Super Duty Dilemma – Is the 7.3L Godzilla V8 Better Than the 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel?

The arrival of the 7.3L Godzilla V8 has made this controversial Super Duty debate even more complicated.

The debate over gas versus diesel has raged on for years in the world of the Ford Super Duty, and the answer to that question has generally been pretty clear. If you do a lot of towing, you opted for the diesel, otherwise, you went with a gas engine. But the introduction of the gas 7.3L Godzilla V8 a couple of years ago muddied the waters, so to speak, which prompted Ford Truck Enthusiasts member Brandon966 to once again seek advice from the forums on this hot topic.

“Has anyone gone from a diesel to a 7.3 gas yet?” he asked. “I’m in a diesel currently and like the driveability and fuel economy, but don’t really need the diesel. Thinking of going to the 7.3 gas as I only tow 10-12k pounds 3-5 times per month. How’s the driveability compared to the diesel?” As one might imagine, there are more than a few FTE members have made such a move, starting with MtnWest.

“I just went to a 7.3, 4.30 truck and love it,” he said. ” I came from a 2017 Power Stroke and before that various gas and diesels. The most I pull is a 10-11k toy hauler and I have a lightweight RZR trailer and fishing boat. I’ll get this out of the way – the new Power Strokes are the kings for pulling. If you need to pull really heavy loads 24/7, the Power Stroke is your answer.”

Not everyone feels the same way, however, and that includes current diesel Super Duty owner coolidge54. “I test drove a 2020 7.3 gas recently. The 7.3 gas in normal driving mode was a total yawn power-wise and a big step down from the 6.7 diesel in felt power. Then I put the thing in tow/haul mode. They should rename it haul *** mode. Completely different truck power-wise. Completely different transmission – it was a lot like a manual transmission, it really holds gears both on/off the throttle. My lead-footed nature was quite happy in tow/haul mode for driving around town. I’d likely be fine out on the highway cruising in normal mode.”

Meanwhile, George C feels that this should be a pretty simple decision. “The 7.3L offers less than half of the torque of the 6.7L, and it’s not the same low RPM torque of the diesel,” he said. “If that fact, coupled with the simplicity of the engine and the easy maintenance of the 7.3L. is an acceptable trade, then it should be an easy decision for those considering the gas option. The diesel isn’t for everyone.”

This simple question has sparked a ton of discussion, which anyone considering both a gas and diesel Super Duty can and should check out by heading over here. And while you’re there, chime in with your thoughts on this hot topic!

Photos: Ford

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Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.

He has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles, and every other type of automobile, Brett had spent several years running parts for local auto dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.