Which is faster, Typhoon or Syclone?
When it comes to high-performance trucks, the GMC Typhoon and GMC Syclone are two iconic names that have left a lasting impression on automotive enthusiasts. Both vehicles, produced in the early 1990s, were groundbreaking in their time, offering sports car-like performance in a truck body. But which one is faster? Let’s dive into the details to find out.
Performance Specifications: Typhoon vs. Syclone
The GMC Syclone and Typhoon share a lot of similarities under the hood, but there are key differences that set them apart in terms of speed and performance. Here’s a breakdown of their specifications:
- GMC Syclone: The Syclone is a high-performance pickup truck powered by a 4.3L turbocharged V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. It features all-wheel drive and a 4-speed automatic transmission. The Syclone can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds, making it one of the fastest trucks of its time.
- GMC Typhoon: The Typhoon is an SUV variant of the Syclone, equipped with the same 4.3L turbocharged V6 engine, also producing 280 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. However, due to its heavier weight as an SUV, the Typhoon’s 0 to 60 mph time is slightly slower, clocking in at around 5.3 seconds.
While both vehicles are incredibly fast for their respective categories, the Syclone edges out the Typhoon in terms of raw acceleration due to its lighter weight and pickup truck design.
Factors Contributing to Speed Differences
Several factors contribute to the Syclone being faster than the Typhoon:
- Weight: The Syclone is lighter than the Typhoon, which gives it an advantage in acceleration and overall speed.
- Aerodynamics: The pickup truck design of the Syclone is more aerodynamic compared to the bulkier SUV body of the Typhoon.
- Purpose: The Syclone was designed with performance as its primary focus, while the Typhoon balanced performance with practicality and comfort as an SUV.
These factors make the Syclone the faster of the two vehicles, even though they share the same engine and drivetrain.
Conclusion: The Verdict
In the battle of speed, the GMC Syclone takes the crown as the faster vehicle. Its lighter weight and aerodynamic design allow it to achieve quicker acceleration and better overall performance compared to the GMC Typhoon. However, both vehicles remain legends in the automotive world, offering a unique blend of power and style that continues to captivate enthusiasts to this day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast was the Chevy Typhoon?
Top speed-prudently limited by a governor- is just 124 mph. Probably you wouldn't want to drive an SUV faster than that anyway.
What is the difference between GMC Typhoon and Syclone?
The Syclone was quicker than the Typhoon
The Syclone weighed 3,599 pounds. The Typhoon weighed 3,822 pounds. That not-insignificant weight difference helped ensure the Syclone was a little quicker.
Are GMC typhoons rare?
How Many Typhoons Did GMC Produce? There were 2,497 GMC Typhoons made in 1992 and 2,200 made in 1993, for 4,697. Admittedly, that's not a significant number compared to other vehicles, but it's still a sought-after model for collectors.
What was the fastest Chevy?
The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is now the fastest car ever built by an American auto manufacturer. At a test track in Germany, General Motors President Mark Reuss drove a 2025 Corvette ZR1 233 mph, setting a top speed record unrivalled by any current production car priced under $1 million.
What GMC truck goes 200 mph?
Banks / GMC LSR Syclone
1990 - Despite the aerodynamics of a brick, the Banks / GMC LSR Syclone had a max speed of 210 mph. Equipped with a Gale Banks n/a, intercooled, fuel- injected 5.0L V6 engine, it became the World's Fastest Pickup, 200+mph at the time.
How fast does a GMC Typhoon go?
Performance
| 0 - 60 mph | 5.3 s |
|---|---|
| 1/4 mile | 14.1 s @ 95.4 mph |
| Top speed | 203 kph (126 mph) |
| Lateral acceleration | 0.81 g (8 m/s²) |
| 60 mph - 0 | 40 m (131 ft) |
How fast does a GMC typhoon go?
Performance
| 0 - 60 mph | 5.3 s |
|---|---|
| 1/4 mile | 14.1 s @ 95.4 mph |
| Top speed | 203 kph (126 mph) |
| Lateral acceleration | 0.81 g (8 m/s²) |
| 60 mph - 0 | 40 m (131 ft) |
What is the top speed of the GMC Syclone?
The Syclone has a top speed of 124 mph. The top speed needed to be limited. Their acceleration causes the top speed of these cars.
What truck beat the GMC Syclone?
Trucks on the planet at the time this was actually compared to Corvettes. And a Ferrari 348 TS. And a car and driver review where they found the tarcos capable of doing 0-60.
Is the GMC Typhoon fast?
During tests by Car and Driver, the Typhoon was capable of accelerating from 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 5.3 seconds and could do a quarter-mile run in 14.1 seconds at 95 mph (153 km/h). Car and Driver compared the Syclone's performance favorably to the Ferrari 348ts, Chevrolet Corvette, and Nissan 300ZX Turbo.
