The Ford Transit and the Ford Super Duty are excellent options if you need trusty work vehicles to meet your transportation needs. The Ford Transit is a highly versatile van that’s ideal if your business requires spacious cargo capacity, passenger transport, and cost-effective operations. The Ford Super Duty works best if your company demands extreme towing capacity, off-road capabilities, and heavy payload handling. In this article, we compare the features of these two commercial vehicles to help you determine which best aligns with your business.
Why Choose the Ford Transit for Business
The Ford Transit is a reliable choice if your business requires efficient cargo space, passenger transport, and fuel economy. It comes in three configurations: the Cargo Van, Passenger Van XL, and Passenger Van XLT, providing plenty of versatility for cargo and passenger transportation.
The Ford Transit has two engine options: a 3.5-liter naturally-aspirated PFDi V-6 and a 3.5-liter turbocharged EcoBoost V-6. The former produces 275 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and the latter produces 310 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque. Both are mated to a ten-speed automatic transmission system, which delivers smooth gear shifts and balanced handling.
With up to 536.4 cubic feet of cargo space and a maximum payload capacity of 4,887 pounds, the Transit is well-suited for delivery services, shuttle operations, and mobile businesses. The passenger version accommodates up to 15 people, making it a top pick for ride-sharing and transportation companies.
Like most recent Ford models, the Transit comes equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360 technology, which features numerous contemporary driver-assistance systems, such as blind-spot assist, precollision assist with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and reverse brake assist. It also features many upfit and customization options that enhance its utility as a commercial van, including heavy-duty cargo flooring, heavy-duty door scuff plates, and shelving.
When the Ford Super Duty Makes More Sense
The Ford Super Duty should be your go-to work truck for maximum power and durability. It’s available in three models — the F-250, F-350, and F-450 — and four robust powertrain options, each delivering remarkable power for intensive tasks. The primary engine is a 6.8-liter V-8 gas engine producing 405 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. If your business needs more power for heavy-duty towing, a monstrous 7.3-liter gas engine churning out a breathtaking 430 horsepower and 485 pound-feet of torque is available.
In addition to these main powertrains, Ford offers two Power Stroke V-8s. The first is a 6.7L turbo-diesel that produces an impressive 475 horsepower and 1,050 pound-feet of torque. The other is a 6.7L high-output turbo-diesel that generates a best-in-class output of 500 horsepower and 1,200 pound-feet of torque. All four engines pair with a ten-speed automatic transmission and have three overdrive gears for optimal power and towing performance.
When properly equipped, the Super Duty delivers a class-leading towing rating of 40,000 pounds and a maximum payload of 8,000 pounds. Ford also provides numerous technologies to enhance further the truck’s towing performance, including Smart Trailer Tow Monitoring, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, Dynamic Hitch Assist, Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, and Trailer Turn Signal Camera Views.
Ford Transit vs. Ford Super Duty
While the Ford Transit and the Ford Super Duty are both highly versatile commercial vehicles, each is better suited for distinct business purposes and tasks. The Transit offers up to 536.4 cubic feet of storage space, which makes it ideal for carrying large volumes of goods. What the Super Duty lacks in storage capacity, it makes up for with its impressive towing capacity of up to 40,000 pounds.
The different passenger capacities of these two leading workhorses also influence their business applications. The Transit can seat up to 15 passengers, making it an excellent choice for shuttle services and group transportation. The Super Duty only accommodates up to six passengers, which is enough for moving small work crews but insufficient for transporting large groups.
The decision on which to choose depends on your business needs. The Transit typically excels in city environs where maneuverability and efficiency are key, while the Super Duty dominates in industries that require power and durability.
Upfits For Each Ford Model
Ford offers extensive customization options for both vehicles. You can configure the Ford Transit with specialized shelving, refrigeration units, and secure storage, making it suitable for industries such as floristry, electrical work, and mobile health care. It can also be configured as a mobile office or a fully equipped passenger transport vehicle.
The Super Duty can be upfitted with service body configurations, tool storage compartments, and reinforced truck beds. Other examples include upfits such as heavy-duty racks, snowplow attachments, and additional lighting systems for construction, towing, or agricultural businesses. The Super Duty can also be fitted with gooseneck hitches, winches, and auxiliary fuel tanks to enhance its towing capabilities.
Picking the Right Work Vehicle
Your budget is one of the most critical considerations when choosing between the Ford Transit and Ford Super Duty. Another important factor is your towing and payload needs. If your business frequently transports heavy equipment or trailers, the Super Duty is the logical choice. However, the Transit might be better if you prioritize cargo space, passenger capacity, and fuel efficiency.
Finally, you should think about the environment in which your business operates. If your operations are in city environments, you’ll appreciate the Transit’s ease of maneuverability. If you predominantly operate in rugged or industrial settings, you may require the Super Duty’s strength and off-road capabilities.
Get a Reliable Workhorse for Your Business at Butler Ford
At Butler Ford in Ashland, Oregon, we offer the latest Ford Super Duty trucks and Transit vans, perfectly equipped to handle any work-related tasks you throw at them. Browse our inventory to see our options, and visit us for a free test-drive of each model. We’ll help you find a dependable work vehicle for your business.
