GM Features You Wish Ford Had

[redline]

The 5.3 gmc motor is a dog … I would pick a 2.7l eco of that engine …

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[redline]

I mean, walk only comes on EVs, so I doubt they're getting any lifters replaced.

they could say the same about cam phasers …

 

[Samson16]

It's why the naturally aspirated BMWs like the E36, E46s, and E92s M3s are so much more engaging to drive despite being down on power compared to the turbocharged F80s and G80/87 M cars.

I’ve never driven competitively, but I imagine managing boost around curves to be challenging. It’s power can be non-linear to say the least.
I would spend the rest of my life trying to perfect my skills with a 911 turbo. At least on weekends when we’re not doing anything else ?

 

[Polo08816]

I find the PowerBoost in sport mode with the instant torque provided by the HVB to be incredibly responsive even at very low rpm. The NA V8’s need to “spin up” into the meat of their torque curve. My torque curve is meaty from the jump.

Maybe "responsive" isn't the right word. Maybe "precise" is more applicable here.

That power delivery of the PB seems like it would be far more difficult to be precise in throttle application. If it's harder to be precise, then it's harder to be smooth when you're also applying another input (ie. steering).

When I'm driving around a sweeper on a on/off ramp, I generally try to set my steering input and use the throttle to steer the vehicle. If the throttle response is basically off-on-off-on, it makes it more difficult to do so.

It's probably why when given the option, most people at the track will adjust their drive by wire throttle response to "comfort" instead of "sport" or "track". It doesn't change the output of the powertrain, but alters the pedal position mapping to throttle position to make the power delivery as linear as possible in these newer turbocharged vehicles.

 

[Samson16]

Maybe "responsive" isn't the right word. Maybe "precise" is more applicable here.

That power delivery of the PB seems like it would be far more difficult to be precise in throttle application. If it's harder to be precise, then it's harder to be smooth when you're also applying another input (ie. steering).

When I'm driving around a sweeper on a on/off ramp, I generally try to set my steering input and use the throttle to steer the vehicle. If the throttle response is basically off-on-off-on, it makes it more difficult to do so.

It's probably why when given the option, most people at the track will adjust their drive by wire throttle response to "comfort" instead of "sport" or "track". It doesn't change the output of the powertrain, but alters the pedal position mapping to throttle position to make the power delivery as linear as possible in these newer turbocharged vehicles.

I find the PB in normal mode expects very gradual pedal inputs. When in bumper to bumper tight turn climbing on-ramps like the Beachline West to Florida Turnpike North I do not like the downshift hesitation of normal mode. I transition to sport mode as I go through the ez pass and it downshifts for me. Then the throttle is ready to pull me smoothly around and up the hill as I accelerate up to 80mph matching the 4:30pm traffic flow on the Turnpike. Once I’m safely in the next to leftmost lane I dial back to normal for the next 10 miles until my exit. Sport mode provides the transmission feedback and control I prefer for that maneuver.

Edit: And it sucks when there’s a 5.3 in front of me that can’t get out of its own way! ?

 

[sporkfed]

I don't think there's anything GM offers that I wish for. I would fancy the full roll down back window offered on the Toyota though. I never knew about this until I saw my neighbor had his open. Very Cool!

Yes, that would be amazing on the RCSBs.

I wish we had the under-body cameras that GM has. Being able to see underneath without getting out when off road is handy.

 

[wessermgm]

I fully expected this to trickle down to the F-150 by now. They must make a lot of sales off the tailgate step option.

I'll add non-GM feature. I have always thought the RAM outside bed storage is a neat idea for normally wasted space.

I do like the Ram Box and would probably get one if I ordered a Ram. However, it does reduce the volume of the bed itself, so there is a trade off there. I cannot see any detriment to a corner bumper step.

 

[wessermgm]

The 5.3 gmc motor is a dog … I would pick a 2.7l eco of that engine …

I agree with this statement. The only thing that 5.3L has going for it is the general ease of repair. Otherwise, it is not very powerful and is not fuel efficient. It is just good at nothing. The 6.2L is a good engine but it requires a ton of displacement to barely beat out the more efficient 5.0L Coyote., and it loses against the Powerboost. Not impressed with the General's engine options - save for the 1/2 ton diesel, which I do like.

 

[Kodiak]

Not a GMC item (I think) but I do know this a feature for Hyundia. My dad has a new Sante Fe and the HUD gives all BLIS information. It also displays the speed limit sign that turns orange when over the limit 1-5 mph. Then it turns red at 6+ over. Outstanding quick little safety feature that I found to be outstanding. I hope Ford incorporates something like this in its HUD.

