

[Midnightmoon]

There were a few different engine options back in the 60's. My uncle has/had a '63 GMC suburban with a 305 V6 for example.

Someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but from about '67 on with that body style change, things stayed pretty similar other than badging, trim levels, etc.

 

[Keith Seymore]

By '73 they were the same.

X88 = Chevrolet nameplate option
Z88 = GMC nameplate option

So a GMC was just a Chevy with a badge change (or vice versa, depending on your perspective).

They kept the GMC around so that non-Chevy dealers like Buick and Pontiac could sell a truck too.

 

[Keith Seymore]

The other differentiation the marketing guys told me one time:

Chevy - the guy that works at the construction site

GMC - the foreman at the construction site

Cadillac - the guy that owns the construction site

K

 

[Midnightmoon]

Keith, did they keep the 305 V6 in the trucks through the '67-'72 run for GMC or were they the 250 or 292 I6 by then? We had a '67 Chevy when I was a kid that was the 250. But, I can't remember what GMC did for their base engine.

 

[QBuff02]

The other differentiation the marketing guys told me one time:

Chevy - the guy that works at the construction site

GMC - the foreman at the construction site

Cadillac - the guy that owns the construction site

K

You're not wrong, sir!

 

[CalSgt]

On late model stuff seems like the GMC Denali trim package was the only way to get the aluminum 6.2L V8 until recently some of the new Chevy trucks have it now

 

[Turbo4whl]

Keith, did they keep the 305 V6 in the trucks through the '67-'72 run for GMC or were they the 250 or 292 I6 by then? We had a '67 Chevy when I was a kid that was the 250. But, I can't remember what GMC did for their base engine.

In 1967 the V6 was larger, 5.7 (352?). Engine choices were all the same after 1970. There were also different transmissions through the late 1960's. GMC had one automatic that did not have a park position. You needed to use the parking brake. This caused some low speed reverse accidents too. People accustomed to throwing the shift lever up to park (that was not there) and leave the truck in reverse.

 

[82sbshortbed]

I always thought the gmc has nicer trim packages than chevy. My dad had a gmc burb I had gmc 3/4 ton long bed. Now I have a chevy short bed. Lol

 

[Redfish]

On late model stuff seems like the GMC Denali trim package was the only way to get the aluminum 6.2L V8 until recently some of the new Chevy trucks have it now

Also available in the AT-4. 420HP/460#s of torque. A really nice package all around.

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[BearKing]

On late model stuff seems like the GMC Denali trim package was the only way to get the aluminum 6.2L V8 until recently some of the new Chevy trucks have it now

Aluminum? Are you sure? My wife’s GMC Yukon XL Denali package has every option they had and it has the 6.2 but it’s a cast iron block. Over 400 factory horsepower.

 

[BearKing]

I always thought the gmc has nicer trim packages than chevy. My dad had a gmc burb I had gmc 3/4 ton long bed. Now I have a chevy short bed. Lol

They do for sure. That’s why my wife unit only drives GMC Trucks. She’s spoiled.

 

[82sbshortbed]

As much as I like GM, I can't spend 50k on a truck. Especially when the depreciation is so bad. Plus I love my square! Thats what real trucks look like So you can keep a new one. Lol

 

[AyWoSch Motors]

If I were to have to choose, I'd have to say I like the GMC grills and look better.
No particular reason, just like the look better. Probably because I grew up with GMC.

I have noticed that GMC seemed to be more "commercial use" geared.
Like work trucks, tow trucks, fire trucks, chassis models, work vans, school buses, box trucks, big rigs, etc. Seems like more of them are GMC than Chevy. Chevy was more the everyday joe do anything type of brand, between cars and trucks. That's my take.
Love them both equally though.

 

[BearKing]

As much as I like GM, I can't spend 50k on a truck. Especially when the depreciation is so bad. Plus I love my square! Thats what real trucks look like So you can keep a new one. Lol

Same here. That’s why my wife will be driving her Denali for a long time. She also owns a 79 Shortbox 4X4 with the SM465/205 combo. We are putting in a 6” all spring lift as we speak. It will be a nice truck when we are done with it.