The Chevy Silverado, ever since it became a standalone truck series, is built with two engine options – V6 and V8. Now, choosing between V6 and V8 engines has always been a tough one for car buyers.
Many people would tell you that V8s are more powerful and reliable; well, yes, they are, but V6s are also decent and “monstrous.”
This Chevy Silverado V6 vs V8 engines comparison looks into the distinctive differences between the two engine options available on Chevy Silverado pickup trucks.
But on a quick note, Silverado trucks with V8 engines allow you to haul heavier loads and it makes off-roading seamless. Silverados with V6 offer higher fuel efficiency and stability!
Chevy Silverado V6 Engines
The Chevy Silverado V6 engines have six cylinders and it is lightweight. Chevy’s V6 engines are designed to improve performance, acceleration timing, and stability while drifting towards outer edges and corners. Silverados with the V6 engines are cheaper than the ones with V8 engines.
Chevy’s 4.3 V6 engine packed into the 2020 Silverado trims delivers up to 285 HP and 305 lb. -ft. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission; on the angle of fuel efficiency, you’d drive 16mpg in the city and 21mpg on highways with this engine.
Chevy Silverado V8 Engines
Contrary to V6 engines, Chevy V8 engines offer more power, and of course, they have more cylinders. V8 engines are powerful, stable, and offer more rigidity for off-road tours. If you would be using your truck for towing and hauling heavy loads, V8s are the best suitable engine.
However, V8s are noisier when driving; some people don’t like such noise. Choosing between V8 and V6 can be pretty tricky anyways. But then, we’ve carefully analyzed the differences between Chevy’s V6 and V8 engines below; the comparison would help you make the best choice.
Chevy Silverado V6 vs V8 Engines: Comparison
1. Towing and Hauling
Let’s kick off with towing and hauling; both V6 and V8 engines can be used for towing and hauling – but, the exact one to choose depends on the load capacity to be hauled/towed.
If you’d be hauling minimal-average loads, a V6 engine would do just fine, but if you’d be hauling heavier loads, a V8 is the ideal option. Notwithstanding, the maximum towing capacity for each engine is clearly identified by the manufacturer.
Silverado’s V8 engines can tow up to 13,000lbs depending on the exact engine type you’ve got. On the other hand, the V6 engines can tow up to 8,000lbs, outputting 305 lb.-ft.
2. Fuel Efficiency
Some drivers love trucks that save up fuel, especially if they’d be doing more long trips. Well, V6 engines are notable for saving fuel; however, this does not imply that the V8 engines do not save fuel – just that you’d get a more comforting gas mileage with a V6 engine than a V8 model.
3. Overall Engine Performance
Asides from being the best option for hauling/towing heavy items, V6 engines beat their counterpart V8 models in virtually all other aspects. A Silverado with a V6 engine accelerates faster, offers more stability (especially in corners), and it is less noisy when revving.
V8 Silverados are sturdy anyway, they give you a better off-road experience, and they typically last longer. You’d love a Silverado with a V8 engine if all you want is a “heavy-duty” truck you could attach anything to and haul/tow it all the way without any issues.
4. Maintenance and Insurance Cost
On average, you’d spend $700 – $1,000 annually to service and maintain your Silverado truck; the cost may keep increasing as the truck acquire more miles.
However, this average maintenance cost notwithstanding, the maintenance cost of V8 engines is slightly more costly than V6 engines; this also applies to insurance costs.
Related Questions
Is The Silverado 1500 a V6 or V8?
The Silverado 1500 has multiple engine options you can choose from. The options include Duramax 3.0L turbo-diesel engine, 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine with DFM, 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 with DFM, 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 with AFM, 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 with AF, and 2.7L turbo with AFM.
Are Silverados Expensive To Maintain?
Whether you pick the V6 model or the V8 model, you’re most likely going to spend between $8,000 – $10,000, on average, on maintenance within the first ten (10) years of owning a Silverado truck. It is not so expensive, and it is not too cheap, either.
Is It Worth Having a V8 Engine In a Silverado?
It depends on your needs – what you’d be doing with the truck. If you’re using it as a daily pickup truck and would only use it to tow a maximum of 5,000 – 7,000-pound weights, then it’s not worth getting the V8 engine for an additional price. A Silverado with a V6 engine would give you all of that.
But, if you’d be towing heavier loads, or you usually haul construction equipment/materials, then you need a V8 engine because V8s are designer for “heavy-duty” activities (towing, hauling, off-roads, mountain trips).
Summary
Silverado V6 vs V8, which one is best for you? Think about the need for getting the truck and your personal preferences.
A V6 engine gives you everything a V8 engine can give you, with the addition of higher fuel economy, affordable cost, and less noise, but on the contrary, a V6 engine won’t give you a smooth ride if you drive off-road and carry heavy stuff.
A V8 engine gives you everything a V6 engine would offer, with the addition of more power and torque for heavy-duty driving purposes, but again, on the contrary, you’d get poor fuel economy and higher insurance/maintenance rates with a V8 engine.
Now you can make your choice.
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