hq
Full Member
I got a chance to test drive a Z71 and a 2500 2 wheel drive side by side over the weekend... (trying to decide which one to get). ? There is plenty of discussion regarding power and mileage between the two. ?I was primarily interested in the ride quality. ?I currently have a Silverado 1500 Z71 and that thing will bounces so hard you can chip your teeth.
The thing that surprised me was the 2500 seem to have a better ride than the Ava Z71. ?It definitely felt heavier and perhaps the extra 1000 pounds makes the vehicle more stable. ?I tested it over different stretches of freeway and the 2500 handled the bumps and ripples alot softer than the 1500. ?Has anyone else compared the two Ava side by side for ride quality? ? I expected the 2500 to have a harsher ride due to the rear leaf springs. ?(unfortunately they did not have a 2500 4x4 for comparison)
I was also surprised to find the 2500 was equiped with Bilstein shocks (similar to the Z71). ?I calculated the total cost between a Z71 and a 2500 4x4 is under $1,300. ?For those who are off road enthusiasts, the Hummer H2 also utilize 3/4 ton components comparable if not identical to the 2500. ?That vehicle sells for approximately $50,000 (It has a 6.0 liter engine and gets mileage in the 10-13 range).
My biggest concerns between the two were cost, mileage, and ride quality. ?$1,300 isn't that much on a $35-$40,000 truck and where else can you buy 55 horses for $1,300. ?The mileage is terrible but I seen 12's reported on a Jeep Liberty and Nissan 350z. ?Running premium with a Hypertech'ed 1500 will matched the gas cost on 2500 (and you spent $300 more upfront).
So that left me with ride quality. ?I am sure there are others out there with long term experience with these trucks. ?What do you think of the ride quality? ?
The thing that surprised me was the 2500 seem to have a better ride than the Ava Z71. ?It definitely felt heavier and perhaps the extra 1000 pounds makes the vehicle more stable. ?I tested it over different stretches of freeway and the 2500 handled the bumps and ripples alot softer than the 1500. ?Has anyone else compared the two Ava side by side for ride quality? ? I expected the 2500 to have a harsher ride due to the rear leaf springs. ?(unfortunately they did not have a 2500 4x4 for comparison)
I was also surprised to find the 2500 was equiped with Bilstein shocks (similar to the Z71). ?I calculated the total cost between a Z71 and a 2500 4x4 is under $1,300. ?For those who are off road enthusiasts, the Hummer H2 also utilize 3/4 ton components comparable if not identical to the 2500. ?That vehicle sells for approximately $50,000 (It has a 6.0 liter engine and gets mileage in the 10-13 range).
My biggest concerns between the two were cost, mileage, and ride quality. ?$1,300 isn't that much on a $35-$40,000 truck and where else can you buy 55 horses for $1,300. ?The mileage is terrible but I seen 12's reported on a Jeep Liberty and Nissan 350z. ?Running premium with a Hypertech'ed 1500 will matched the gas cost on 2500 (and you spent $300 more upfront).
So that left me with ride quality. ?I am sure there are others out there with long term experience with these trucks. ?What do you think of the ride quality? ?