Finally, this seems competitive with what GM has been offering as far as drivability. The whole "F-series" thing is a bit of a marketing gag though. Quoting wiki:What's it like to drive?
The gasoline-fueled 6.2-liter V8 is an excellent standard powerplant, but lay into the throttle of any Super Duty with that glorious Power Stroke diesel, and the speedometer spins around past the legal limit far more quickly than any diesel truck we’ve ever experienced. This machine is a beast. We sampled the powertrain in a regular cab F-250 4x4 and it felt more like a muscle truck than a work machine that can handle nearly 3,000 pounds in its bed and tow 10,000 pounds. It was quick. Ford says around two-thirds of non-commercial buyers will opt for the $8,595 diesel powertrain -- we wouldn’t be surprised if that number grows after sampling this engine.
But no matter which V8 is bolted between the frame rails, every Super Duty is far more agile, connected and refined than before. Sure, that weight loss has something to do with it. But the improvements to the suspension and frame as well as a new steering system make a big difference. The steering ratio is now quicker on longer-wheelbase models and the feel is much more precise. The weighting is heavier but all the slop and play we remember in the old truck has been removed. Ford’s optional adaptive steering system can manipulate the steering ratio to reduce the input needed at slow speeds and reduce sensitivity at highways speeds. It even ties into the tow/haul mode of the transmission to provide a steering mode specifically for trailering stability. The system is worth every bit of the $685 Ford asks for it. No matter which steering system is behind the Super Duty, on a twisty road, these trucks can be driven much more accurately than before. And when towing a trailer -- that’s a big benefit.
GM offers trucks in those upper weight classes as well, but they aren't lumped in, in any way, with Silverado sales. Unless you want to just count all trucks, which I guess would be fair. No idea how the numbers stack up there.Currently, the F-Series includes the F-150, the Super Duty (F-250 through F-550), and F-650 and F-750 Super Duty medium-duty commercial trucks.
The only data point I can possibly add to this article is I borrowed a 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD w/ Duramax last week and towed 11,000 lbs with it. The steering had some slop on center but was also very positive feeling when cornering and the truck was easy to drive and never felt under-matched to the load. We're talking easy one handed highway driving with that load. 185k and the Allison 5-speed shifted like new. Very pleasant to drive, even loaded. I know the newer trucks have gotten a lot more powerful and even more car-like in their drivability. Yet I thought this first year Duramax truck was great.