When it comes to the full-size pickup truck segment, it's tough to beat the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. It's the perfect pick if you crave towing and hauling power. Still, you may be wondering whether it's better to buy new or used. We're here to help. Check out our side-by-side comparison guide, where we lay out the differences between the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and the used 2012 truck.

Towing Power

If you need to move heavy loads, check out the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. Its max tow ratings go up to 12,000 pounds. To get that kind of power, choose the 6.2-liter V8 engine, which delivers 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The modern engine lineup also gives you the best EPA ratings, saving you plenty of money at the pump. Even with the most powerful engine, you achieve 15 city/21 highway mpg. The 2016 Silverado gives you its most fuel-efficient performance with the V6 engine. Use it to earn 18/24 mpg. This engine is also powerful - it tows max loads of 7,600 pounds.

Compare those incredible numbers to that of the used 2012 Chevrolet Silverado, which can only tow up to 10,700 pounds. Its most powerful engine is also a 6.2-liter V8. However, this one only earns 12/19 mpg. As you can see, the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is both more powerful and more fuel-efficient than its 2012 predecessor.

Safety

The Chevrolet Silverado always puts safety first. The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, however, comes out on top. In government crash tests, it earned a perfect five-star rating for overall safety. Compare that to the used 2012 Chevrolet Silverado, which only earned four. The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado will also get you the latest in tech gear. For example, the rearview camera helps you back up with big trailers in tow. Forward collision alert scans the road ahead and lets you know if it senses an impending crash.

Of course, the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado has some things in common with the used 2012 truck. Both get strong antilock disc brakes so you can make powerful stops. Both also come with OnStar telematics, a system that keeps you safe with handy features like automatic collision notification and on-demand roadside assistance. Equipment like stability and traction control give you supreme authority when nasty weather hits.

Conclusion

As you can see, the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 beats the used 2012 truck - and in more ways than one. When it comes to passenger protection, it's got all the best tech features. It also scored higher in crash tests - so you should have extra peace of mind on the highway. Besides safety, the 2016 Silverado also delivers modern engines that boost both fuel economy and towing capacity. If you're in the market for premium performance, test-drive the 2016 Silverado 1500 today. Come in and test drive the Silverado today.