--- title: "F-100 vs F-150: Differences, VIN Codes & 1975-1983 Years | fordf100s.com" description: "Compare Ford F-100 and F-150 trucks from 1975-1983: weight ratings, VIN identification, factory equipment, and when the F-100 ended in the U.S." canonical_url: "https://www.fordf100s.com/f100-vs-f150/" last_updated: "2026-09-16" --- 1. [ Home ](/) 2. / [ Comparisons ](/comparisons/) 3. / F-100 vs F-150: Differences, VIN Codes & 1975-1983 Years Head-to-Head # F-100 vs F-150: Differences, VIN Codes & 1975-1983 Years Compare Ford F-100 and F-150 trucks from 1975-1983: weight ratings, VIN identification, factory equipment, and when the F-100 ended in the U.S. fordf100s.com · Updated September 16, 2026 Sources & Editorial ReviewSource reviewed Reviewed by the [FordF100s.com editorial team](/about/#editorial-standards) on September 16, 2026. Rechecked the overlap timeline, VIN positions, and 1983 model distinctions against Ford historical and factory references. Removed unsupported blanket interchangeability, rarity-premium, and regulatory-causation claims. References used 1. [The Understated Debut of an Icon: Celebrating 50 Years of Ford F-150](https://www.fromtheroad.ford.com/ca/en/articles/2025/f-150-50th-anniversary) — Ford; Shelby Long, audiovisual archivist · Manufacturer documentation 2. [1983 Light Truck Facts Book, General Information pages 10-11](https://xr793.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/1983-Ford-Light-Truck-Facts-Book.pdf#page=11) — Ford Motor Company; scan hosted by Dezo's Garage · Factory literature 3. [1983 Ford Pickups brochure, printed pages 20-21](https://xr793.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/1983-Ford-F-Series-Pickup.pdf#page=11) — Ford Motor Company; scan hosted by Dezo's Garage · Factory literature 4. [1984 Ford Pickups, printed page 17](https://xr793.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/1984-Ford-F-Series-Pickup.pdf#page=17) — Ford Motor Company · Manufacturer documentation 5. [1980-1986 Ford truck VIN and chassis identification](https://media.lmctruck.com/Catalog%5FChassis-Eng%5FIDs/Chassis%5FID/FD%5FVIN-Chassis%5FID.pdf) — LMC Truck · Specialist reference Found a conflict in factory literature or have a better source? See our [corrections process](/about/#corrections). The **F-150 joined the F-100 in 1975 as a heavier-rated pickup**, and the two were sold alongside one another through the F-100’s final U.S. model year, **1983**. The F-150 did not simply replace the F-100 badge in 1975\. Their similar appearance hides differences in ratings and available equipment that matter when identifying or buying a truck. This comparison covers U.S.-market trucks in that nine-model-year overlap. Later F-150s and F-100s from other markets need their own references. ## F-100 vs F-150 at a Glance | Question | F-100 | F-150 | | ---------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- | | Nameplate in this comparison | Established Ford light pickup | Added for 1975 with heavier-duty positioning | | U.S. overlap | 1975-1983 | 1975-1983, then continues | | Appearance | Shares its era’s F-Series styling | Similar appearance; badges alone are insufficient | | Load rating | Read the individual certification label | Typically higher-rated positioning; still verify the label | | Factory equipment | Use the F-100 column in the exact year’s literature | Use the F-150 column; do not transfer options across models | | Best identification evidence | Full VIN, label, and original documentation | Full VIN, label, and original documentation | Neither “half-ton” nor a single GVWR number describes every truck built during this period. Cab type, drivetrain, payload package, and model year affect the comparison. ## Why Ford Added the F-150 Ford’s archivist describes the [1975 F-150 launch](https://www.fromtheroad.ford.com/ca/en/articles/2025/f-150-50th-anniversary) as an addition between the F-100 and F-250\. The retrospective contrasts a 5,500-pound F-100 with a 6,050-pound F-150 and describes sales literature emphasizing wider weight-rating coverage and the ability to use leaded or unleaded fuel. Those are period examples, not universal ratings for every 1975-1983 truck. The fuel and emissions context helps explain the F-150’s positioning, but it does not turn a vintage truck’s badge into an exemption from today’s requirements. We do not use that history to recommend removing emissions equipment. Ford’s account also places internal approval of the new series in November 1973, ahead of its 1975 introduction. That is more informative than treating the truck as a sudden response to one rule. ## When Did Ford Stop Making the F-100? **1983 was the final U.S. F-100 model year.