6.7 Powerstroke vs 6.7 Cummins: Who Wins?

The differences between the two 6.7L diesel powerhouses are astonishing.

The base numbers don't tell the entire story, and you'd be surprised to find out that the 6.7 Cummins might be the better workhorse, while the 6.7 Powerstroke serves as an all-around truck.

Let's apply those numbers to real-life applications and choose a winner.

TL;DR: 6.7 Powerstroke vs 6.7 Cummins

Relevant Specs: 6.7 Powerstroke vs 6.7 Cummins

6.7 Powerstroke vs 6.7 Cummins Similarities and Differences

The two heavyweights have been fighting for the top spot for years, and they will continue to do so for years to come. The question is, how do we know which side to pick? 

Let's break down the two 6.7 liter engines into details, analyze the similarities and the differences between the two, and choose a winner!

6.7 Powerstroke and 6.7 Cummins Similarities

The 6.7 Powerstroke and the 6.7 Cummins share the same engine displacement, and that's basically where the similarities end. 

Performance

The 6.7 Powerstroke is equipped with a uniquely designed single sequential turbocharger. Its design is similar to that of a twin-turbo setup, with a single turbine on a standard shaft and a dual compressor. The 2020 model year 6.7 Powerstroke is able to achieve 1,050 lb.-ft. @ 1,800 RPM and 475 hp @ 2,800 RPM thanks to the unique turbocharger design.

The 6.7 Cummins puts out a tad bit lower numbers, 1,000 lb.-ft. @ 1,800 RPM and 400 hp @ 2,800 RPM. Once we look past the somewhat similar torque numbers, the two truck models differ greatly. The 6.7 Cummins has a single sequential turbocharger much different from the one found under the hood of the Powerstroke. If you're a diesel truck drag racing enthusiast, the 6.7 Powerstroke has much more to offer you.

Reliability

Reliability is where we can find major similarities between the two engines. Certain 6.7 Powerstroke model years are a lot more reliable than others, the same as the 6.7 Cummins. Between the two, we can split the reliability battle right in the middle. 

However, towing heavy loads with the 6.7 Powerstroke isn't going to be as pleasant as it is with the 6.7 Cummins. Due to the low-end torque produced by the 6.7 Cummins (compared to the high-end torque produced by the 6.7 Powerstroke), the engine will have an easier time, and therefore, prove more reliable in the long term.

Fuel Consumption

Since the 6.7 Powerstroke struggles with heavy loads, you'll notice poorer mileage if you're constantly hauling something around. This is where the 6.7 Cummins shines; It's an excellent choice if you're concerned about fuel economy.

On the highways and in the city, without a load, the 6.7 Powerstroke has a slightly better fuel economy than the 6.7 Cummins, but the difference is only mild.

6.7 Powerstroke and 6.7 Cummins Differences

Here's where each differs:

The Brand

Ever since the 7.3 Powerstroke days, Ford was the favorite of many United States customers, whether they needed a fleet of trucks or just a reliable daily driver. Ford drew the business of many by offering a 'tough truck' that also had a luxurious side to it, and the 6.7 Powerstroke is the embodiment of that idea.

Chrysler on the other hand spun off the Dodge brand into the Ram Truck Division in 2010. The decision was made in an attempt to appeal better to truck buyers, and it paid off. The 6.7 Cummins had its hiccups at the start, but Ram worked out the issues, and the 6.7 Cummins' turned into capable, reliable, world-class trucks. 

Common Problems

We have to start off by mentioning the lawsuit against Ford Super Duty claiming that the Bosch CP4 high-pressure fuel injection pumps are defective and that they cannot handle U.S. diesel fuel specs. The injection pump failure is way too common, and it can destroy the entire fuel system, even worse, it can damage parts of the engine. Repairing the injection pump failure can get extremely costly. Regarding other parts and systems of the 6.7 Powerstroke, the problems are few and far between, but once they occur, don't expect to work on your truck yourself, unless you're very knowledgeable.

The most prominent issues on the 6.7 Cummins come from the emissions equipment. The systems are way too complicated, and they will create problems. For example, clogged systems are a known issue with the 6.7 Cummins, and it's caused by the emissions equipment. You can also expect various smells coming from the engine, terrible fuel economy, and a major drop in power. The trucks can't handle too much extra power, but a lot of 6.7 Cummins owners highly recommend installing a tuner. Working on your truck by yourself is also much easier on the Cummins.

Winners and Losers: 6.7 Powerstroke vs 6.7 Cummins

Power:  6.7 Powerstroke | 6.7 Cummins

Reliability:  6.7 Powerstroke | 6.7 Cummins

DIY Ease:  6.7 Powerstroke | 6.7 Cummins

Recalls & Problematic Systems:  6.7 Powerstroke | 6.7 Cummins

The 6.7 Powerstroke usually runs at 1600 RPMs, the same as the 6.7 Cummins. However, with an obstacle such as a hill, the Powerstroke may rev up to 3000 RPMs, while the Cummins goes up to 2000 RPMs. The 1,000 lb.-ft. from the 6.7 Cummins are much better distributed throughout the RPM range compared to the 6.7 Powerstroke's 1,050 lb.-ft. 

We can see the low-end torque that the 6.7 Cummins outputs by those numbers. - The engine struggles a lot less. If you need a dedicated work truck for hauling heavy loads, the 6.7 Cummins is a definite winner. You'll have a reliable truck that saves up on fuel and an overall better time. Also, it isn't that uncommon to hear that a 6.7 Cummins hit the one million miles milestone.

City driving with lighter loads is right up 6.7 Powerstroke's alley. You'll have better fuel economy, and thanks to the truck's luxurious side, you can transform it into a high-quality daily driver. In terms of horsepower, the 6.7 Powerstroke leads the diesel muscle truck battle by a long mile. Let's not forget about those incredible numbers that the engine can put out.