1997 diesel 2500/3500 pickups
Every diesel offering in the data for 1997. Ratings are the highest offered across the trucks in each row, and transmissions are those of the whole year range shown, so they may differ for 1997 itself; check each range's notes.
Horsepower
- Ford · Ford 7.3L Power Stroke V8215 hp
- General Motors · GM 6.5L Turbo Detroit Diesel V8190 hp
- Ram / Dodge · Cummins 6BT 5.9L 12-valve215 hp
Torque
- Ford · Ford 7.3L Power Stroke V8425 lb-ft
- General Motors · GM 6.5L Turbo Detroit Diesel V8385 lb-ft
- Ram / Dodge · Cummins 6BT 5.9L 12-valve440 lb-ft
Ratings are the highest offered in each row; see the table below for exact year ranges and notes.
| Brand | Trucks | Engine | Range | hp / lb-ft | Transmissions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford | Ford F-250 HD, Ford F-350 | Ford 7.3L Power Stroke V8 | 1996–1997 | 215 / 425 | Automatic (E4OD), 5-speed manual (ZF) |
| General Motors | Chevrolet C/K 2500, Chevrolet C/K 3500, GMC Sierra C/K 2500, GMC Sierra C/K 3500 | GM 6.5L Turbo Detroit Diesel V8 | 1994–1997 | 190 / 385 | 4L80-E automatic, NV4500 manual |
| Ram / Dodge | Dodge Ram 2500, Dodge Ram 3500 | Cummins 6BT 5.9L 12-valve | 1996–1998 | 215 / 440 | 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic |
What stood out in 1997
Editorial opinion, based on the criteria listed.
Pick: Dodge Ram 2500/3500 with the 12-valve Cummins (215 hp / 440 lb-ft, manual)
Runner-up: Ford F-250 HD/F-350 with the 7.3L Power Stroke (215 hp / 425 lb-ft)
Both trucks were rated 215 hp, and Ram's 440 lb-ft led Ford's 425 lb-ft. DieselHub's year-by-year Power Stroke table gives 215 hp / 425 lb-ft for 1997, agreeing with Wikipedia and resolving the higher 225 hp / 450 lb-ft figure carried on DieselHub's timeline page. GM's 6.5L Turbo trailed at 190 hp / 385 lb-ft. Editorial pick; a close call.
Criteria: Peak rated torque; Rated horsepower