Ford’s heavy-duty lineup is defined by two very different V8s that answer the same question: how much work do you really need your truck to do, and how do you want it to feel while it does it. The 7.3 Godzilla gas V8 and the 6.7 Power Stroke diesel V8 share a badge and a mission, but they diverge sharply in character, cost, and capability. What truly separates them is not a single spec sheet number, but the way each engine reshapes towing, ownership costs, and day-to-day drivability for Super Duty buyers.
Gas versus diesel at the core
The most fundamental split between the 7.3 Godzilla and the 6.7 Power Stroke is philosophical: one is a big-displacement gasoline hammer, the other a high-tech turbocharged diesel built around torque and efficiency. On Nov 24, 2025, a comparison framed the choice bluntly as “Diesel or gas, what’s your preference?” and noted that this is the first and most obvious difference when you cross-shop these Super Duty powertrains, with the gas option typically cheaper or at least comparable in upfront cost for many trims, a point underscored in that Nov comparison that also highlights how buyers often start by deciding between Diesel and Gas before anything else. That same reporting uses the shorthand “Whi” in describing how quickly the gap in fuel type cascades into differences in capability and operating costs, reinforcing that the fuel you pump is the decision that shapes everything that follows.
Other coverage from Nov 29, 2023, describes the 7.3 G gas engine and the 6.7 diesel as two sides of Ford’s heavy-duty strategy, with the 7.3 G portrayed as about as close as a modern truck gets to an old-school big-block while the 6.7 is positioned as the more specialized workhorse for sustained heavy towing. That analysis, titled “Ford 7.3 Gas vs. 6.7 Diesel: Everything You Need to Know,” stresses that the Ford brand built both to sit at the top of the segment, but it also makes clear that buyers who prioritize simplicity and lower initial cost tend to gravitate to the gas option, while those who need maximum pulling power and long-haul efficiency lean toward the diesel, a distinction captured in the way it contrasts 7.3 G and 6.7 under the banner of Ford, Gas, Diesel, Everything You Need, and Know.
Architecture and engineering: old-school pushrod vs modern diesel tech
Under the hood, the 7.3 Godzilla and 6.7 Power Stroke are not just different in fuel type, they are engineered around distinct philosophies. The Godzilla is a 7.3-liter, naturally aspirated V8 that leans on a traditional overhead valve layout, with a single cam in the block and pushrods operating the valves, a configuration that prioritizes durability and packaging over exotic technology. Ford Motor’s own engine documentation describes The Godzilla as a 7.3-liter V8 designed for Ford Super Duty trucks and other heavy applications, emphasizing that The Ford Godzilla Engine was built by Ford Motor to deliver big torque in a compact, serviceable package, a point detailed in the description of how The Godzilla 7.3-liter fits into the broader Ford engine family. That simplicity is not accidental, it is central to the engine’s identity.
The 6.7 Power Stroke, by contrast, is a turbocharged diesel V8 that layers in reverse-flow cylinder heads, high-pressure fuel injection, and a sophisticated turbo system to generate immense torque at low rpm. A detailed breakdown of Ford’s Super Duty diesels describes how the 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel Engine uses compacted graphite iron for the block and aluminum heads, with the reverse flow design helping manage heat and packaging, and it notes that this architecture is preferred for heavy-duty diesels because it balances strength with weight, as highlighted in a piece that pairs a “Photo” of the engine with an explanation of why Ford chose this material for more affordable trim levels, all captured in the analysis linked through Photo Ford. That same reporting underscores that while the gas engine leans on Simplicity, the diesel leans on advanced engineering to hit its performance targets.
Power, torque, and real-world towing
On paper, the 6.7 Power Stroke simply overwhelms the 7.3 Godzilla in torque, and that advantage shows up most clearly when you hitch up serious weight. In a Nov 4, 2022, discussion among RV owners comparing the two engines for a roughly 14,000 GVWR travel trailer, one owner points out that the 6.7 produces almost double the torque over the 7.3 at a more usable rpm, specifically contrasting 1600 rpm versus 4000 rpm and warning that with the gas engine you will often be running near flat out to maintain speed on grades, a real-world observation captured in the thread that notes how the 6.7 and 7.3 behave differently under load. That torque-at-idle character is exactly what diesel buyers are paying for, and it is why the Power Stroke remains the default choice for those who tow near the top of the truck’s rating week after week.
