Like the topic title says, what are the pros and cons of 4.6L versus a 5.4L, if any?

Is the 5.4L superior in all aspects or does the 4.6L have any redeeming qualities, like maybe better gas milage?

Please discuss, I'm interested in your take on this.

 

Iv recently changed from a 05 XLT screw with the 4.6 to a 06 FX4 screw with the 5.4 and honestly i wounder why i got the 4.6 in the first place, iv got way more power and torque (way more wheel spin) and fairly close fuel mileage to the 4.6 I can say how much happier i am with the new truck.

 

absolutely no reason to get a 4.6

 

I've had both ('04 Screw 4.6 & '05 Screw 5.4)...

Pros of 5.4 vs 4.6: Increased power, upgraded tranny, same fuel economy.

Pros: None that I can think of...

Given the choice, I definately recommend going with the 5.4. I don't know if they're still offering the "Tow & Go" package but if they are, it's a great deal. You get the 5.4 & tow package for next to nothing. I think it was/is only available on the XLT models...

 

If you get a 4.6 you will hate yourself for it later.In a reg cab 2x4 it may be ok with a good rear ratio.But in a 4x4 with ext or crew cab its a dog.Getting on the hiway is a white knuckle deal and getting a trailer going any larger than for a 4 wheeler is a challange.My 4.6 gets below avg mpg.I just dont think the 4.6 belongs in a large heavy truck.

 

Some of the trucks come with a "Tow & Go Discount" which gives you the 5.4 engine and trailer tow package as a free upgrade from the 4.6 engine valued at $1,245.

 

I got the Tow & Go discount on my 06 XLT. Saved an extra $1200.00 or so.

 

I got the tow and go as well, i was ready to add the $1200 to the total and found out it was free. I would definately do it whether you need to pay for the upgrade or it is free, both ways its worth it, but when its free you can use the money and lift your truck a few inches

 

Nice license plate!

 

The only benefit my 4.6L trucks have ever had on my 5.4L is an extra 3-4 MPG on long trips on the interstate. The 4.6L would deliver 20-21 MPG no matter if it was 55 or 85 MPH. Just driving around town, the 4.6L only gives me an extra 1 MPG. The extra MPG's definitely don't make up for the lack of power of the 4.6L.

 

I had the 4.6 in my mustang and I felt it was to small for that.

 

I had a '04 5.4L and had nothing but problems with it. In the shop 7 times in the first year. Still had knock at startup when I traded it for a '05 STX with 4.6L. The 4.6L does have less power but the only time I really notice it is on the highway since it tends to downshift more to get up hills and such. I'm going to add an intake to help with the power. The advantage to the 4.6 is increased MPG, I get about 3mpg more, and there are a ton of upgrades since it has been out for quite a while. The 5.4 is still relatively new considering the 3-valve heads. I'd love more power but the gas savings and not going to the shop all the time is worth it.

 

Depends on lots of factors.
If you are getting a SuperCrew the 5.4 is the only decent choice.
The 5.4 has plug problems, Cam phasors problems, injector problems. It makes more power, gets almost as good (or bad) gas mileage around town. Worse on freeway.

My regular cab 2 wheel STX with tuner-exhaust-intake has more power than most the stock 5.4 trucks I have driven, but again, it is a little light truck.

When you see a bad transmission or engine problem thread notice it is always a 5.4.

If you are towing more than 3000 lbs, don't want to add tuner etc. go with the 5.4.

A big consideration is price.
If you order the truck or pay sticker there is little difference in price.

You can buy a truck for much less, by watching for promotions, sales, loss leaders, etc. a 4.6 truck can cost 4-10 k less than a similar 5.4 truck because they like to put the 4.6 trucks on sale.
I've never seen a 5.4 truck sold new for less than 80% of sticker. You can get 4.6 trucks for 55-65% of sticker on sale.

If you live in mountains, tow a lot, like to hotrod, are putting on oversize tires, are lifting, get a 5.4.
Chris

 

This is some helpful info. Thanks everyone.

Next question:

I already bought and will be adding this weekend an Air Force One intake and Edge Evolution tuner to my 4.6L. How much of an improvement will this make? Was it worth the $500 I spent for the both of them?

Thanks in advance!

 

I would add them one at a time. Just so you can see the difference. The Edge will make the most immediate differences. I didnt notice much difference in HP/Torque, but the throttle response and transmission shifting is so much better. My intake tended to give me more power in the higher rpm ranges.