F350 vs F450: The difference Between Ford F350 and F450
All trucks are not built the same. Even if made by the same manufacturer there will be differences in ride, comfort, and hauling. Before you shop, you should test drive different models to make sure you are getting what you want in a truck.
Two differences may leap out at you. First, the payload is a lot heavier with the F450 than the F350. Second, the F450 has a wider front end for better turning. These two differences may seem minor but once you have a heavy load, they become major differences.
To find out more about the differences between the F350 and the F450 just continue to read our article. It is filled with comparison information to help you decide which is the better truck for you.
Ford F350 vs F450 101
Difference Between f350 and f450 Super Duty
One of the main differences would be in the tires. The F450 comes with tires that can reach 110 psi and that size does not support the TPMS. The F350 tire pressure is lower, so it does support the TPMS.
Also, the ride of the F450 is about the same as the F350. That makes the two equal when it comes to riding pleasure. But that ride experience does not translate into a good turning radius. The F350 has a worse turning radius than the F450.
On top of that, the axles for both trucks may be the same but that is in name only. The F450 has a thicker axle with more splines. Finally, it may take longer to get your new F450 than it does to get an F350.
One customer had to wait 4 1/2 months before his was delivered. The wait may be worth it though.
Ford F350 vs F450 specs
Two engines are available. The F350 gets the 6.2L 2 valve V8 FFV on almost all models except for the F350 Limited/ This engine produces about 385 hp with about 430-pound foot of torque.
The F450 gets the 6.7L power stroke V8 turbo diesel motor that comes with 450 hp and over 900-foot pound of torque. Then the F350 can tow about 21,000 pounds with a payload capacity of 7,640 pounds.
The F450 can tow about the same amount of weight but its payload capacity is lower. It holds just over 6,000 pounds at one time. Then for headroom, the F450 is a little larger. You can really stretch out in the F450 than you can in the F350.
Plus, the seating capacity is about the same for both vehicles. No one gets left out when you choose either vehicle to drive.
F350 vs F450 Dimensions
There is little difference between the two vehicles when you look at their dimensions but that little difference may be very important if you are a little taller than average. First, the F350 is 250 inches long and roughly 106 inches wide.
Its height measures out at 81.3 inches and the wheelbases reaches 159.8 inches long. The bed measures about 82 inches long and should be 106 inches wide. The F450, on the other hand, is 266.2 inches long and has the same width, 106 inches, as the F350.
The height of the F450 gets to 81.5 inches providing a bit more headroom for you and your family. Its wheelbase reaches about 176 inches with the bed making it to 98.1 by 106 inches in size.
The interior for both match up quite well as both vehicles hold 5 seats and has 43.9-inch front legroom and 43.6 back legroom.
Chassis Comparison
One main difference between the chassis is how governments look at both the F450 and the F350. For the F450, it is classified as a commercial class vehicle. That rating is because of the weight capacity and other factors.
The F350 is rated as a personal use vehicle because its chassis is a little smaller and the truck is a little lighter. This difference in categorizing the two vehicles may cost you or save you about $1300.
Also, the F350 has a better, tighter chassis making sure that it does not wander as you drive. The F450 has a little looser model and the truck can wader a lot. The latter chassis also provides a lot rougher ride than the former.
These little differences may mean a lot when you are pulling a TT or carrying a heavy load. But both chassis are strong and well built so they should last you a long time.
F350 vs F450 Insurance
Insurance is not going to be cheap when you purchase an F350. For starters, the full coverage plan is estimated at $1,650 per year. Now, of course, this and other prices we list here are just estimates and your final cost depends on your location, driving record, and the insurance company.
For comprehensive, collision and liability you are looking at paying $356, $596 & $498, respectively. Liability only is $574. Then a high risk coverage is about $3,554 with teenage drivers raising the cost to $6,160.
Because the F450 is usually rated as a commercial use vehicle, insurance rates can go pretty high. One couple was quoted as much as $5000 per year while another figure came in at $2100.
Each insurance company is different so you are going to get different rates. Part of the problem is not the vehicle or its classification. Your premiums also depend on your credit rating.
Your premiums may go down if you have an A-1 credit score or higher.
Ford F350 vs F450 Towing Capacity
Here the two vehicles may be about the same. But different models may have slightly different towing capacities. The Super Duty models are exactly the same at 21,000 pounds.
For the gooseneck style of towing the 2019 F350 reaches 32,000 pounds while the F450 can tow 37,000 through the same towing method. Of course, different models may have slightly different towing capacities.
It is said that the new 2020 F350 can reach up to 34,000 pounds when it wants to tow a trailer. That performance is due in part to its 6.6 Liter engine that puts out 450 hp and over 900 pounds per foot toque.
