Jeep Gladiator vs Ford F-250 7.3L Tug-of-War: Is It Really About Weight? (Video)

Or can a different 4x4 system shift the balance?

jeep gladiator ford f-250 godzilla

Jeep Gladiator vs Ford F-250? Yep!

There are not too many ways a heavy duty pickup and an off-road playtime pickup truck can compete – but we found a way. The Jeep Gladiator vs Ford F-250 TUG-OF-WAR!

Based on components from the Jeep Wrangler and Ram 1500, the Jeep Gladiator is smaller and less powerful than the Ford F-250. It’s no surprise, our F-250 has the beefy 7.3-liter gas engine and it’s a lot-lot-lot heavier.

Someone thought it would be a good idea for a tug-of-war based on the Jeep’s superior traction. Okay, it has beefier tires and a locking front diff – but can it make a dent in the brute force of the big Ford?

Nope.

Watch for yourself and you’ll see what I mean. It’s still as entertaining as hell and you get to see something unique. New footage of behind-the-scenes filming and some of the fun we actually have during production.

Something fun here for just about everyone… unless you hate Jeeps and Fords.

Numbers

The new Ford 7.3-liter V8 makes 430 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 475 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. It’s hooked up to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The Jeep Gladiator makes 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. It’s hooked up to an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. Ours has the eight speed.

Nathan Adlen
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism - Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. Brought up in the California car culture and educated in theater, childhood education, film, journalism and history, Nathan now lives with his family in Denver, CO. His words, good humor and video are enjoyed worldwide.