Ford F-250 Comparison Breakdown: Old vs New (Video)
The evolution of Ford’s heavy duty trucks over the last few decades is nothing short of incredible.
Change, as they say, is inevitable. We all change as we get older, as does the world around us. But perhaps the most astounding changes take place in the automotive and technology sectors. Look no further than Ford’s Super Duty, which has become a rather sophisticated and refined piece of machinery over the years. This shift is glaringly evident when you compare a brand new F-250 to one built 43 years ago.
Which is exactly what The Fast Lane Truck does in this recent video. TFLT just so happens to own a 1974 F-250 Highboy, and they recently reviewed a 2017 F-250. So it made too much sense not to compare and contrast the two. And their differences provide an interesting look at not just how the automotive world has changed, but how the world in general has changed since 1974.
First off, heavy duty trucks were used strictly for work back in the day. They didn’t come with bedliners because folks didn’t mind scratching the bed up. It was a tool, not a jewel. Yet capability has grown by leaps and bounds, despite a huge jump in refinement. The new Super Duty can tow more than twice what the old F-250 is capable of, for example. And diesel engines represent the preferred powerplant these days, thanks to their capability and superior gas mileage.
Prior to 1999, Ford’s heavy duty trucks shared the same body style as the lighter duty trucks. And while customers in the 70’s preferred regular cab configurations, crew cabs have taken over today. And those large, modern cabs are chock full of technology and luxury. Which comes at a massive price, of course, when compared to the relatively cheap trucks of yesterday.
But perhaps the biggest difference comes in the form of driveability. While old trucks come with a bit of a learning curve for beginners, new trucks can be easily driven by virtually anyone. Gone are the days of heavy steering and clutches, replaced by user friendly electric-assisted steering and super smart transmissions.
But in spite of their differences, some things remain the same. Both old and new F-250 feature solid front and rear axles. The basic seating position hasn’t changed. Neither has the feeling that you’re driving something substantial. And of course, both trucks are quite simply Built Ford Tough. And that’s something we hope will never change.
