Ram 2500 and 3500 vs Ford F-250 and F-350 in Chicago
Shopping heavy duty pickups in Chicago? This page puts the Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 next to the Ford F-250 and F-350 Super Duty using figures each manufacturer publishes on its own website. We only list numbers that are consistent on the manufacturer pages. Where a figure is missing or the manufacturer lists conflicting values, we leave it out rather than guess. Figures change by model year, trim, cab and configuration, so confirm final specs for the exact truck you want with the manufacturer and with our team.
| Published figure | Ram 2500 / 3500 | Ford F-250 / F-350 Super Duty |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel engine | 6.7L Cummins High Output turbo diesel, 430 hp and 1,075 lb-ft of torque | 6.7L High Output Power Stroke diesel, 500 hp and 1,200 lb-ft of torque |
| Gas engine | 6.4L HEMI V8 (2500) | 7.3L gas V8, 420 hp and 445 lb-ft of torque |
| Transmission named for HEMI and diesel setups | TorqueFlite HD 8-speed automatic | Not compared here |
| Maximum towing listed | Up to 20,000 lb (2500 diesel); up to 36,610 lb (3500) | Up to 40,000 lb gooseneck with the 40k Gooseneck Tow Package (shown in F-350 and F-450 dual rear wheel tables) |
| Trims named | 2500: Tradesman, Rebel, Limited, Power Wagon. 3500: Tradesman, Laramie, Limited | XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum |
| Cabs named | See the Ram 2500 and 3500 pages for cab and bed options | Regular Cab, SuperCab, Crew Cab |
What the published numbers say
On the manufacturer pages, Ford lists higher diesel horsepower and torque than Ram, and a higher maximum towing number. The Ford 40,000 lb figure is shown in the F-350 and F-450 dual rear wheel tables, so it is not a single-rear-wheel F-250 or F-350 figure and it is not directly comparable to every Ram 3500 setup. Ram lists its own maximum towing figures by model and engine. Maximum towing depends on axle ratio, cab, bed, drivetrain and tow package, so the right comparison is always the specific truck you plan to buy.
Payload is not compared on this page. The manufacturer pages list payload with conditions and in ways that do not line up across models, so we do not publish a side by side payload number.
How to choose between them
- If you tow close to the top of the range, ask for the exact tow rating of the exact configuration, not the headline number.
- If you want a work truck, compare the Ram 2500 and 3500 Tradesman with the Ford XL and XLT on the equipment you actually need.
- If you want the most capable Ram for hauling and towing, start with the Ram 3500 and the Ram 1500 vs 2500 vs 3500 guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ford list more horsepower and torque than Ram in the heavy duty class?
On the manufacturer websites, yes for the high output diesels: Ford lists 500 hp and 1,200 lb-ft and Ram lists 430 hp and 1,075 lb-ft. Engine numbers are only one part of how a truck works day to day.
What is the difference between the Ram 2500 and Ram 3500?
The Ram 3500 is the higher capacity truck in the lineup. See our Ram 1500 vs 2500 vs 3500 guide for an overview.
Can I see these trucks in person?
Yes. Check current Ram inventory, then contact Dial CDJR to confirm availability and details.
Ford, F-250, F-350 and Super Duty are trademarks of Ford Motor Company. Dial CDJR is not affiliated with Ford. Specifications come from manufacturer websites and may change.
Next Steps
- 2026 Ram 2500
- 2026 Ram 3500
- Ram 1500 vs 2500 vs 3500
- Ram Commercial and Work Vehicles in Chicago
- Ram Trucks and Vans in Chicago
- New Ram Inventory
- Schedule a Test Drive
- Get Financing
- Contact Us
Dial Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Chicago, 7340 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60636. Phone (773) 974-6051.