Harley Davidson F150 vs. Harley Davidson F150

Old vs. New

                                                        

This is a comparison between the original 2000 Harley Davidson F150 and the current 2012 model. Two beasts with the same name… but totally different?

The 2000 model consists of a 5.4l Triton V8 engine, 260 hp. The 2012 version is now sporting a 6.2l, 411 hp monster.  But their differences go beyond what is under the hood. Their appearances are also drastically different.

Although many have their preferences as to what body style they like, the old style is much more laid back and aerodynamic looking while the newer model has a much more aggressive look to it.

The older model has nice polished 20” wheels which at that time were the biggest wheels Ford ever put on a vehicle. It also has a hard cargo cover that is fit on top of a flare side box.  Another reason it looks so sleek is it is a two-wheel drive and it was available only as an extended cab.

The new one gets its aggressive looks from the bold front end, the high and mighty stance and the set of polished and painted 22” wheels.

As we move inside, we find the older brother has a lot of the modern day Harley Davidson treatments – there are badges galore from the dash to the seats to the console cover, everywhere you look, it is Harley Davidson. The dash has a much cleaner look than the newer version – nice and smooth and only the gauges you need, nothing extravagant. However, the factory stereo does need an upgrade.


The newer version has every conceivable option you might want – MyFord Touch, gauges that will tell you what angle your truck is sitting at and a great stereo system that is unrivaled by most. Although the power running board option can be scary at times, when you are parked and you pull the door handle, there is a thud as they lock into place. You would be forgiven for thinking someone hit you.

As far as drivability, the older model is quite an easy vehicle to handle - it almost drives itself.  The new one can’t be stopped by too much. It is 4-wheel drive monster that is incredibly comfortable to drive. You don’t know you are driving a 4-wheel drive, you just know you are higher than other drivers and you feel powerful.

We won’t compare gas mileage because when you drive trucks like this, it really isn’t a consideration.

Suffice it to say that the owners of these trucks didn’t purchase them because of their practicality - they bought them for their looks and they both have looks in spades. Although both of these trucks are monochromatic black beauties, the older version features a stripe of fire down the side whereas the newer one accents itself with a very large tribal tattoo on the cab.


In the end, I wish I could blend these two trucks. I would like to take the looks and styling of the older one, the power and the open box of the new one and create the ultimate Harley Davidson truck.

2001 Ford Harley Davidson F-150 supplied by Arlo Lehman - Upholstery By Arlo
2012 Ford Harley Davidson F-150 supplied by Ford of Canada