Yesterday’s Super Duty is Today’s Light Duty
At the end of 2013, the average age of a vehicle on the road in the United States was 11.4 years. That’s the oldest that they’ve been in basically the history of the automobile.
If we go back 11.4 years from today, we’d be in the 2003 and 2004 model year. What type of progress have we made since the average person purchased a new vehicle?
Today, the 2015 Ford F-150, when properly equipped, can tow up to 12,200 pounds. Part of that is due to the enormous power of the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 that powers the new F-150, and part of it is due to the 700 pounds of weight that was saved by switching to an aluminum body.
Back in the 2003 model year, you would need to have a F-250 Super Duty to have that kind of capacity. The 2003 F-250 Super Duty was capable of towing 12,500 pounds. That’s only a 300 pound difference!
What does that mean?
If you’re driving an average-aged F-250 and you’re looking to replace it, you don’t necessarily have to replace it with another F-250. The F-150’s capabilities have expanded tremendously since you purchased your truck, and you can get the same benefits out of a more fuel-efficient truck.
Progress is a heck of a thing. Let us know what you think in the forums!
cover photo via [FTE Forums]
