Ford is one of the top selling trucks in all of America, so choosing this brand is a no-brainer. There are three different models you can choose from: F-150, F-250, and F-350. What’s the difference? How do you know which one to choose?
Engine Size
As the number rises (150,250,230), the power increases. Because of this, each truck has a different type of engine. The 2016 Ford F-150, in particular, has many engine options. It comes with four choices: 2.7L EcoBoost V6, 3.5L EcoBoost V6, 3.5L Ti-VCT V6, and 5.0 TI-VCT V8. Each of these engines has different horsepower and torque. The lowest engine starts out with 325 horsepower and 375 lbs/ft torque, and the highest is the 5.0L engine that goes up to 385 horsepower and 387 lbs./ft. torque.
The 2016 Ford F-250 and Ford F-350 are both considered “Super Duty” and your engine options are limited to two choices for both trucks. There’s the 6.2L 2-Valve V8 Gas engine and the 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel engine. The 6.2L has 385 horsepower and 405 lbs./ft. torque while the 6.7L has 440 horsepower and 860 lbs./ft. torque.
Towing Capacity
Towing capacity sets these three trucks apart from each other. The 2016 Ford F-150 is one of the most versatile because it comes in a variety of trims and options, but it tows the least. It has a maximum towing capacity of 12,200 lbs. with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine and a 141.1-inch 4x2 wheelbase. The lowest amount the F-150 can tow is 7,100 lbs. with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine and 145-inch 4x4 wheelbase.
The regular cab for the 2016 F-250 has a maximum towing capacity of 12,500 lbs. regardless of the engine choice. However, if you choose to buy the super cab, your towing capacity can go up to 14,000 lbs. with the 6.7L engine. Finally, using the 5th wheel gooseneck towing, you can have a maximum tow of 16,600 with the 6.7L Engine.
The 2016 F-350 has the most towing capacity at 19,000 with the regular cab and the 6.7L engine. The super cab won’t give you any extra towing capacity, but if you need more, you can use the 5th wheel gooseneck towing and have a maximum towing of 26,500 lbs. with the 4x4 crew cab and 6.7L engine.
Payload
Again, the 2016 F-150 has the least payload possible since it’s the smallest truck. The lowest payload is 1,590 lbs. with the 2.7L engine, but you can get a maximum of 3,270 lbs. with the 5.0L engine. With the F-250, the payload increases slightly, and you can get up to 3,700 lbs. The best payload comes from the F-350, of course, with a maximum payload of 7,050 lbs.
Curb Weight
The final difference between the three trucks is the amount of curb weight possible. With the 2016 F-150, you can get a maximum curb weight of 4,612 lbs. with the 5.0L engine. The 2016 F-250 has a maximum curb weight of 7279/7668 lbs. with the 6.7L engine. Finally, the 2016 F-350 has the highest maximum curb weight at 7371/7776 lbs.
All facts and figures come from Ford.