Dealer-side comparisons for the 2023 model year frame the same story in more polished language, describing The Battle of Titans between the 2023 Ford 7.3 Gas vs 6.7 Diesel Engine and noting that in The Realm of the Gasoline Giant, the 7.3 G delivers strong horsepower and respectable torque for most recreational towing, while the diesel dynamo on the other side of this landscape, the 2023 Ford 6.7 Diesel Engine, is the V-8 powerhouse that unlocks the highest tow ratings when properly equipped. That marketing copy spells out that the 7.3 can handle substantial loads but that the 6.7 is the engine that lets an F-250 or F-350 pull the heaviest trailers Ford allows from the factory, a distinction laid out in the section that introduces The Realm of the Gasoline Giant and then contrasts it with the diesel’s higher tow capacity in The Battle of Titans. A separate part of that same comparison, labeled On the other side of this landscape, reinforces that the Ford 6.7 Diesel Engine is the choice for buyers who want the most torque ever seen from a factory Super Duty diesel, a claim spelled out in the section that introduces the diesel dynamo and its status as a leading Ford Diesel Engine.
Payload, drivability, and how they feel on the road
Where the 7.3 Godzilla claws back ground is in how it carries weight and how it feels when you are not maxing out the hitch. A detailed video comparison of Ford F250 Superduty trucks notes that the 7.3L Godzilla gas engine often delivers better payload ratings than the 6.7L Powerstroke diesel in similar trims, because the lighter gas engine leaves more of the gross vehicle weight rating available for cargo, even though the Powerstroke has more torque and fuel efficiency. That breakdown, which invites viewers to Compare Ford F250 Superduty’s 7.3L Godzilla gas and 6.7L Powerstroke diesel engines, makes the point that buyers who haul heavy loads in the bed rather than on the hitch may actually be better served by the gas engine’s higher payload capacity, a nuance spelled out in the segment that contrasts Godzilla and Powerstroke in Compare Ford Superduty Godzilla Powerstroke. That same video underscores that the gas engine’s linear power delivery and willingness to rev can make it feel more responsive around town, even if the diesel is stronger at low rpm.
Owners echo that split in everyday driving impressions. In a May 22, 2025, discussion among F-150 and Super Duty drivers, a Well-known member with long term towing experience behind a Super Duty 6.7L Powerstroke combo describes the diesel as very relaxed and composed under heavy loads, but also notes that the gas engines can feel more lively when unladen and that the choice often comes down to how often you tow at the limit versus how much time you spend commuting or running light. That anecdote, shared in a thread that contrasts a 7.3 gas engine with a Powerboost hybrid but leans on years of experience with the Super Duty Powerstroke, captures how the diesel’s calm, low-rpm character can be a benefit on the highway but may feel overbuilt for drivers who rarely hitch up, a nuance spelled out in the comments quoted in Well Super Duty Powerstroke. That tension between relaxed diesel grunt and rev-happy gas response is one of the clearest experiential divides between the two engines.
Reliability, simplicity, and long-term ownership
Beyond how they drive, many buyers are weighing which engine will be easier to live with over a decade of hard use. Reporting from Oct 30, 2025, argues that The Ford 7.3 Godzilla is quickly proving itself to be one of the most reliable modern V8s on the market, crediting its Simplicity, including the OHV layout and port fuel injection, as a major reason it is easier and cheaper to maintain compared to more complex overhead cam systems. That analysis notes that the 7.3 G’s straightforward design, with fewer moving parts and no turbocharger, makes it attractive to fleet operators and private owners who prioritize durability and predictable service intervals, a case laid out in the discussion of how The Ford Godzilla Simplicity translates into real-world reliability. That same piece underscores that while no engine is maintenance-free, the Godzilla’s architecture is intentionally conservative to keep long-term costs in check.
Owners who have lived with both engines reinforce that trade-off between complexity and capability. In an Apr 9, 2025, video and write-up titled “We’ve owned both- 7.3 Godzilla vs 6.7 PowerStroke- Super Duty Regrets?” the hosts open with “Hey guys” and then walk through their experience owning trucks with each engine, ultimately concluding that both the 7.3 G and the 6.7 are strong choices but that the diesel’s higher purchase price and more complex emissions equipment make it a better fit for drivers who truly need its capabilities. Their Super Duty Regrets are less about reliability and more about matching the engine to the job, with the 7.3 G praised for its straightforward maintenance and the 6.7 lauded for its effortless towing, a nuanced verdict captured in the discussion of 7.3 G 6.7 Super Duty Regrets Hey. That kind of side-by-side ownership perspective is valuable because it moves beyond spec sheets to the realities of long-term use.
Capability, fuel economy, and use-case sweet spots
Capability is where the diesel’s strengths are most obvious, but it is also where the gas engine’s limitations are often overstated. A Nov 24, 2025, analysis that revisits the Godzilla versus Power Stroke debate notes that as we alluded to above, the diesel still holds the edge when it comes to capability, particularly in maximum tow ratings and sustained heavy hauling, but it also points out that for many buyers the gas engine’s performance is more than adequate and that the real question is how often you will actually use the top of the diesel’s envelope. That piece underscores that the 6.7’s extra torque and efficiency shine in commercial or full-time towing scenarios, while the 7.3 can feel like the smarter compromise for mixed-use trucks, a distinction spelled out in the section that explains how the diesel’s advantage grows with load in Nov capability comparison. That framing helps separate marketing hype from the actual needs of most owners.
