How many miles per gallon does a 1983 Ford f250 get?
There isn’t a single miles-per-gallon figure for the 1983 Ford F-250. MPG depended on engine, drivetrain and how the truck was used; gasoline models typically delivered roughly 12–15 miles per gallon in mixed driving, with highway figures around 15–18 mpg. Diesel-powered versions could perform better on long highway trips, often in the 18–22 mpg range depending on gearing and load.
What affects the mpg
The following factors have the biggest impact on fuel economy in a 1983 F-250:
- Engine size and type (gasoline V8s vs. diesel options)
- Drivetrain configuration (two-wheel drive vs. four-wheel drive)
- Transmission and gear ratios
- Vehicle weight and payload/towing load
- Tire size and condition
- Vehicle maintenance and overall mechanical condition
- Driving habits and typical usage (city stop-and-go vs. highway cruising)
Because these variables varied widely from truck to truck, mpg figures for the 1983 F-250 can differ substantially even among similar builds.
Fuel economy by configuration
Gasoline-powered F-250
Typical ranges for mixed driving, noting that 2WD and 4x4 setups show different results:
- Two-wheel drive (2WD) with common V8 options: about 12–15 mpg combined; highway around 15–18 mpg.
- Four-wheel drive (4x4) with similar engines: about 11–13 mpg combined; highway around 15–17 mpg.
In real-world use, heavy towing or carrying substantial payload can pull these numbers down noticeably, while steady highway cruising can help push toward the upper ends of the ranges.
Diesel-powered F-250
Diesel variants, typically equipped with IDI engines like the 6.9L or similar, generally offered better highway efficiency and stronger torque for hauling:
- Two-wheel drive (2WD) diesel: roughly 15–20 mpg combined; highway 18–22 mpg.
- Four-wheel drive (4x4) diesel: roughly 14–18 mpg combined; highway 16–20 mpg.
As with gasoline models, actual numbers depend on load, maintenance, and driving style.
Notes on ratings and vintage data
EPA fuel economy ratings for heavy-duty pickups in the early 1980s were not as standardized as today, and many trucks were rated differently or not at all for highway MPG. Real-world figures from owners and restoration guides are therefore the most reliable reference points for a specific truck’s performance.
Summary
The 1983 Ford F-250 does not have a single, universal miles-per-gallon figure. Gasoline versions typically fall in the low-to-mid teens for mixed driving (often 12–15 mpg overall, with highway figures higher), while diesel versions can achieve higher highway efficiency (roughly 18–22 mpg under favorable conditions) and similar or slightly lower mixed-mileage ranges depending on load and gearing. Variability is the norm due to engine choice, drivetrain, payload, and maintenance history.