The 2020 F450 super duty comes with a 6.2 liter 385 hp, 430-foot pounds of torque and can reach about 35,000 pounds when you have heavy objects to tow. The towing capacity will depend a lot on the engine under the hood.
F350 vs F450 Fuel Economy
Depending on the model of your F450, your gas mileage may not be that great. The 6 speed F450 crew cab gets about 11.5 MPG, while the Lariat gets about 10.7 MPG. The F450 KR gets about 9.6 MPG, with the standard F450 super duty rate is about 9 MPG.
On the other hand the F350 fares a little better. 2009 saw the lowest mpg output getting about 11.2 MPG. The 2019 models were averaging about 12.3. The 2012 to 2014 models were pulling in the highest ratings at 13.4. 2015, 2006, and 2000 models were a close second with 13.1, 13.0 and 13.3 respectively.
Your mileage may vary depending on how you drive, how much payload you have in the back and how much weight you are towing at the time. Also, whether you drive the mountains a lot or stick basically to flatter lands and roads.
F350 vs F450 for 5th Wheel
There is a lot of debate on this topic. Some experienced RV owners like the F350 better and say that it can tow most RVs, TT packages without breaking into a sweat. Others prefer the F450 because of its power and towing capacity.
Both trucks handle 5th wheel towing very well. A lot will depend on the size of your trailer. Although the F450 has bigger brakes on it making stopping a lot easier. 19.5-inch tires are the recommended size. If your F350 doesn’t have them move on up to an F450.
But there may be a bigger problem. The state you live in may be quite lax or very strict when it comes to licensing bigger vehicles. It is said that some states are very much against regular drivers pushing a big rig like the F450 or the F550 and you can have some problems if the state you live in takes that viewpoint.
F350 vs F450 Truck Camper
Because the F450 has a better turning radius, you may want to go with that vehicle over the F350. Plus, the F450 should be able to handle the weight of the camper a lot better. Some experienced camper drivers say that they cannot feel the camper at all when they drive or turn corners.
The F350 just does not compare when there is a constant heavy load on the back of your truck. The F450 should handle that load without complaint. Also, fully loaded and flat towing a jeep the F450 still gets about 10 1/4 miles to the gallon.
The only category where the F350 beats the F450 is the load capacity. Generally, unless you move up to the F450 cab chassis with an aftermarket bed, the F350 carries a heavier payload. That difference will allow you to put a heavier camper on the back.
The only thing about this difference is that the F450 will make up the discrepancy through its better turning radius.
Turning Radius Comparison- F350 vs F450 vs F550
First, let's look at the F350. The Super Duty model comes with a regular and extended cab model. The first one offers you about 47.7 feet turning radius. The extended cab is a bit higher due to its extended length. The turning radius on that model is 49.1 feet.
Then the crew cab even with a short bed reaches to 53.5 feet. The F450 DRW that has a 172 inch wheel base needs about 50.4 feet to make its turn from curb to curb. The wall to wall turning radius is higher at 52.5 feet.
With the F450 that has a 161-inch wheelbase, you are looking at 47.8 for curb to curb and 49.6 for wall to wall. The 2017 F450 the turning radius hit 60 feet while the 2017 F350 was registered at 66 feet.
The F550 may not reach 60 feet but that would depend on the model of the truck. So me F55os reach about 58 1/2 feet while others will only need about 56 1/2 feet of turning room.
The main factors in getting the right turning radius depend on the make and model of the vehicle. Each model of the 350s, 450s and 550s do not all have the same turning radius. Then a lot will depend on the wheelbase length. The longer the truck’s wheelbase, the bigger the turning radius.
Some Final Words
Comparisons are hard to do as many different vehicles are designed for specific tasks. In the case of the F350 vs. the F450, the comparisons point out minor differences more than major ones.
For example headroom and legroom are either exactly the same or they are off by only an inch or two. Not a lot to write home about. Then the wheelbase differences range in size giving you a better turning radius for the F450 over the F350.
Power goes to the F450 but that difference does not change the towing capacity, Both the F350 and F450 tow the same amount of weight. Also, that power difference does not stop the F350 from having a bigger payload than the F450.
The F450 may have the power but it may ride rougher when empty as well as have more wander in it than the F350. Turning radius is not the only factor in deciding which truck is best for you.
It is going to be up to your preference in the end. Which truck you feel most comfortable with when driving. The other factor you have to consider is that the F450 is rated commercial, and the F350 is rated for personal use.
Those ratings will affect your insurance premiums and may keep you in line with the laws of the state you are living in. You need to check the laws before deciding which is best for you.
