If you’ve decided that the half-ton Ford F-150 doesn’t offer the oomph that you desire, it’s time to explore a Ford Super Duty. The two tracks that fall under this well-deserved title are some of the roughest and toughest pickup trucks on the road today. The only question is, which one is right for you?
What is a “Ford Super Duty?”
Some manufacturers call their beefier trucks “heavy-duty” pickups, which is alright for other automakers. The Ford version of heavier duty trucks deserves a title that is, well, super.
Ford’s F-250 and F-350 aren’t just trucks that come with a more appropriate name. The body and chassis that hold these trucks together differ from what you find on the F-150. These trucks need a different architecture because they are meant for bigger jobs. They have higher payload and towing capabilities and engines designed to handle the most demanding work you can find.
Which One Is For Me?
Before you run to your local Ford dealer and start throwing money around, it’s worth comparing the F-250 and F-350 to see which one stands out as your better option. There are several key areas to consider:
Price
When it comes to comparing trucks, price is often a great place to start. However, these two pickups have similar price ranges that don’t make the comparison as easy as you might like.
The F-250 typically starts around $32,500 for the base-level and $62,000 for the Platinum model. The F-350 starts at $33,700 and ends at the higher model at $62,000.
Powertrains
Another area that is often used to distinguish which truck is a great deal involves what’s under the hood. Both the F-250 and F-350 use the same standard and optional engines:
- 6.2-liter V8 with 385 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque
- 6.7-liter V8 turbodiesel offering 440 hp and 925 lb-ft of torque
Both of these trucks use a TorqShift Heavy-Duty six-speed automatic transmission with their diesel engines. They differ because the F-250 enjoyed a brand-new TorqShift G transmission, while the F-350 didn’t get it right away. This may not impact your decision but could be the most significant difference if you opt for a used Ford Super Duty.
Payload and Towing
Since both of these trucks are built to tackle the most challenging jobs, you can expect some pretty impressive specs. Both trucks can tow up to 21,000 pounds with a standard setup, up to 27,500 pounds with the available fifth wheel, and up to 32,000 pounds with the optional gooseneck. You’ll also enjoy a max payload of 7,630 on each.
Where Do They Differ?
If you think that two trucks with similar pricing, engines, and capabilities are too hard to differentiate, you’d be at least half right. Even with similar dimensions and overall specs, there are some significant differences that might help you decide on your better option.
Depending on the trim, you might see a 200-300 pound difference between these two trucks. You can also consider what role the different transmissions can play. Ultimately, that means that the F-350 is going to get less gas mileage than the F-250.
For drivers who don’t have to take their truck on a long drive, the F-350 is a fine choice. Once you start racking up miles, the F-250 will save you more in the long run.
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