Fuel economy is more nuanced. An Apr 27, 2023, discussion among RVers about the 7.3 liter Godzilla notes that You will find fuel economy reports and “how does it tow” anecdotes to be all over the place, with results varying widely depending on gearing, truck configuration, and how hard the engine is worked. That same thread emphasizes that for any truck configuration, the driver’s habits and the weight being towed can swing consumption dramatically, making it difficult to declare a universal winner, a reality captured in the comments that caution readers that You will find fuel economy data scattered across the spectrum. On the diesel side, a 2024 F-350 7.3 gas vs 6.7 diesel discussion from Aug 26, 2024, in a Comments Section sees multiple owners advising that if you are not spending most of your time with 10,000 pounds or more hooked to the truck, the gas engine may make more financial sense, because the diesel’s better mileage and higher resale value only offset its higher upfront and maintenance costs when you truly exploit its strengths, a calculus laid out in the advice shared in the Aug Comments Section.
Sound, character, and the ownership experience
Beyond numbers, the 7.3 Godzilla and 6.7 Power Stroke offer very different emotional experiences, and that matters more than spec sheets admit. In a Nov 4, 2022, thread where RV owners debate which engine to choose for a 14,000 GVWR travel trailer, one commenter sums it up by saying Both are incredible motors, you can’t go wrong with either, but adds that the 7.3 is throaty at any rpm, especially when working hard, and that this character can make the gas engine more enjoyable for drivers who like to hear and feel their truck under load. That same comment notes that the diesel’s quieter, more subdued soundtrack and lower revs can be easier on the ears over the life of ownership, but that the Godzilla’s sound and simplicity win some buyers over even if it costs a bit more in fuel, a trade-off captured in the observation that Both are incredible motors. That kind of subjective feedback is often what tips the scales once buyers are comfortable with the hard numbers.
Video comparisons add another layer to that character story. A Dec 9, 2022, video titled “7.3 Godzilla VS 6.7 powerstroke (WHICH IS BETTER?)” pits a 7.3 G gas truck against a 67 diesel on the road, highlighting how the gas engine’s roar and higher revs create a more dramatic experience under throttle, while the diesel’s low-rpm surge feels almost effortless. The host, speaking over footage of both trucks towing and accelerating, emphasizes that neither is objectively better in every scenario, but that drivers who value sound and simplicity may prefer the Godzilla, while those who want quiet, crushing torque will gravitate to the Power Stroke, a contrast laid out in the side-by-side runs shown in 7.3 G 67 Godzilla. That same theme appears in a broader historical look at Ford diesels, where a Feb 25, 2019, piece contrasts the Power Stroke Patriarch 7.3L with the State-of-the-Art Powerhouse 6.7L, explaining how the older engine was Designed, tested, and built for a different era of emissions and refinement than the current 6.7, a context that helps explain why today’s diesel feels so polished compared to its ancestors, as detailed in the comparison of Power Stroke Patriarch State Art Powerhouse Designed.
How Ford positions each engine today
Ford’s own product pages make clear that the company is not trying to crown a single winner, instead it is carving out distinct lanes for each engine. The 7.3L OHV PFI Gas V8 is described as a gas-powered V8 built for strenuous duty, hauling heavy loads, with commercial-grade durability, and that language is paired with details about how the OHV and PFI design choices support reliability and ease of service for fleets and private owners alike. On the same page, the 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel Engine is highlighted for its massive torque at 1,600 rpm and its advanced turbocharger that improves throttle response, underscoring that this engine is engineered for drivers who need maximum pulling power and efficiency, a positioning spelled out in the description of the OHV PFI Gas Design and the diesel’s torque curve. That official framing mirrors what owners and reviewers report: the gas engine is the rugged all-rounder, the diesel is the specialist.
Independent comparisons and owner forums largely align with that strategy. A video from Aug 23, 2020, that invites viewers to Compare Ford F250 Superduty’s 7.3L Godzilla gas and 6.7L Powerstroke diesel engines concludes that Godzilla has better payload while Powerstroke has more torque and fuel efficiency, reinforcing Ford’s own messaging that each engine excels in different metrics, a summary that dovetails with the way the company structures its trim and option packages, as seen in the breakdown of Superduty Godzilla and Powerstroke choices in Compare Ford Superduty Godzilla Powerstroke. And when enthusiasts on forums and in videos revisit the question of which engine is “best,” the most consistent answer is that there is no universal winner: the 7.3 Godzilla is the right choice for drivers who value Simplicity, lower upfront cost, and a throaty gas V8 character, while the 6.7 Power Stroke is the right tool for those who live at the limits of towing and want the calm, relentless shove only a modern diesel can provide.
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