2010 4.6 3v vs. 05-08 5.4 3v
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Joined: Feb 2004
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Last year I traded in a 2005 regular cab, short box XLT 4x4 with a 5.4, 4 speed automatic and a 3.55 LS rear for a 2010 identical truck, except it has the 4.6 with a 6 speed automatic and a 3.73 LS rear. Although I never ran one truck against the other, I will virtually guarantee you that my 2010 4.6 would run away and hide from the 2005 5.4. Even towing my 22' boat, I can barely tell the differencalthough the 4.6 is down on peak torque according to the numbers.
One difference I can quantify is mileage. The absolute best I ever squeezed out of the 5.4 was 16.9 MPG on a trip. The 4.6 returns me 18.3 going back and forth to work. I've gotten 19.8 on a trip. I'll take the 4.6 any day of the week for a daily driver.
One difference I can quantify is mileage. The absolute best I ever squeezed out of the 5.4 was 16.9 MPG on a trip. The 4.6 returns me 18.3 going back and forth to work. I've gotten 19.8 on a trip. I'll take the 4.6 any day of the week for a daily driver.
I'll race ya fer pink slips - I wouldn't mind getting a newer truck fer free
Neighbour one street over has one - he doesn't even try anymore
MGD
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Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Joplin MO
Now I don't know if I want an 05-08 w/5.4 or a new truck with the 4.6 3v.
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Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Rochester, NY, USA
I will tell you though, overall the new truck is hands down better than the old one. I wasn't sorry to see her go down the road - with the original spark plugs probably welded into her.
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Louisiana
Your gonna lose! Me and my buddy raced his 07 5.4 lariat against my 2010 XLT on I49 in Louisiana between Alexandria and Natchitoches. We both suspected the outcome and we even changed drivers. Both trucks were Screws. The 4.6 3V easily outperformed the 5.4 3V. We concluded either the 6 speed tranny makes the difference or the newer models are lighter. Both trucks were stock by the way.
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Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Texas
We got the 5.4 in our FX2 and love it. Had a 5.4 in an 03 SC and it performed flawless but if the given the choice take the newer truck not matter which engine you choose the ride quality and handling is much improved. JMHO
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,358
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From: Commerce Twp, MI
The 4.6L and 5.4L are the same engine design. They are both great engines. The 5.4L has 45 lb-ft more torque which is also broader and peaks lower. No reason not to get it except availability. The 6-spd is the key allowing better acceleration and fuel economy.
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: San Antonio, TX
Just sold my 5.4 XLT for a 4.6 3V FX2. straight and simple i love it. the power/torque comes a bit later in the revs (700 rpms if i remember) and its down 14 HP. not noticeable. i hauled 4 people and soome gear and had no problems.
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 3,248
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From: Rochester, NY, USA
Your gonna lose! Me and my buddy raced his 07 5.4 lariat against my 2010 XLT on I49 in Louisiana between Alexandria and Natchitoches. We both suspected the outcome and we even changed drivers. Both trucks were Screws. The 4.6 3V easily outperformed the 5.4 3V. We concluded either the 6 speed tranny makes the difference or the newer models are lighter. Both trucks were stock by the way.
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Denham Springs, LA
Actual real world difference between the new 4.6l 3v, and 5.4l 3v, is minute. Superchips, Hypertech, and a few other companies have put out stock dyno sheets for both engines, and the largest difference was the torque. The 5.4, on average, had 17-20ft-lbs more torque. On the flip side, the newer 4.6, made more wheel horsepower than the 5.4 did, and this was universal through each dyno sheet. I don't remember the exact numbers, but I know you can find the Superchips and Hypertech dyno sheets, on their respective websites.
Simply put, the two engines were tuned for two different purposes, street driving, and towing. If you plan to do any towing above 5000lbs or more, the 5.4 is probably the better choice, seeing as, that is what the engine is tuned, and designed for. The 5.4 is tuned to receive more low end torque sooner, particularly for towing. Even with the 5.4's torque advantage considered, if you have a 4.6 with the 3.73 LSD gearing, it can still tow slightly heavier payloads, without much difficulty.
Now, if you do not plan to do any sort of towing, there is no real world reason to get the 5.4 over the new 4.6, other than preference. Simply put, the 4.6 is all you need in a normal day to day truck, and is tuned specifically for using it as such. This new 4.6 is the same motor from the 2005-2010 generation Mustang GT. Of course, there are some differences, mainly due to the fact that it was adapted for use in a truck, but still, the same motor. It's a proven performer, and as such, you should have no worries when choosing one.
Simply put, the two engines were tuned for two different purposes, street driving, and towing. If you plan to do any towing above 5000lbs or more, the 5.4 is probably the better choice, seeing as, that is what the engine is tuned, and designed for. The 5.4 is tuned to receive more low end torque sooner, particularly for towing. Even with the 5.4's torque advantage considered, if you have a 4.6 with the 3.73 LSD gearing, it can still tow slightly heavier payloads, without much difficulty.
