If you are planning to get a Chevy Silverado truck, you must choose between the V6 and V8 models. Unfortunately, this is not an easy decision to make. This is because both trucks boast powerful engines and can tow significant amounts of load.
So then, what are the differences between Silverado V6 vs V8? The V6 differs from the V8 in fuel economy, horsepower, torque, wheelbase, pricing, and transmission. In addition, both models have different towing and hauling capacities.
Nothing to worry about, though. In this guide, you can find everything about the Silverado V6 vs V8 differences and which is the best.
Comparison Chart: Silverado V6 Vs V8
Before we look at the differences between the Chevy Silverado V6 and V8 in detail, here is a summary of what to expect.
| Features | Silverado V6 | Silverado V8 |
| Torque | 305.lb.-ft at 3900rpm | 383.lb.-ft to 460.lb.-ft |
| Horsepower | 285 HP at 5300 rpm | 355 HP at 5600 rpm to 420 HP |
| Towing capacity | Up to 7900 lbs | Up to 13,300 lbs |
| Fuel efficiency | 15 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on highway | 12.5 MPG in the city and 10.8 MPG on highway |
| Engine size | 4.3L | 5.3L or 6.2L |
| Wheelbase | 153 inches | 147.4 inches |
Silverado V6 Vs. V8? – What Are The Differences?
The Chevy Silverado is available in two types of engine options. There is the V6 which boasts a six-cylinder engine, and the V8, with eight cylinders. Apart from this, these two trucks have some more significant differences that I will be discussing below.
Torque and horsepower
The Silverado V6 outputs a maximum horsepower of 285 HP at 5300 rpm and 305.lb.-ft of torque at 3900 rpm.
On the other hand, the Silverado V8 delivers between 355 HP at 5600 rpm and 420 HP of maximum horsepower. The torque ranges between 383 lb.-ft for the 5.3 L EcoTec3 V8 and 460 lb.-ft. for the 6.2L EcoTec3 V8. Because of the V8’s high horsepower and torque, it boasts better acceleration than its V6 counterpart.
Maximum towing capacity
The V6 boasts a maximum towing weight of up to 7 900 lbs. On the other hand, the V8 can tow up to 13,300 lbs. depending on the engine type.
For example, the 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 can comfortably tow up to 11,200 lbs. This is because, unlike the V6, it features the max trailering package. However, not all models have this add-on. You can tell if your Silverado has a max trailering package by checking for the NHT RPO code inside the glovebox. So, overall, the V8 boasts better towing capacity than the V6.
Fuel consumption
The V6 is considered more fuel efficient than the Silverado V8 because of its small engine. It uses about 15 gallons of fuel per mile in the city and 20 MPG on the highway.
The Chevy Silverado V8’s fuel consumption in the city is 12.5 MPG and 10.8 MPG on the highway. Therefore, during the same journey, you will use less fuel with a V6 than with a V8.
Engine capacity and transmission
A Silverado V6 truck features a Flex-fuel (FFV) engine type with a capacity of 4.3L. In addition, it utilizes a six-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
On the other hand, the V8 comes in two engine types. You can choose between the 5.3L EcoTec3 and the 6.2L EcoTec3 engine. Further, this truck boasts an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The V8 retakes the win here because, thanks to its bigger engine size, it produces more power than the V6.
Wheelbase
Generally, vehicles with longer wheelbases provide better ride quality than their counterparts with short wheelbases.
Now, the Silverado V6 features a 153-inch wheelbase, while that of the V8 is 147.4 inches only. So, you get to enjoy a comfortable and stable ride with the V6. However, the V8’s shorter wheelbase makes it an excellent choice for off-roading.
V6 Vs. V8 Pros
Still having a difficult time choosing between the Silverado V6 and V8? You might want to check out their advantages and drawbacks.
The pros of the V6 include the following:
- Lower fuel consumption
- Relatively cheaper
- Offers a smooth and stable ride
- Compact engine
- Boasts more interior space
Silverado V8 has advantages that make it one of the best high-performance trucks around. These include:
- More cargo capacity
- Boasts tremendous torque and horsepower rating
- Better acceleration
- Higher engine capacity
- Excellent for off-roading
V6 Vs. V8 Cons
Apart from the pros, the Silverado V6 and V8 also differ in terms of drawbacks.
For instance, the V6 has reduced towing capacity, horsepower, and torque than the V8. In addition, it has poor acceleration and is prone to problems like engine misfires.
On the other hand, the common drawbacks of the Silverado V8 are high fuel consumption and price tag. But just like the V6, the V8 is also prone to similar problems.
One common issue is the U0107 Chevy Silverado 2006. The U0107 is a code displayed when the throttle actuator control of your V8 cannot communicate with other control modules.
Which One Should You Choose: Silverado V6 vs V8?
The Silverado V8 is the overall best choice because it has nearly all the features present in the V6 but better. For instance, it can tow more load thanks to its bigger engine capacity, higher torque, and horsepower.
But if you are looking for a more fuel-efficient truck that is also relatively affordable, the V6 is your best bet. Besides, it can tow reasonable amounts of loads. The good news? You can increase your V6’s horsepower by replacing its stock air filter with the aftermarket K&N 33-2129 Engine Air Filter.
FAQs
In this section, I will respond to commonly asked questions about Silverado V6 vs V8 differences. Check them out.
Is the Chevy Silverado V6 a good engine?
Yes. The V6 engine has a 4.3liter capacity that delivers up to 285 hp of horsepower and 305 lb.-ft of torque. Therefore, you can count on it to give you plenty of power for daily driving. You can also use it for towing.
Which has a better speed between V6 and V8?
The V8 offers higher top speed than the V6 thanks to its high-capacity engine of 5.3 liters. Compared to the V6, the V8 gives between 355 HP and 420 HP of horsepower. As such, it can accelerate at faster speeds.
Is V6 or V8 better for towing?
Because the V8 has more torque, it is best suited for towing and hauling heavy loads than the V6. The V8 can tow up to 13,300 lbs, while the V6’s maximum towing weight is about 7,900 lbs.
Are V6 or V8 more reliable?
The Silverado V6 is considered more reliable and durable than its V8 counterparts. This is as long as you don’t use it for heavy hauling. Besides providing more stability, the V6 has better handling than a V8 engine truck.
Conclusion
The Silverado V6 and V8 are high-performance vehicles, each with pros and cons. However, the V8 is a more powerful truck than the V6 in horsepower, torque, and engine size. The V6 isn’t too far behind regarding power and capacity. Besides, it’s more affordable and has better fuel economy than the V8.
