Shopping for a new heavy-duty truck and stuck on the Ford Super Duty gas vs. diesel question? Have no fear, there are some simple factors that can help you make your decision, and we cover them below. See all four engines' specs and why each can be the right choice in this guide from Pettijohn Ford of Trenton, and visit us to test out your next Ford F-350 or Ford F-250 Super Duty gas or diesel truck.
| 6.8L V-8 | 7.3L V-8 | 6.7L Power Stroke V-8 | High-Output 6.7L Power Stroke V-8 | |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline | Diesel | Diesel |
| Horsepower | 405 | 430 | 475 | 500 |
| Torque | 445 lb-ft | 485 lb-ft | 1,050 lb-ft | 1,200 lb-ft |
| Peak Torque Delivery | 4,000 RPM | 4,000 RPM | 1,600 RPM | 1,600 RPM |
| Best-In Class Horsepower And Torque | No | Yes1 | No | Yes1 |
| Maximum Towing Capacity |
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| Maximum Payload Capacity |
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| Standard In |
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N/A | N/A |
| Available In | N/A |
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Comparing Power Stroke vs. gas engine Super Duty specs does involve the diesel options offering more torque, but pay attention to peak torque delivery, as it happens at just 1,600 RPM. A diesel engine gives you that iconic off-the-line surge that these beasts are known for. However, these have a much-lower redline (maximum RPM) than gas engines, which means that the gas engines will feel more familiar to most.
If all-out towing might is your goal, a diesel could be your best choice. But, as is evident in the F-250 gas vs. diesel section, the gas engines can provide higher payload capacities, making them adept haulers in their own right. If payload is most important in your routine, you might be interested in checking out our new Ford F-150 for sale.
As seen in both the Ford F-250 and F-350 gas vs. diesel availability comparisons, the 6.8-liter gas V-8 is standard in the lower three trims, making it the most affordable engine option here. The 7.3-liter gas V-8 is standard in the upper two. Meanwhile, the Power Stroke units are only offered as available upgrades. This can make them the more expensive option in any 6.7-liter Power Stroke vs. 6.8-liter gas V-8 comparison, though we must say, the massive tidal-wave of torque is well worth the money.
We could list the competition here, but instead we'll just mention a straightforward fact: The Ford Super Duty 7.3-liter gas V-8 and High-Output 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbo-diesel V-8 both have the highest horsepower and torque outputs in the full-size, heavy-duty truck segment.1 Why even bother with the rest when Ford trucks do it best? To further that point, the F-350 truck's 8,000-pound maximum payload capacity is also a best-in-class figure.1
But back to the Ford Super Duty 7.3-liter gas vs. 6.7-liter diesel comparison, here are the main points to consider:
Now that you know the main factors that set the Ford Super Duty gas vs. diesel options apart, the only thing left to do is test-drive the one (or multiple) that you want. See our Ford showroom today to take command and compare new or used Ford F-250 vs. F-350 trucks!
If you're aiming for the most towing power, then yes, a diesel engine is absolutely worth it in a Super Duty truck. When you compare Ford Super Duty gas vs. diesel specs, you'll see that the diesel options, while typically more expensive than the gas version, generate more than double the torque and reach the truck's highest possible tow ratings. However, gas-engine models can have stronger payload capabilities.
In most cases, a diesel Super Duty truck will tow more than the gas version. For example, a Ford F-350 Regular Cab 4x2 SRW with an 8-foot box can tow up to 22,400 pounds2 with a gas engine, while a diesel-powered version tows as much as 25,800 pounds.2 With that said, gas-engine Super Duty trucks typically have a higher payload rating.
Diesel Super Duty trucks, generally speaking, do have slightly higher maintenance costs than a gas-engine equivalent, but in exchange, their maintenance intervals tend to be much longer. This balances things out nicely. Paralleling this, while diesel can cost more at the pump, diesel engines tend to be more fuel-efficient overall. Compare Ford Super Duty gas vs. diesel benefits today at Pettijohn Ford of Trenton.
1Class is Full-Size Pickups over 8,500 lbs GVWR. Based on current publicly available competitive information. Horsepower and torque ratings determined based upon testing requirements prescribed in SAE J1349®. Your results may vary. When properly equipped. Horsepower and torque are independent attributes and may not be achieved simultaneously.
2When properly equipped. See dealer for details.
3Maximum payload capabilities are for properly equipped vehicles with required equipment and vary based on vehicle configuration, accessories, and option content. Horsepower, torque, payload and towing are independent attributes and may not be achieved simultaneously.
