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Ford Commercial Trucks: Diesel vs Gas

6.7L Power Stroke diesel vs 7.3L V8 gas — the most important spec decision in commercial trucks. Here's exactly how to choose based on your mileage, towing, and budget.

6.7L Power Stroke7.3L V8 GasTowing comparisonCost of ownershipFuel economy
Engine comparison
6.7L Power Stroke Diesel vs 7.3L V8 Gas
Specification6.7L Power Stroke Diesel7.3L V8 Gas
Horsepower475 hp (500 hp HO on F-450/550)430 hp
Torque1,050 lb-ft (1,200 lb-ft HO)475 lb-ft
F-350 max gooseneck tow35,750 lbs27,500 lbs
F-350 max payload7,850 lbs4,460 lbs
Fuel economy (highway)16–20 mpg (under light load)14–17 mpg
Fuel economy (towing)9–13 mpg6–10 mpg
Engine price premium+$10,000–$12,000Standard
DEF fluid requiredYes (~$0.10/mile)No
Typical engine life300,000–500,000 miles200,000–250,000 miles
Resale value premiumHigher (diesel commands $4,000–$8,000 more)Lower
Best forHigh mileage, heavy towing, long service lifeLighter duty, lower initial cost
Choose your engine
Which Engine Fits Your Business?

¿Cuándo Elegir Diésel?

  • ✓  You tow over 15,000 lbs regularly
  • ✓  You drive more than 25,000 miles/year
  • ✓  Long-haul or interstate commercial routes
  • ✓  You plan to keep the truck 5–10 years
  • ✓  Payload requirements are near the truck's limit

¿Cuándo Elegir Gasolina?

  • ✓  Towing under 15,000 lbs most days
  • ✓  Under 20,000 miles/year commercial use
  • ✓  Budget is the primary constraint
  • ✓  Gasoline is more accessible in your region
  • ✓  Shorter ownership cycle (2–4 years)
Common questions
Diesel vs Gas FAQ
For high-mileage commercial operators — contractors, fleet managers, agriculture — the diesel typically pays back the premium within 3–5 years through fuel savings and better resale value. At 30,000 miles/year towing regularly, the fuel savings alone often exceed $3,000/year vs gas. Lower-mileage operators or those with shorter ownership cycles may not fully recoup the premium.
DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) is required by all diesel trucks to meet EPA emissions standards. It costs approximately $0.08–$0.12 per mile, or about $30–$50 to fill a full DEF tank. At 30,000 miles/year this adds roughly $2,400–$3,600 in annual fuel system costs — a real factor in diesel total cost of ownership calculations.
For contractors, tradespeople, and fleet operators with regular towing and high mileage, the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel is the standard recommendation. For lighter commercial use — electricians with minimal towing, small fleets cycling trucks every 3 years, or budget-sensitive buyers — the 7.3L gas is a sound choice. Call (844) 877-9033 to discuss your specific use case.

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