** Ford’s [1984 pickup brochure](https://xr793.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/1984-Ford-F-Series-Pickup.pdf#page=17) begins its pickup tables with the F-150\. The distinction is between the last F-100 model year and the following lineup; it is not an exact day on which every assembly plant stopped production. The two models had overlapped since 1975\. The F-100’s exit therefore completed a transition already underway, rather than launching the F-150\. For the full retirement story, see [when Ford stopped making the F-100](/history/when-did-ford-stop-making-the-f100/). For final-year specifications, see the [1983 F-100 reference](/1983-ford-f100/). ## How to Tell an F-100 from an F-150 First compare the VIN with the certification label and vehicle paperwork. Fender badges, doors, and entire cabs can be replaced. A truck wearing F-100 badges can have an F-150 identity, and an F-100 can contain a later powertrain. ### 1975-1980: The Earlier VIN Format These trucks use the earlier 11-character format. The first three characters identify the model/series; examples include **F10** for an F-100 regular-cab 2WD pickup and **F15** for an F-150 regular-cab 2WD pickup. Other cab and drivetrain combinations have different codes, so these two examples are not a complete lookup table. Use the [VIN decoder](/vin-decoder/) with the truck’s year context. Do not apply the 17-character position chart below to an 11-character VIN. ### 1981-1983: The 17-Character VIN Ford’s [1983 Light Truck Facts Book, General Information page 11](https://xr793.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/1983-Ford-Light-Truck-Facts-Book.pdf#page=12) provides this layout: | Character position | What it identifies | | ------------------ | ------------------------------- | | 1-3 | World manufacturer identifier | | **4** | **GVWR class and brake system** | | **5-7** | **Line, series, and body type** | | 8 | Engine type | | 9 | Check digit | | 10 | Model year | | 11 | Assembly plant | | 12-17 | Production sequence portion | Read positions 5-7 together for the model code. **Position 4, not position 5, carries the GVWR/brake class.** For the period’s regular-cab 2WD pickups, F10 and F15 distinguish the F-100 and F-150\. Decode the full number before drawing conclusions about another configuration. The VIN engine code identifies the factory application. Compare it with the engine actually installed before ordering parts or paying for originality. ## Weight Ratings Are Not Curb Weight GVWR is the vehicle’s maximum rated loaded weight. Curb weight describes the truck itself in a specified equipped condition. Payload is a separate loading question. Do not subtract a generic internet curb weight from another truck’s GVWR and treat the answer as your truck’s usable payload. Read the certification label, identify the equipment, and weigh the actual truck when planning loads. Changing springs, brakes, or engines does not by itself establish a new manufacturer rating. Our [data-plate decoder](/data-plate-decoder/) helps interpret supported label fields; it does not certify a modified truck’s capacity. ## Shared Appearance Does Not Mean All Parts Interchange The overlap spans the [1973-1979 Dentside](/generations/1973-1979/) and [1980-1983 Bullnose](/generations/1980-1983/) eras. A year range covering both is too broad for a blanket claim that doors, glass, chassis parts, or trim interchange. Match the exact year, cab, drivetrain, dimensions, and part number. Engine availability also differs by series. For example, Ford’s 1983 brochure separates the F-100’s engines and regular-cab bodies from the heavier trucks’ equipment. It does not support listing the heavy-duty 6.9-liter diesel as an F-150 option. For swaps, use the [engine compatibility reference](/parts/engine-compatibility/). A shared engine family does not establish compatibility of its transmission, mounts, accessories, or controls. ## Which One Should You Buy? For a collector or