A significant percentage of full-size pickup trucks may have become “lifestyle” or family vehicles, but heavy-duty trucks are meant for work. They can still be plush inside because even a hard-working tradesman appreciates a bit of comfort, but underneath, they are all about heavy payloads and/or towing large trailers. Kelley Blue Book (KBB) did a quick comparison of the Ford F-250 Super Duty and Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, and Benna Ford gives you the highlights.
Powertrains
The Silverado offers two 6.6-liter engine choices: one gas-powered and the other diesel. The gas-powered engine produces 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque. The Duramax turbocharged diesel is more powerful on both counts, with 470 horsepower and 975 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission. WT, Custom, LT, and LTZ models have standard rear-wheel drive with 4-wheel drive as an option. ZR2 and High Country models are 4WD only.
The Super Duty doubles the number of powertrain options with two gas engines and two turbo-diesel engines. The entry engine is a 6.8-liter V8 producing 405 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque. The 7.3-liter V8 is a step up for the gas engines. It is the most powerful gas V8 in the class, with 430 horsepower and 485 lb-ft of torque.
The Super Duty also offers two turbo-diesel engines, though both have a displacement of 6.7 liters. The 6.7L Power Stroke features 475 hp and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. Note that none of the Chevy engines reach four figures in torque. The High Output version of the same engine produces a massive 500 horsepower and a class-leading 1,200 lb-ft of torque. All four engines are connected to essentially the same 10-speed automatic as the Silverado, which Ford and Chevy developed together. Each transmission varies slightly according to the engine it is attached to. RWD is standard, with 4WD optionally available.
Body Configuration
The Silverado is available with a regular 2-door cab, a Double cab with a second seat and pair of doors, and a proper 4-door crew cab. Bed choices are 6’ 8” and 8’ long. The Regular and Crew Cabs are only available with the long bed, while the Double Cab is available with either.
The Ford Super Duty is also available in three cab sizes. Like the Silverado, the regular cab has two doors and can seat three with a bench seat. The Super Cab remains a 2-door but extends the cab for a second bench seat or extra cabin storage. The Crew Cab is a full 4-door model. The two bed sizes match those of the Silverado at 6’8” and 8’. The Regular Cab is only available with a long bed while the two other cabs offer a choice.
Towing Capacity
Towing capacities vary significantly by engine, axle ratios, cabin, and drivetrain. We won’t list them all, but on the Silverado, they range from 14,500 – 16,000 pounds for the gas engine and can go as high as 22,500 pounds with the Duramax diesel with a gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitch.
The Ford F-250 with the 6.8 V8 ranges from a low of 13,800 pounds with a 4×4 Crew Cab and long bed to 17,300 on a 4×2 Regular Cab with the short bed. With the 7.3-liter V8, the range is from 16,200 to 18,200 pounds. The 6.7 turbo diesel ranges from 15,500 with 4×2, the big cab and long bed, to 22,000 lb. with the SuperCab and long bed. Finally, there is the 6.7-liter High Output Turbo diesel, the range of which is as low as 18,200 in multiple configurations and rises to 22,000 in various configurations.
Special Features
KBB calls out some specific special features for each model line. The Silverado is available with the Multi-flex tailgate, which can be configured in six different ways for various cargo and loading needs. There are also off-road-focused ZR2 models, which are big things to throw around the rocks and streams but are certainly strong.
The Ford Super Duty is recognized for its more practical and work-oriented features. They start with the Pro Power Onboard 2-kilowatt electrical system with multiple outlets, which enables it to power lights or power tools—a feature the Silverado does not offer. The tailgate-down rear camera is also given a shout-out, along with the onboard scales, which inform you of vehicle payload on the spot.
KBB recognizes that many heavy-duty trucks are bought by experienced pickup truck owners who often select out of brand loyalty. That said, they give the nod to the Ford Super Duty due to its edge in practical technology. The Superior, Wisconsin area is full of people doing hard work, and thus, there is a generous supply of Super Duty trucks on hand at Benna Ford for you to see how well they will work with your needs.
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