Now, if you do not plan to do any sort of towing, there is no real world reason to get the 5.4 over the new 4.6, other than preference. Simply put, the 4.6 is all you need in a normal day to day truck, and is tuned specifically for using it as such. This new 4.6 is the same motor from the 2005-2010 generation Mustang GT. Of course, there are some differences, mainly due to the fact that it was adapted for use in a truck, but still, the same motor. It's a proven performer, and as such, you should have no worries when choosing one.
Last edited by Vecte; Aug 24, 2010 at 06:00 PM.
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 276
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From: upstate NY
Actual real world difference between the new 4.6l 3v, and 5.4l 3v, is minute. Superchips, Hypertech, and a few other companies have put out stock dyno sheets for both engines, and the largest difference was the torque. The 5.4, on average, had 17-20ft-lbs more torque. On the flip side, the newer 4.6, made more wheel horsepower than the 5.4 did, and this was universal through each dyno sheet. I don't remember the exact numbers, but I know you can find the Superchips and Hypertech dyno sheets, on their respective websites.
Simply put, the two engines were tuned for two different purposes, street driving, and towing. If you plan to do any towing above 5000lbs or more, the 5.4 is probably the better choice, seeing as, that is what the engine is tuned, and designed for. The 5.4 is tuned to receive more low end torque sooner, particularly for towing. Even with the 5.4's torque advantage considered, if you have a 4.6 with the 3.73 LSD gearing, it can still tow slightly heavier payloads, without much difficulty.
Now, if you do not plan to do any sort of towing, there is no real world reason to get the 5.4 over the new 4.6, other than preference. Simply put, the 4.6 is all you need in a normal day to day truck, and is tuned specifically for using it as such. This new 4.6 is the same motor from the 2005-2010 generation Mustang GT. Of course, there are some differences, mainly due to the fact that it was adapted for use in a truck, but still, the same motor. It's a proven performer, and as such, you should have no worries when choosing one.
Simply put, the two engines were tuned for two different purposes, street driving, and towing. If you plan to do any towing above 5000lbs or more, the 5.4 is probably the better choice, seeing as, that is what the engine is tuned, and designed for. The 5.4 is tuned to receive more low end torque sooner, particularly for towing. Even with the 5.4's torque advantage considered, if you have a 4.6 with the 3.73 LSD gearing, it can still tow slightly heavier payloads, without much difficulty.
Now, if you do not plan to do any sort of towing, there is no real world reason to get the 5.4 over the new 4.6, other than preference. Simply put, the 4.6 is all you need in a normal day to day truck, and is tuned specifically for using it as such. This new 4.6 is the same motor from the 2005-2010 generation Mustang GT. Of course, there are some differences, mainly due to the fact that it was adapted for use in a truck, but still, the same motor. It's a proven performer, and as such, you should have no worries when choosing one.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 3,248
Likes: 2
From: Rochester, NY, USA
Actual real world difference between the new 4.6l 3v, and 5.4l 3v, is minute. Superchips, Hypertech, and a few other companies have put out stock dyno sheets for both engines, and the largest difference was the torque. The 5.4, on average, had 17-20ft-lbs more torque. On the flip side, the newer 4.6, made more wheel horsepower than the 5.4 did, and this was universal through each dyno sheet. I don't remember the exact numbers, but I know you can find the Superchips and Hypertech dyno sheets, on their respective websites.
Simply put, the two engines were tuned for two different purposes, street driving, and towing. If you plan to do any towing above 5000lbs or more, the 5.4 is probably the better choice, seeing as, that is what the engine is tuned, and designed for. The 5.4 is tuned to receive more low end torque sooner, particularly for towing. Even with the 5.4's torque advantage considered, if you have a 4.6 with the 3.73 LSD gearing, it can still tow slightly heavier payloads, without much difficulty.
Now, if you do not plan to do any sort of towing, there is no real world reason to get the 5.4 over the new 4.6, other than preference. Simply put, the 4.6 is all you need in a normal day to day truck, and is tuned specifically for using it as such. This new 4.6 is the same motor from the 2005-2010 generation Mustang GT. Of course, there are some differences, mainly due to the fact that it was adapted for use in a truck, but still, the same motor. It's a proven performer, and as such, you should have no worries when choosing one.
Simply put, the two engines were tuned for two different purposes, street driving, and towing. If you plan to do any towing above 5000lbs or more, the 5.4 is probably the better choice, seeing as, that is what the engine is tuned, and designed for. The 5.4 is tuned to receive more low end torque sooner, particularly for towing. Even with the 5.4's torque advantage considered, if you have a 4.6 with the 3.73 LSD gearing, it can still tow slightly heavier payloads, without much difficulty.
Now, if you do not plan to do any sort of towing, there is no real world reason to get the 5.4 over the new 4.6, other than preference. Simply put, the 4.6 is all you need in a normal day to day truck, and is tuned specifically for using it as such. This new 4.6 is the same motor from the 2005-2010 generation Mustang GT. Of course, there are some differences, mainly due to the fact that it was adapted for use in a truck, but still, the same motor. It's a proven performer, and as such, you should have no worries when choosing one.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 43,542
Likes: 819
From: Joplin MO
Incorrect, sir - I just ran KBB on an 09 and the difference in private party book between a 4.6 3V and 5.4 is a whole $270. Not a typo - $270, not $2700.