There’s no debate about Ford trucks being in the Mount Rushmore of the ‘car world.’ A debate, nonetheless, starts when there’s an F350 vs. F450 comparison.
Which is the most convenient? Which truck can tow more? And which can do it with more ease?
In a nutshell, the most significant differences between the two models are: F450 has been built around better turning, bigger brakes, and a heavier structure, while the F350 is a car with a smoother ride and bigger max payload.
You’ll find more differences between the two models after reading through this article. No worries because it is not a personal opinion or a biased approach you will hear from the dealership that wants to put their hands in your pockets.
So, keep reading for more details on the comparison.
F350 vs. F450: Difference Between F350 and F450 — Detailed Comparison with Honest Reviews
The analysis of the different aspects of each model below is rendered by studying their actual characteristics and how they cover the needs of Ford owners.
Comparison Chart
| F350 | F450 | |
| MSRP (2022 Series) | $45,010 | $56,385 |
| Engine | Standard: 6.2L V8 Gasoline: 7.3L V8 Diesel: 6.7L power stroke V8 Turbodiesel | Diesel: 6.7L power stroke V8 Turbodiesel (the only option) |
| Chassis | Smaller but tighter | Bigger but a little looser |
| Fuel Economy | 11-13 MPG | 9-11 MPG |
| Towing Capacity | 35,750 pounds maximum | 37,000 pounds maximum |
| Payload | 7,850-pound maximum | 6,210-pound maximum |
| Tires & Wheels Size | Smaller wheels, tires support TPMS | Bigger wheels, tires do not support TPMS |
| Interior Design | Comfortable but still affordable | Well equipped, has a wide range of selections |
Detailed Comparison
Chassis
The Chassis structure for the F450 is 8 inches narrower, and the frame has the standard 4-inch width. This makes the distance between the rear of the cab to the center of the rear axle longer by 4 inches. The width stands at 74.8, and it’s wider than the F350, which has a front tread width of 68.3.
This is also what makes them different regarding the tire outside width, which is the rear. More specifically, this characteristic of the F450 is at 93.6, while the same aspect of the F350 is at 91.2 inches.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy should be more of a catalyst in the final decision of buying a truck, regardless of the use of the vehicle or the purpose of the purchase.
The standard MPG for the F350 is calculated at around 11-13/16, depending on the models. For the traditional model of F450, the MPG is around the same rate at 9-11.
Ford car drivers have expressed their views of the F350 being a better car as it concerns the fuel economy and the miles per gallon, considering that they are using it for work and carrying purposes.
Towing and Hauling Capacity
You have the option of a gasoline and turbodiesel V8 engine in both the F350 and F450 models. The V8 engine option is actually what you need to reach the max weight rating. It’s a scary sight, nonetheless, when it comes to the F350 option of the newly revised 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8 engine pouring around 440 horses and 925 pound-feet of torque.
The towing capacity of both vehicles has been deemed impressive and productive for all buyers, sellers, and car analysts. However, the weight rating for many models of the F450 car has been one step ahead of the F350 limits. That’s why many models have been included in ‘Class 4’.
F450 is geared up for heavy machinery and a significant load to carry. That’s why it presents one of the best figures because it concerns substantial packs and not so much commercial use. But, once again, it’s upon your discretion since you are the most knowledgeable when it comes to your daily needs and wants.
Tires & Wheels Size
F450 would have different tires and wheels size, and this is because some elements were added from the previous models, including the F350. The tires are more prominent for the former, at 19.5 inches, and for that reason, most new F450 models have added 2 mm ticker axle shafts and 4.20 gears. Most of the F350 models have wheels that don’t surpass the inches of 17 and 18.
Most reviews would characterize the width, length, and height of the F450 as the rendering characteristics that make it a ‘beefier’ truck. A powerful presence on the road with wheels makes the ride experience better. F350 for this matter would be more of a decision for someone to feel the road, have less trouble finding a parking spot, and not have such a comprehensive presence on the road.
This is also one of the reasons why the F450 possesses a greater hauling capacity than the F350. As James Riswick, writer of autoblog.com, suggests, “… the F450 that was attached to more weight with regular tires, and the adaptive system resulted in the steering equivalent of “it’s like the trailer’s not even there.”
Turning Radius
The first model of F350 in the Super Duty, the regular cab, has a turning radius of 47.7 feet, whereas the turning radius of the extended cab model is 49.1 feet. The analogy is the same for F450, but the numbers for the two vary.
