Comparing the diesel engine models found in the Ram trucks versus the Ford trucks takes us to the heavy-duty models in the market. When you want power, performance, and longevity in the big truck you drive, diesel power is the right way to go. The question we want to answer today is whether or not you should consider a Ram with the Cummins diesel engine or a Ford with the Power Stroke model.

What are the diesel engine sizes in the Ford Super Duty and Ram heavy-duty trucks?

Kelley Blue Book tells us that the Ford Super Duty trucks use a 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbocharged diesel V8 engine attached to a ten-speed automatic transmission. This truck produces 450 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. Maximum torque occurs at 1,800 rpm.

The Ram heavy-duty trucks use a 6.7-liter Cummins turbocharged diesel six-cylinder engine attached to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Ram 2500 models return 370 horsepower and 850 lb-ft of torque, while the Ram 3500 diesel trucks provide 420 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft of torque. Maximum torque occurs at 1,800 rpm in the high-output 3500 models.

These engines are the same size, which one is better?

The Ford Power Stroke diesel engine only offers one power level, but it has the most horsepower. This horsepower helps the truck accelerate to speeds faster when pulling a heavy load. Additionally, the difference in the transmissions favors the Ford. With two added cylinders and four more gears, the Ford Power Stroke should offer smoother driving from a stop to highway speeds.

Which diesel engine comes with a better warranty?

The answer is neither. Both the Power Stroke and the Cummins engines offer a standard warranty covering the engine and other powertrain components for 250,000 miles. This warranty gives you the confidence you need for the drive to start right while you enjoy many miles of excellent driving in either brand of truck.

How much can you tow with these diesel-powered trucks?

If you drive the Ford Super Duty with the Power Stroke diesel engine under the hood, you can tow up to 37,000 pounds when properly equipped. If you drive the Ram 2500 with the Cummins engine, towing reaches 20,000 pounds, while the Ram 3500 offers up to 37,100 pounds of towing. The Ram 3500 beats the Ford Super Duty by 100 pounds if you’re looking for the highest tow rating.

Which diesel engine should you choose?

Truck buyers tend to lean toward brand loyalty, which is often passed from generation to generation. This could sway your purchase decision, but there are some factors to consider once we take this factor out.

• The higher horsepower and additional gears of the Power Stroke diesel powertrain offer smoother driving and acceleration
• The Cummins diesel engine is offered in two heavy-duty truck sizes, giving you two different power levels

Note: A smaller engine, a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel six-cylinder, is available in the Ram 1500, while the Ford F-150 no longer has a diesel engine in the lineup. This smaller diesel engine is not a Cummins model but does offer the benefits of diesel power for this half-ton truck.

Overall, the two 6.7-liter diesel powertrains are extremely similar, with nearly the exact same tow rating, torque, and warranty. These two engines might be similar enough to bring you back to brand loyalty to make your final decision when looking for the right diesel-powered truck to drive.

Next, learn more about the Chevy Silverado 1500 Custom, or watch the reasons you might want the Ram Heavy Duty truck with the Cummins engine in the video below:

This article was updated on 8/20/2022.