weekend driver, start with identity, structural condition, completeness, and the quality of repairs. An F-100 badge can have personal appeal without establishing a predictable resale premium. We have not established a matched-sale premium for final-year F-100s in this comparison. For work use, select a truck whose documented ratings and present condition suit the job. For a [restomod](/glossary/restomod/), compare the complete build plan and service access. Neither model name compensates for an unsuitable chassis or poorly documented modifications. If you are considering the final year, use the [1983 F-100 buying checklist](/buying-a-1983-ford-f100/). For the first [Bullnose](/glossary/bullnose/) year, see [buying a 1980 F-100](/buying-a-1980-ford-f100/). ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the difference between an F-100 and F-150? During their 1975-1983 U.S. overlap, the F-150 occupied a heavier-rated position in the lineup. Similar styling does not establish equal weight ratings or equipment. Check the full VIN, certification label, and exact year’s factory tables. ### Did the F-150 replace the F-100 in 1975? No. Ford introduced the F-150 alongside the F-100 in 1975\. The F-100 continued through the 1983 U.S. model year. ### Which VIN position gives the GVWR class on a 1983 Ford truck? Position 4 identifies the GVWR/brake class. Positions 5-7 identify line, series, and body type. Do not use position 5 alone to distinguish an F-100 from an F-150. ### Is a 1983 F-100 automatically worth more than an F-150? No automatic premium is established here. Compare documented condition, equipment, originality, and completed sales before making an offer. Next useful step ## Compare the full F-100 timeline Use the generation guides to put this comparison in model-year and drivetrain context. [ Browse all generations → ](/generations/) [ See buyer guides ](/buyers-guides/) On this page - [F-100 vs F-150 at a Glance](#f-100-vs-f-150-at-a-glance) - [Why Ford Added the F-150](#why-ford-added-the-f-150) - [How to Tell an F-100 from an F-150](#how-to-tell-an-f-100-from-an-f-150) - [1975-1980: The Earlier VIN Format](#1975-1980-the-earlier-vin-format) - [1981-1983: The 17-Character VIN](#1981-1983-the-17-character-vin) - [Weight Ratings Are Not Curb Weight](#weight-ratings-are-not-curb-weight) - [Shared Appearance Does Not Mean All Parts Interchange](#shared-appearance-does-not-mean-all-parts-interchange) On this page - [F-100 vs F-150 at a Glance](#f-100-vs-f-150-at-a-glance) - [Why Ford Added the F-150](#why-ford-added-the-f-150) - [How to Tell an F-100 from an F-150](#how-to-tell-an-f-100-from-an-f-150) - [1975-1980: The Earlier VIN Format](#1975-1980-the-earlier-vin-format) - [1981-1983: The 17-Character VIN](#1981-1983-the-17-character-vin) - [Weight Ratings Are Not Curb Weight](#weight-ratings-are-not-curb-weight) - [Shared Appearance Does Not Mean All Parts Interchange](#shared-appearance-does-not-mean-all-parts-interchange) VIN Decoder Decode supported F-100 VIN formats, or use the 1961-1983 data plate decoder for source-backed paint, trim, axle, and transmission codes. [Decode a VIN → ](/vin-decoder/) [1961-1983 Data Plate Decoder → ](/data-plate-decoder/) ## Keep Exploring [HistoryWhen Did Ford Stop Making the F-100? Last Year & F-1501983 was the Ford F-100's final U.S. model year. See how the F-150 joined it in 1975, what changed for 1984, and why the market matters.](/history/when-did-ford-stop-making-the-f100/)[Buyer's GuideBuying a 1983 Ford F-100: VIN, Rust & Originality ChecksInspect a 1983 Ford F-100 before buying: confirm the VIN, check cab and frame condition, identify swaps, and evaluate claims about the final U.S. model year.](/buying-a-1983-ford-f100/)[ComparisonCrown Vic vs Mustang II: F-100 Front Suspension ChoicesCompare Crown Vic, Mustang II, and narrowed Crown Vic suspension for an F-100: donor years, wheel fit, steering, fabrication, and complete project costs.](/crown-vic-vs-mustang-ii/)[ComparisonFord F100 vs Chevy 3100: Which Truck Is Right?Ford F100 vs Chevy 3100 compared: design, engines, parts availability, collectibility, and restoration costs for these iconic 1950s trucks.](/ford-f100-vs-chevy-3100/)[GenerationsAll GenerationsCompare every F100 generation](/generations/)[ComparisonsAll ComparisonsSee every head-to-head matchup](/comparisons/)