The F450 Crew Cab (DRW) possesses a 172-inch wheelbase; therefore, its curb-to-curb ability to turn is measured at 50.4 feet. The turning radius for wall-to-wall amounts to 52.5 feet. However, this is for the taller version of the F450. The 2017 F450, for instance, is a car with a wheelbase of 161 inches. Therefore, it possesses 47.8 feet of turning radius in the urban and arterial streets and 49.6 feet for the turn between two walls.
There’s also a difference in the values for the F350 vs. F450. Even though the turning radius might be similar for some models, it’s a value that depends on the wheelbase lengths. The longer the truck’s wheelbase, the bigger the turning radius. Once again, it depends on your personal needs and the different F350 and F450 that you are looking into.
Interior Design
Your track’s interior also depends upon your needs and your pleasures. If you plan to have a more comfortable car sitting, sleeping, and spending some time after that traveling long distances, F350 is a better option financially. You choose for the interior between the regular, the extended, and the crew cabin choices, with the necessary comfort in every one of them.
For the F350, you also can choose between a 6.75 or an 8-foot bed, considering that in the first choice, you also have space for the heavy work items, while in the decision for the latter, you are more convenient.
With the F450 model, you have a wide selection range between the rugged workhorse basic seats and the supple heating leather front seats. The only comment here is that F350 would be a better and more affordable choice if you seek comfort.
Read more: SRW vs. DRW Pickups – Which Should You Get?
F350 vs. F450: What Do They Share in Common?
It’s not only the two models’ diverse characteristics that help people with their decision. Similarities play a huge role as well.
Appearance and dimension
To begin with, the appearance and the dimensions are everything. If you look into these characteristics for your final decision, you will have difficulty figuring it out because they are pretty much the same. A modern F350 and a current F450 are between 19 and 21 feet long. The height isn’t much different. Both cars are about 6 ½ feet.
Suspension and Axles
One of the most evident and significant is that the F450 and F350 have the same suspension and axles. They are a significant factor when talking about a car that’s not so much for commercial use.
Towing capacity
There’s also a great degree of similarity in towing, which goes back to the argument of the “F350 vs. F450” debate being a non-commercial one. The towing capacity isn’t that big different between the classic F350, which is around 31,300 lbs, and the classic F450 model, about 32,500 lbs.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
Another essential factor is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or the commonly-used acronym of GVWR. It’s similar to the towing capacity but not the same since this refers to the maximum weight capacity of the vehicle without a trailer attached. The GVWR is towing without a “5th wheel”. This is less than 14,000 for both models, and that’s why they are clarified as Class 3 trucks.
After various reviews, the facts reveal that the 14 thousand GVWR for the F450 is there because they want to market it at this rate. Meanwhile, the F350 is close to 14 thousand because this is its maximum capability.
Safety and Power Feature
Regarding the safety and power features, the automobile company has applied the newest Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera System technology in both models.
At this point, the seven cameras that the system entails, along with the 360-degree view and the technology of forwarding collision warning, are upon the buyer’s discretion, the function of the car, and other variables.
Gas Tank Capacity
Finally, there’s not much difference in the gas tank capacity for most versions of F350 and F450 models. Their power is between 35-40 gallons.
F450 Pickup vs. F450 Chassis Cab: What are The Differences?
We know the truck that covers most of your needs is one of the two already-mentioned options. However, you need to hear us out before reaching the concluding remarks because we might have an alternative if you are not satisfied with either of the two.
There are two models for the F450 category: the F450 Pickup and the F450 Chassis Cab. The names of the models say it all. The first one is a pickup truck, classified at Class 3, with 14 thousand GVWR. The second car is more of a commercial one in Class 4, possessing 16.5 thousand GVWR.
A significant difference is that the F450 pickup usually has wider pickup axles, while the springs of the Chassis Cab are heavier. The latter has a bigger fuel capacity at around 7.3-7.5 gas, while the pickup capacity only amounted to 6.7.
The F450 CC (Chassis Cab) has a much thicker and shorter spring pack, while the F450 pickup has a broader frame and fewer leaves that result in a smoother ride.
Final Verdict: F350 vs. F450 – Who Wins The Game? Which Should You Buy?
Who wins the game? It’s a tie. There’s no loser or winner in this game.
There’s only one answer: It depends.
If you want a heavy truck for heavy workloads and items that are commercially moved and towed by your brand new car, then we’d advise you to look closer into an F450 model.
If you’d like to make your presence known on the road, purchase a big truck, which is more customized towards a more convenient everyday routine, you would be looking at an F350.
Are you that passionate about a heavy truck that is more for a commercial purpose and doesn’t want to choose outside of the F450 model? You will have to decide between the F450 pickup and the F450 CC.
Read more: Fx4 vs. 4×4: What Are The Differences and Is The FX4 Worth It?