7.3 gas or 6.7 diesel … which should I choose?

Hey everyone,

I’m upgrading from an F-150 to an F-250, and I’m stuck deciding between the 7.3 gas and the 6.7 diesel. I’m familiar with both engines—used to work as a Ford tech and also worked with the 7.3 Godzilla in Blue Bird school buses. Both are great, but here’s my situation:

  • I commute 3.4 miles to work daily, so short trips are the norm.
  • I don’t want to put the diesel’s aftertreatment system through the pain of short trips.
  • My camper is 6,800 lbs, so the 7.3 can handle it fine.
  • MPG on the 7.3 gas makes me nervous, though.
  • Currently towing with a 2.7 EcoBoost and giving it a workout.

What do you all think? Would the 7.3 be the better fit for my use case? Or should I consider the diesel despite the short trips?

It sounds like the 7.3 gas is the better choice for you. Plus, you’ll be happy every time you see gas is $1+ cheaper per gallon than diesel.

When I bought my F-350, I went with the 7.3 for the same reasons you mentioned. Short trips kill diesel emissions systems, and the Godzilla handles everything I need. Plus, you can always throw a supercharger on it later. :wink:

@Bevin
Exactly. If you’re not long-hauling and doing more local trips like landscaping or construction, gas is the way to go.

One thing to consider—fueling up with a trailer is easier at diesel pumps alongside the semis. Pulling a trailer through the gas pumps can be a pain.

I tow a 7,000–7,500 lb camper with my 6.7. If I were to buy again, I’d get an F-350 with 3.73 gears. The 10-speed makes it efficient, and you save a bit of fuel compared to the 4.30 gears.

I was in the same debate and went with the 7.3. Here’s my thought process:

  • The diesel is a $10,000 upgrade.
  • Diesel oil changes are more expensive (about $250 more every 5,000 miles).
  • Diesel fuel is $1–$1.50 more per gallon in my area.

Even though the 6.7 gets about 5 mpg more, it would take 500,000 miles to break even on the cost difference. For me, it wasn’t worth it.

@Mackenzie
The problem is the 6.7 probably wouldn’t even last that long! They’re picky about fuel quality, and I’ve seen too many issues working at a dealership.

@Mackenzie
I think your math is a little off. Diesel maintenance costs are closer to $200 more every 10,000 miles, not $500. And resale value for diesel trucks is much higher. After 50,000 miles, you’d already save thousands in fuel and depreciation with a 6.7.

I’ve owned both a 7.3 OBS and a 6.7, and I’d go with the 6.7 every time. You’ll find something to tow with it, and DEF really isn’t as bad as people make it out to be.

For your situation, it sounds like the 7.3 is the better fit. I have a 6.7 and love it, but it’s expensive—between the $10k upfront cost, DEF, and higher fuel prices. You can buy a lot of gas for the price difference.

Why not look at the 6.2 if it’s still offered? It would handle everything you need and cost less than both the 7.3 and 6.7.

I picked the 7.3 gas because I drive just 2 miles to work daily, and that’s awful for a diesel. It’s perfect for shorter trips and light towing.

Harper said:
I picked the 7.3 gas because I drive just 2 miles to work daily, and that’s awful for a diesel. It’s perfect for shorter trips and light towing.

How does it handle heavy loads? I’m thinking of switching to the 7.3 gas because my diesel’s aftertreatment system keeps giving me problems.