Few rivalries are more celebrated and well-known than the ones between Chevy and Ford, so much so that it’s impossible to imagine a world where these two titans of industry aren’t attempting to outdo one another in terms of performance, prowess, and quality. Decades ago, the Mustang and Camaro went toe to toe on the racetrack and turned the blacktop into a modern gladiatorial arena. This contest has carried over into the modern age of the automobile, only instead of the muscle car, it’s the pickup truck that sees these two brands attempting to outdo one another.
The Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado are both flagship products of their respective manufacturers, and depending upon who you ask, one is superior to the other in every practical way. While many contributing factors make each vehicle unique, it’s the powertrain that many look at first when selecting either of these capable workhorses. And that’s why we’re gathered here today; it’s a contest of the powertrain variety. It’s the 2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 vs 2023 Ford F-150. Gentlemen, start your engines!
Beginning With the Basics
Every journey begins with a single step, and when comparing the powertrains of the Silverado 1500 and F-150, we’ll start with the standard offering that both vehicles come with. Ford’s flagship truck comes standard with a capable 3.3L V6, propelling the F-150 forward with the benefit of 290 hp and the capability to generate 265 lb-ft of torque; it allows for a fuel economy of 19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway and can pull 8,200 lbs. Much like all engines that are a part of the F-150, a ten-speed automatic transmission comes standard.
When it comes to outperforming the competition, Chevy sets a high standard with their introductory engine. The standard offering consists of a turbocharged 2.7L four-cylinder engine. 310 hp and the capability to push out 430 lb-ft of torque are specs that are far superior to the V6 in the F-150. While it also gets 19 MPG in the city, it falls a little short when it comes to highway driving, with a fuel economy of 22 MPG. When it comes to performance, there’s very little of a contest, as a 9,500 lb towing capacity outdoes the F-150 by a considerable margin. An eight-speed automatic transmission is also standard for the four-cylinder engine.
Maximum Towing Results
Of course, when it comes to the many attributes of the pickup truck, many people look for towing capacity, which necessitates an engine of undeniable prowess and power. For the Ford F-150, this is found in the form of the EcoBoost 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6. A part of the Ford motor group since 2010, the engine has found use in the F-150, Taurus, Explorer, and Expedition and has even powered the Lincoln Navigator and MKT. It allows the F-150 to possess prominent specs of 400 hp and the capacity to generate 500 lb-ft of torque. Gifting the F-150 with a towing capacity of 14,000 lbs, this is what you need to get the most out of your workhorse.
Chevy’s answer to Ford’s turbocharged V6 takes the form of a 6.2L V8. Introduced during the 2019 model year, the vehicle has been a prominent part of the Silverado, Tahoe, Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, GMC Sierra, and Yukon. The most potent engine in the Chevy Silverado with 420 hp and the capability to generate 460 lb-ft of torque, it also allows for a towing capacity of 13,300 lbs. While this falls short of the F-150, it’s still an impressive number that demonstrates the capability of Chevy.
Five Liters, Eight Cylinders, and Incredible Possibilities
While many manufacturers have emphasized more efficient four and six-cylinder engines, many truck owners still swear by a reliable V8. Both Ford and Chevy have their offerings of this engine in question, which are also very close to one another in size and performance. For the F-150, it’s what many affectionately refer to as “The Coyote.” This 5.0L V8 pushes out 400 hp and generates 410 lb-ft of torque. And while it doesn’t tow as much as the turbocharged V6, it still manages to pull 13,000 lbs when properly equipped.
Close in size to Ford’s venerable workhorse, the available 5.3L V8 from Chevy boasts some impressive power of its own. With 355 hp and the ability to generate 383 lb-ft of torque, the engine is assisted with the inclusion of a ten-speed automatic transmission. And while the Coyote produces more in the specification department, it ultimately comes up short in keeping up with the towing prowess of Chevy’s offering, which can effortlessly pull 13,200 lbs.
A Duel of Diesel?
One of the more notable developments to have happened in recent years is the emergence of the diesel-fueled engine. Many of the leading manufacturers in the industry have found a way to revolutionize the format, and now we exist in a diesel renaissance of sorts. For the 2023 F-150 model, no diesel option is available, giving the Silverado 1500 a clear advantage for those who prefer this type of fuel.
The option that Chevy brings to the table needs little to no introduction. One of the engines that helped revitalize the diesel-fueled powertrain, the Duramax 3.0L six-cylinder diesel, is potent and capable of accomplishing a great deal. With 305 hp and the capability to crank out a massive 495 lb-ft of torque, Chevy’s offering gives diesel enthusiasts a lot of power to get excited about. And with a towing capacity of 13,300 lbs when properly equipped, it’s no wonder why this particular powertrain is so revered by many. One of its best advantages is its conservative fuel consumption, giving you 24 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway, which is quite impressive for a truck this size.
Which Model Wins? That All Depends on Your Performance Needs
The rivalry that’s existed between Ford and Chevy has been going on for well over a century. And throughout the many years that its persisted, pinpointing an exact winner is next to impossible, as both brands have their shares of highs, lows, and offerings that help us live with an elevated quality of life. And when it comes to the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado 1500, this is certainly the case. One could argue that either vehicle is the ideal choice for consumers, and it would be easy to extoll the virtues and benefits of both to an entire group of people who already have their minds made up.
As we’ve seen, Chevy outperforms Ford in many of their powertrain options; however, Ford once again exhibits their talent for making a vehicle with exceptional towing prowess. Perhaps the old expression of “apples and oranges” can be changed to “Fords and Chevys,” as they’re both vehicles of exceptional quality. No matter which one you choose, you’re certain to have the ability to accomplish the impossible. Whether you’ve got performance, capability, or fuel economy at the top of your “Most Important Features” list, both workhorses offer a tremendous amount of strength that are sure to meet the demands of daily life at home and on the job site.
