Ford F-350 vs GMC Sierra 3500 HD: Powerhouse Pickup Showdown

Hard workers rely on pickup trucks for their performance and towing capability. Most trucks on the road have attributes that enable them to handle occupational tasks to some extent. However, not all trucks are created equal, and Ford is the brand that more workers trust than any other.

Ford and the pickup truck have been closely associated for over a century. The Ford Super Duty series of trucks, in particular, has been instrumental in providing drivers with what they need on any given workday. When you’re the best, others always aim to usurp your crown. Today, we’ll compare the 2025 Ford F-350 vs 2025 GMC Sierra 3500 HD to see how Ford stays on top.

Unlike other comparisons, we’ll focus on the engines that Ford equips its workhorse with. You’ll quickly see that these powertrains far surpass those offered by GMC. Whether you’re seeking raw performance, towing capability, or payload capacity, you’ll understand why Ford continues to wear the crown after all these years.

6.8L V8: Robust Base Power With Superior Payload

Choosing the right engine for your truck is crucial for accomplishing occupational or recreational tasks. The base offering for the F-350 is anything but basic. Comparing it to the base offering in the GMC Sierra 3500 HD is a tough contest, as both provide substantial capabilities.

Like all engines for the F-350, Ford’s 6.8-liter V8 is paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission for optimal performance. The V8 produces 405 hp and 445 lb-ft of torque, outperforming GMC’s base offering, a 6.6-liter gas V8 with only 401 hp. Drivers who use their trucks for moving large items need a strong payload capacity, and Ford easily outdoes the competition.

The F-350’s base engine can handle a maximum payload of 8,000 lbs. While the Sierra 3500 HD’s base powertrain offers substantial towing ability with a rating of 19,150 lbs, it falls short in payload, maxing out at 7,290 lbs. That’s 710 lbs short of what the F-350 can haul with its base engine, putting the Sierra 3500 HD even further behind right out of the gate.

Numbers don’t lie. Ford’s base powertrain delivers better performance and can carry more weight. Anyone who uses a truck in an occupational capacity will attest that an additional 710 lbs makes all the difference in the world.

7.3L V8: Dominating Performance and Towing

Ford enthusiasts may be familiar with the 5.0-liter V8 engine in the F-150, affectionately known as the “Coyote.” The F-350 is a larger truck, and its 7.3-liter V8, dubbed the “Godzilla,” lives up to its namesake in every possible way. It roars and outperforms GMC’s gas-powered V8 in every aspect.

The Godzilla produces 430 hp and 485 lb-ft of torque, surpassing GMC’s gas-powered offering, which falls short with 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque. When it comes to towing and payload, Ford excels in both. The F-350 can pull 22,500 lbs when equipped with this engine, exceeding GMC’s 19,150 lb gas tow rating.

The Godzilla may have a slightly lower payload capacity than the base V8, but 7,635 lbs is still plenty to transport materials from point A to point B. This payload capacity overshadows GMC’s 7,290 lb capacity.

Ford’s gas V8 engines offer far more than GMC’s single option. Whether you prioritize performance or towing and payload capability, it’s clear that Ford is the brand more drivers choose.

6.7L Power Stroke: Diesel Dominance With Unmatched Capability

The past several years have witnessed a diesel renaissance. Ford and GM have revitalized diesel powertrains, proving that this fuel source remains viable for fuel economy and performance applications. GM’s Duramax series and Ford’s Power Stroke produce high torque while placing less stress on the engine, resulting in superior performance and a powertrain that lasts longer than a gas-fueled one.

The first of Ford’s two diesel options, the 6.7-liter Power Stroke, produces 475 hp and 1,050 lb-ft of torque—impressive specifications, to say the least. Much has been said about GM’s Duramax engine, but the Sierra 3500 HD’s 6.6-liter diesel V8 falls short in both performance and capability.

The Duramax lags behind the Power Stroke, producing 470 hp and 975 lb-ft of torque. Drivers prioritizing performance will find the Power Stroke a more advantageous option.

When it comes to being a workhorse, the Power Stroke excels further. An F-350 equipped with this powertrain can tow 36,400 lbs, compared to the Duramax’s rating of 36,000 lbs. When you have heavy loads to pull, an extra 400 lbs makes a significant difference.

Payload capacity is another area where Ford proves superior. The Power Stroke’s 6,952 lb capacity surpasses GMC’s maximum rating of 6,644 lbs. We may be in the midst of a diesel renaissance, but Ford has harnessed this fuel source to its fullest potential.

6.7L Power Stroke High-Output V8: Unrivaled Power and Capability

You may have noticed the limited powertrain options of the 2025 GMC Sierra 3500 HD. Despite being designed from the ground up to serve the working world, it offers only two engines, which is far fewer than the four options provided by Ford.

Ford offers two diesel powertrains. The first outstrips GMC’s diesel option, but the second leaves the Sierra 3500 HD far behind in performance and capability. The high-output version of the Power Stroke is the quintessential road monster. Producing 500 hp and 1,200 lb-ft of torque, this diesel engine surpasses the Duramax’s 470 hp and 975 lb-ft of torque by a considerable margin.

The high-output Power Stroke’s payload and towing capabilities far exceed GMC’s. While the Duramax’s 36,000 lb tow rating is impressive, it is dwarfed by the 38,000 lbs that Ford’s high-output engine can handle. Drivers who require towing and payload capacity can rely on the high-output engine to excel in both areas. The Duramax, with its 6,644 lb payload, is far less impressive than the high-output Power Stroke’s 6,935 lb capacity.

When it comes to maximizing a single engine’s potential, you’ll always find it under the hood of a Ford truck. The high-output Power Stroke is what experts rely on for arduous and near-impossible tasks.

Four Engines With Limitless Possibilities

Only the best will suffice when choosing a heavy-duty truck with maximum capabilities. Whether you plan on towing, transporting materials, or harnessing performance to its fullest, the right powertrain makes all the difference.

Looking at the numbers, the 2025 Ford F-350 is far more capable than the 2025 GMC Sierra 3500 HD. While the GMC can perform in an occupational capacity, it is limited by its engine options and their specifications, unlike Ford’s versatile lineup.

The F-350’s multiple powertrains and impressive capabilities make it an ideal choice for any driver, regardless of their goals. Two gas and two diesel options deliver an impressive show of force at the job site and on the road.

When you’re ready to harness the full power of the 2025 Ford F-350, there’s only one place to turn. At DePaula Ford, we offer the F-350 with all its trims and powertrains, providing the unique competitive edge you’re seeking. Visit us today.