Ford F150 MI Auto Times 'May the Best Truck Win' Contestant

DETROIT, June 3 -- Ford F150 Auto Times contestant takes on the GMC Sierra in the first round of MI Auto Times comparison "May the Best Truck Win."

The MI Auto Times analysis of the GMC Sierra 1500 SLE and the Ford F150 STX was difficult because both Michigan trucks have strong advantages, but in the end Ford F150 MI Michigan truck drivers may be disappointed.

The GMC Sierra drives forward and continues in the competition, as Ford F150 drivers are left without bragging rights of owning the MI Auto Times Best Truck Competition winner.

The overall Michigan truck winner was awarded based on combined rating of four categories: value, power, comfort and factory warranty, each category with a possible 4 stars.

Value: GMC Sierra 4 Stars, Ford F150 3 Stars.

Although the Ford F150 is priced slightly below the cost of the GMC Sierra with Ford's current factory incentive of 6.9 percent at 72 months, the F150 has a net cost(1) of $1,701 more than GMC's net cost, thanks to GM's current factory incentive of 0 percent at 72 months.

Power: GMC Sierra 4 stars, Ford F150 3-1/2 stars.

Though the Ford F150 has a larger payload capacity, it loses out to the Sierra by 1,300 pounds of towing strength (7,200 pounds total towing capacity). Furthermore, the Sierra has more torque and horsepower(2).

Comfort: GMC Sierra 3-1/2 stars, Ford F150 3 stars.

Ford F150 buyers must upgrade to the SYNC In-Car Connectivity System for MP3 connectivity which increases the cost by $395. GMC comfort features include OnStar subscription for one year, cruise control, rubber floor mats, heated mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel, available rear-window defroster, and more.

Factory warranty: GMC Sierra 4 stars, Ford F150 3 stars.

GMC provides full backing by with a 100,000 mile/5-year transferable Powertrain Limited Warranty with no deductible; 100,000 mile/5-year 24/7 roadside assistance; and 100,000 mile/5-year courtesy transportation. The Ford F150 only offers a 60,000 mile/5-year Powertrain, 60,000 mile/5-year roadside assistance and no courtesy transportation program.

Ford F150 owners who want full details of the MI Auto Times competition may visit http://www.miautotimes.com/ to watch the video, e-mail news@miautotimes.com or call 877-256-8056.

(1)Est. total cost for Ford F150 includes assumed down payment of $2,000, monthly payment of $375.64. Figure assessed through MSN Auto Affordability Calculator.

(2)GMC Sierra Torque 305 @ 4600 RPMs, Horsepower 302 @ 5600 RPMs.