Ford's F-Series line of pickup trucks has developed a devoted following throughout its storied history. The most popular vehicles in this segment are the light-duty F-150 and the Super Duty F-250. While these two trucks appear similar, being from the same automaker and boasting similar technological offerings, there are some important differences. And potential Ford F-series buyers should be aware of these differences.

At Ames Ford Lincoln, we take pride in serving the community with top-class vehicles for every lifestyle. Our friendly, honest sales representatives are available to help you understand which Ford F-Series pickup truck is the best choice. And as the top ROUSH Performance dealer in Central Iowa, we can help you find the best warranty-compliant customization package for your vehicle. Contact us to learn more. 

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Ames Ford Lincoln

123 Airport Road
Directions Ames, IA 50010

  • Sales: (515) 233-1913
  • Service: (515) 233-1916
  • Parts: (515) 233-1916

Hours

  • Monday 8am-8pm
  • Tuesday 8am-8pm
  • Wednesday 8am-8pm
  • Thursday 8am-8pm
  • Friday 8am-6pm
  • Saturday 8am-5pm
  • Sunday Closed

 F-150

The Ford F-Series lineup ranges from the popular half-ton F-150 pickup truck to the commercial-grade F-750. All vehicles except the F-150 are part of the Super Duty lineup. The F-150 is officially considered a light-duty pickup truck.

Light-duty does not mean lightweight, however. In optimal configuration, the Ford F-150 can tow over 13,000 pounds and haul a payload just shy of 3,000 pounds. It also has three bed sizes, including an eight-foot variant.

With six different engine options, as well as three different bed lengths and cabin types, the F-150 is a prime customization machine. The base model uses a 3.3-liter V6 boasting 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. The various engine options allow buyers to choose a truck optimized for different specifications including towing, speed and fuel economy.

2021 engine options will include a hybrid powertrain, and Ford has announced plans to release an all-electric F150 in a few years. However, many specifics are still unclear regarding this latter option.

The F-150 is best as a daily driver or for people who need a little bit more weight to haul a little bit more stuff. For stronger jobs or regular towing, however, the F-250 is a better choice.

 F-250

As stated above, the F-250 is hardly the biggest vehicle Ford makes. But it is the lowest-level vehicle in Ford's Super Duty lineup. It is also the most popular Super Duty vehicle.

The F-250 boasts three engine options, all optimized for towing. The base setup is a 6.2-liter V8 with 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. Its available 7.3-liter V8, offering 430 horsepower and 475 pound-feet, is the most powerful gas V8 engine in a heavy-duty pickup. When properly equipped with a gooseneck trailer towing rig, the F-250 can tow over 20,000 pounds.

As both vehicles are developed by Ford, they both have similar infotainment systems and styling. They also both include the automaker's 360 Copilot suite of safety programs.

The F-250 is slightly more expensive than the F-150 and has lesser ratings in categories such as fuel economy. But when you need a truck that can provide maximum performance day in and day out, the F-250 is the best choice.

Some people choose to use a newer F-150 as their daily driver, while keeping an older time-tested F-250 for big jobs. However, it is important to remember that new innovations constantly come out of vehicle design labs. The modern F-150 boasts performance metrics that meet, and even exceed, the performance of F-250 vehicles from prior decades. So when looking to replace an old work-ready truck, it is still worth keeping an eye on the next few years of the F-150 lineup.

 Conclusion

The Ford F-Series of pickup trucks has proven itself over and over against some of the toughest conditions. Generations of Iowa drivers have relied on trucks such as the F-150 and F-250 to support them when the going got rough. And in today's models, Ford produces vehicles that remain true to their heritage while offering unparalleled performance and forward-looking capabilities. So whether you are a longtime or a first-time buyer, the Ford F-Series stands ready to impress you.

Ames Ford Lincoln is proud to contribute to job sites across Iowa. We offer new and used vehicles all across the Ford lineup. Our finance and service centers help drivers get and keep their next great ride. Visit us at 123 Airport Road in Ames, Iowa, or call us at (515) 233-1913 to ask questions or to schedule a test drive.

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