 

[gnikdaor]

I wish the heated seats would let you toggle between both seat bottom and seat back, or seat back only, like the 2014 GMC Sierra SLT I once had. I miss that feature, as it allowed me to use the seat back as a heating pad for my gimped up back without having to cook my ass. I also wish that I could use a simple button to toggle between defroster/dash vents/floor for air flow, instead of having to push a button, then have to take my eyes off the road to select those options on a screen. It seems odd that my KR has the HUD, to supposedly make driving safer by allowing me to monitor my speed without taking my eyes off the road, yet I have to take my eyes off the road to change the airflow from the HVAC.

Two things I would have liked to do without on my KR. The first one is the moonroof. The KR comes standard with it, can't opt out of having one on the KR. I have read and heard all the horror stories with the leaking issues, and I just don't like having a giant hole in my roof. It's just one more thing to worry about, and I never use it anyway. But if you want the KR, you just have to learn to live with the moonroof. The second one is the console shifter. My 22 302a had the coveted column shifter. Like the moonroof, the KR only comes with the console shifter. I miss the extra cubby space my 302a had.

 

[Larrymoe]

I don't think there's anything GM offers that I wish for. I would fancy the full roll down back window offered on the Toyota though. I never knew about this until I saw my neighbor had his open. Very Cool!

This is the only thing in this whole thread I can agree with.

Or, at least some sort of slider.

 

[wessermgm]

Not a GMC item (I think) but I do know this a feature for Hyundia. My dad has a new Sante Fe and the HUD gives all BLIS information. It also displays the speed limit sign that turns orange when over the limit 1-5 mph. Then it turns red at 6+ over. Outstanding quick little safety feature that I found to be outstanding. I hope Ford incorporates something like this in its HUD.

It does.

 

[Polo08816]

I find the PB in normal mode expects very gradual pedal inputs. When in bumper to bumper tight turn climbing on-ramps like the Beachline West to Florida Turnpike North I do not like the downshift hesitation of normal mode. I transition to sport mode as I go through the ez pass and it downshifts for me. Then the throttle is ready to pull me smoothly around and up the hill as I accelerate up to 80mph matching the 4:30pm traffic flow on the Turnpike. Once I’m safely in the next to leftmost lane I dial back to normal for the next 10 miles until my exit. Sport mode provides the transmission feedback and control I prefer for that maneuver.

Edit: And it sucks when there’s a 5.3 in front of me that can’t get out of its own way! ?

I am not convinced that a 5.3 can't keep up with regular traffic flow (especially in your bumper to bumper traffic conditions) after having driven a 2024 Suburban with the 5.3L. Next time a Tahoe PPV with the 5.3L is behind you on that on-ramp, you should just gun it because there's no way it's going to be able to keep up.

Your experience confirms that Ford has work to do with its shift algorithm. You really shouldn't need to change modes just to get the acceleration to keep up with traffic. I don't experience the need to change the powertrain modes on any vehicles equipped with the ZF 8HP transmissions either. That transmission (when programmed correctly by the OEM) will usually downshift before even going into a corner or sweeper to get you closer to the right gear when you need to accelerate/track out of that corner. I think this is where GM has done better than Ford, but not as good as the ZF 8HP.

With that being said, I think there are various areas where the driver can mitigate this shift algorithm deficiency by altering their driving style. You could try to enter that turn (turn in later) later in order to be able to get on the throttle earlier to account for the downshift hesitation. The other thing you can also do is left foot brake if you aren't already. If you use your left foot to brake and have your right foot either hovering over the accelerator pedal or providing minimal maintenance throttle, you should be able to actuated the throttle anywhere from 0.25-0.50s faster. (You wouldn't have to re-position your right foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal which saves 0.25-0.50s from being able to get on it).

 

[Polo08816]

The 5.3 gmc motor is a dog … I would pick a 2.7l eco of that engine …

The 6.2L was definitely faster and more powerful.

We're going to go with a GM 1500 pickup in the next 1-3 months because of the way GM bundles packages with the 6.2L on their 2025 SUVs is a pure money grab. On the Z71, you need to get the Air Ride suspension with the 6.2L. On the Premier trim, Chevy requires you to get the rear seat entertainment package with the 6.2L.

We're going to re-assess the full size SUV market in 2-4 years to see if GM has de-coupled these options or whether we need to go with something like a Lexus GX550 or 6th Gen Toyota 4Runner.

 

[wessermgm]

The 6.2L was definitely faster and more powerful.

We're going to go with a GM 1500 pickup in the next 1-3 months because of the way GM bundles packages with the 6.2L on their 2025 SUVs is a pure money grab. On the Z71, you need to get the Air Ride suspension with the 6.2L. On the Premier trim, Chevy requires you to get the rear seat entertainment package with the 6.2L.

We're going to re-assess the full size SUV market in 2-4 years to see if GM has de-coupled these options or whether we need to go with something like a Lexus GX550 or 6th Gen Toyota 4Runner.

My wife has the new GX550. It has effectively adopted the Ecoboost TT 3.5L format along with the rest of Toyota. It is a major improvement over their old small block 4.7L V-8, which I felt had serious underpower at the low revs. New one has better pep with the TT.

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