How many miles per gallon does a 1980 Ford f350 get?
There isn’t a single mpg figure for a 1980 Ford F-350; mpg varies by engine, transmission, drivetrain, and payload. In typical real‑world use, gasoline‑powered builds commonly fall in the 9–13 miles per gallon combined range, while diesel‑equipped versions can outperform gasoline on highway runs. The ranges below explain why.
What configurations affected fuel economy
The following factors were the biggest drivers of mpg for 1980 F‑350 models:
- Engine type and fuel system (gasoline V8 vs diesel)
- Transmission type (manual vs automatic)
- Drivetrain layout (2‑wheel drive vs four‑wheel drive)
- Rear axle ratio and overall gearing
- Payload, towing, and gross vehicle weight
- Vehicle condition and maintenance (tire condition, tune‑ups, air filters)
- Typical driving conditions (city stop‑and‑go vs long highway cruises)
These factors collectively explain the variability you see in mpg figures for this truck.
Estimated mpg ranges by configuration
Because the 1980 F‑350 was offered in multiple setups, the ranges below summarize what owners and historical data commonly report for real‑world fuel economy.
- Gasoline‑powered F‑350, 2WD with automatic transmission: approximately 9–12 mpg combined.
- Gasoline‑powered F‑350, 2WD with manual transmission: approximately 10–13 mpg combined.
- Gasoline‑powered F‑350, 4x4: approximately 8–11 mpg combined.
- Diesel‑powered F‑350 (where equipped): approximately 13–18 mpg combined.
Actual mileage will vary widely based on the exact configuration, condition, and driving style.
Why these numbers vary
The wide ranges reflect the era’s variety of engines, transmissions, gearing, and payloads. There was no standardized EPA highway rating for every heavy‑duty configuration in 1980, and real‑world use often diverged from any published figures due to towing, loads, and maintenance history.
Tips to estimate or improve MPG on a classic F‑350
If you’re evaluating or trying to maximize efficiency in a 1980 F‑350, these practical steps can help you get the best possible numbers given the age of the vehicle.
- Keep the engine tuned and perform regular maintenance (plugs, wires, carburetor or fuel system, air filter).
- Maintain proper tire pressure and alignment to reduce rolling resistance.
- Lighten the load when possible and avoid unnecessary towing loads.
- Plan efficient trips and minimize idle time; use route planning to reduce distance and stop frequency.
- Use appropriate fuel grade and follow Ford’s recommendations for octane and fuel type.
- Avoid aggressive acceleration and high‑speed driving; smooth throttle helps mpg on older trucks.
These practices won’t turn a vintage heavy pickup into a modern fuel‑efficient vehicle, but they can help you maximize economy within its design limits.
Summary
In short, there is no single mpg figure for a 1980 Ford F‑350. Real‑world fuel economy depends on engine choice, drivetrain, payload, and how the vehicle is used and maintained. Expect broad ranges: roughly 9–13 mpg combined for gasoline configurations and 13–18 mpg combined for diesel variants, with variations due to 4x4 gearing, transmission type, and load. For an exact figure, identify the specific build and, if possible, test it under conditions similar to your own driving.
