CHEVY 6.0 V8 -vs- FORD 6.8 V10

Haven't driven both, but have the Ford V-10 and absolutely love that engine!! Have 105,000 miles on it and going strong. Torque is much more important than HP and there is a huge following of fans for the V-10 engine. Just my .02 cents.

I have driven both,the same RV but on different Chassis. I opted for the Chevy Chassis. For all the reasons that are discussed in that clicky.

More Leg room,better ride and no handling problems,power seems to be no problem and just a tad better fuel mileage.

My choice would be overwhelmingly the Chevy.

I would say drive them both and you will see the difference.

IIRC the fords numbers are actually substantially higher, the 6.8 has been listed with 320 hp and I believe 362. Ford has reduced the RPM used for the listing causing the apparent HP loss.

Edit add;
HP changes on 6.8 through 2010
http://www.dieselhub.com/specs/ford-6.8-triton-v10.html

362 hp was when the engine was measured at 4500 rpm

In 2016 the spec was changed at the same time the tranny became a 6 speed.
Horsepower (SAE net@rpm) 320 @ 4000
Torque (lb.-ft. @rpm) 460 @ 3000

The only changes appear to be the rev limiter and lowering rpm to achieve different economy and emission standards.

The Chevy is a 4500. The Ford is an E-350 not an E-450. Note the difference in GVWR and GCWR.

trx680 wrote:
I'm looking at the smaller Class C 21ft motorhomes on the General RV website.
They have two identical motorhomes at the same price, just one a Ford, the other a Chevy.
Chevy 324hp, 373 torque
Ford 305hp , 420 torque

Has anyone driven both and compared power and handling?

Wondering which would be the better buy.

https://www.generalrv.com/product/new-2019-coachmen-rv-freelander-21qb-chevy-4500-806837-16

https://www.generalrv.com/product/new-2019-coachmen-rv-freelander-21qb-ford-350-806835-16

I have a one ton chevy van with the 6.0 V-8, its strong but not strong as I would want it in a class C motorhome, my 08 Bounder 33 foot has the V-10 3 valve and it rocks. I would go with the V-10..

kerrlakeRoo wrote:
IIRC the fords numbers are actually substantially higher, the 6.8 has been listed with 320 hp and I believe 362. Ford has reduced the RPM used for the listing causing the apparent HP loss.

Edit add;
HP changes on 6.8 through 2010
http://www.dieselhub.com/specs/ford-6.8-triton-v10.html

362 hp was when the engine was measured at 4500 rpm

In 2016 the spec was changed at the same time the tranny became a 6 speed.
Horsepower (SAE net@rpm) 320 @ 4000
Torque (lb.-ft. @rpm) 460 @ 3000

The only changes appear to be the rev limiter and lowering rpm to achieve different economy and emission standards.

Those numbers I think are for the 3 valve V10 as found in the F series and the class A motorhome chassis. The E series uses the 2 valve V10 heads as the revised 3 valve version doesn't fit. The 2 valve version produces less power.

Both the Chevy and the Ford engines are good, and serve the purpose just fine. The V10 does have its powerband at a higher RPM, so needs to rev more when under load and some people find that disconcerting. The general consensus seems to be that the Chevy cab has somewhat better ergonomics, particularly more foot room, and maybe a little better handling. If this is a choice between the Ford E350 and the Chevy 4500, and everything else is similar, I would most likely choose the Chevy (with its greater payload).

I have the Chevy V8 but I have never driven the Ford V10. The Chevy suits me just fine. It is comfortable to drive, has adequate power and I am very satisfied with it. I keep reading about all the additions that Ford drivers have made to their V10s and can't help but wonder why???

I had a 2011 Holiday Rambler with a Ford 350 chassis and v10 Now have a 2018 Jayco on a Chevy 4500 chassis. Chevy wins hands down on power from a stop and hills pulling my boat. Both RVs 24 ft.

Have had one Class C with V10, one Class A with the V10 and now a Class A with the Vortec. Hands down the Vortec wins. Much more power at lower RPM's resulting in a much quieter ride. Don't miss the Ford V10 screaming that we used to get climnbing hills,,,,

In the interest of full disclosure, I am a Ford guy. I have owned several V10s in pick-ups and Class C. It is a great motor. That said, the Chevy is no slouch. When I drove school bus several years ago, our fleet had lots of Chevy van based busses. The district was very good with maintenance but they were seldom down. I do feel that the V10 has more grunt but either engine would be a good choice.