Probably because there actually was a huge difference in performance between the 5.4 and the 4.6, in previous year models. The previous generation for example, there was a 69 hp, and 72 lb-ft difference. That is a massive difference. The current generation all but closed that gap, but I think that either the mentality about the older 4.6 is still there, or people just haven't realized that the new 4.6 is capable of going toe-to-toe with the 5.4 now.

Also, as for resale value between the two motors, plan and simple, there is very little difference. At most, you may get an extra $200 for the larger motor. At no point should you ever get more than what it actually costs for the bigger motor. In the case of this generation, it's only about $800 dollars to upgrade to the 5.4. When the time comes for you to sell, or trade it in, no one in their right mind is going to value that motor for more than $800, or anything close to it for that matter, when compared to the 4.6.

In actual reality, when it comes time to sell, you would technically be losing money when selling one with the 5.4. Example: You pay $20,000 for a 4.6, and $20,800 for a 5.4, both being the exact same vehicle, other than the motor. You now have 150000 miles on both, and the 4.6 is valued at $10,000, and the 5.4 is valued at $10,250. Now, just do the math, you've lost more money when selling the 5.4, simply because you paid more(not to mention, you've lost more overall, because the bigger motor uses more gas, even if only by a little, it all adds up). I know this is simple logic, but if you refuse to believe any of it, use KBB, or another comparable tool online to value similar trucks, and you will see that the so called resale value difference between the motors, is all but not there.

These sort of things are, simply put, excuses/justifications for buying the bigger motor. Don't let such things sway you into buying anything. Like I said before, you need to look at what YOU need/want to do with the vehicle, because these motors are designed for different purposes. They aren't designed to be bigger/faster than one another, nor are they designed to make you more money when you go to sell it. They are designed for specific needs, nothing else.

 

It doesn't have near the torque though!

2V 5.4 had 350lb-ft at only 2500rpm!
3V 4.6 has 320lb-ft at a high 4000rpm!

 

im going by actual prices in real world not on kbb. at a dealer and private sale. see it all the time.

my 06 was 22500 with a 5.4L.

same truck, same options and 5000 less kms was 19950.

thats a considerable difference.

 

No offense, but if that is the case, it's incredibly overpriced. If I ever saw a price difference so huge, for just an engine difference, I would probably laugh in their face. In no way, shape, or form should ANY part of a vehicle gain value as it gets older. If someone is stupid enough to not realize what they are paying for, then they shouldn't even be shopping. Also, nearly all used vehicle transactions that take place in this world today, use KBB or another reliable BB source, as reference. For instance, if there is ever a money dispute about a used vehicle sale that has taken place, and it goes to court, any Judge is going to ask for a BB value, and their judgment will be based on that. When it comes to used vehicles, BB value is everything, and people who don't use it are, for lack of a better word, stupid.

Also, those markups, most likely are not due to engine difference. Many other things come into play, such as how much they gave on trade-in, overall condition of the vehicle, etc. They may seem to be the exact same condition, but there could be underlying things that can not be seen. They could have also had one person come in, and was quick to agree on a lower trade-in, while your other person worked his butt off to get the most he could. This plays a HUGE part when it comes to the dealer's final pricing.

 

I paid less then KBB for my truck also last year (canada).

Even looking right now at some used prices around here. The 5.4 in the 09 and 2010 is worth more.

I know 1 person who got a 4.6 and hauls with it. Hates it, sucks fuel like nothing and has no ***** down low. Likes the truck but was cheap and didn't spend the 650 bucks to upgrade engines and now its biting him. Heck my 5.4L gets 1-2 mpg better on the highway then his 4.6.

 

Is his 4.6 a 2v or 3v? Apples and oranges there, sir.

 

08.

 

Like I said in my very first post in this thread, they are designed for two different things. If your friend had planned on towing, he should have considered the 5.4 instead of the 4.6. Just looking at Ford's given specs, you can see that the 4.6 makes it's torque much higher on the curve, than the 5.4 does. Just that simple observation should clue anyone in.

The better gas mileage, is this while towing, or while not towing, or a mixture of both? Do you both have the exact same driving habits? Does your route feature any sort of steep inclines, etc? There are a multitude of factors to consider when attempting to compare gas mileage. As far as regular highway driving, in the same conditions, while not towing, there is no way the 5.4 will get better mileage. That is unless there is an unseen factor, or an issue with the 4.6 itself.

I myself, have personally towed closed to 6000lbs with my FX2, which is equipped with the 4.6, and I had no issues whatsoever. The route I took, also involved several steep inclines. Yes, my gas mileage suffered, but not once did the performance of the vehicle drop to a point where I ever regretted not getting the bigger motor. Would the 5.4 have made a difference? Probably so, not denying that. The exaggerated claims about the 4.6 being hell to tow with? Simply not true, it can do it, and for what it is, it's pretty decent. If I was doing everyday or even occasional towing, I would definitely get the 5.4. If you may only tow something once every blue moon, like myself, the 4.6 can do it for you.

Before it arises, and I know it eventually will, the speed difference between the 4.6 and 5.4. I have tried to keep all my posts based on facts, and not personal experiences. Honestly, personal experiences can be a good way to decide on something, but on the flip side, they can be a terrible way to decide on something. For any one worried about a lack of speed in the 4.6 vs. the 5.4, you really shouldn't. I didn't buy my truck for racing, or speed for that matter, but out of our own curiosity, my Uncle and I compared the two...

My uncle has a 2010 XLT 4x4 with the 5.4, and I have a 2010 FX2 with the 4.6. On a closed road near our camp, we raced our own, and each others vehicles. Both outcomes were the same. Due to the slow throttle response from both trucks, we both left the line at the same time, and stayed together all the way to the 75-76MPH mark, at which point, my truck slowly and barely, pulled ahead, then both of us cut it off near 100. This outcome was the same the times we raced in our own vehicles, and each others. I don't know if there was a big weight difference that made the outcome so, but this is what happened. I also raced a local friend who has a 2010 Platinum 4x2 with the 5.4. We didn't race each others, but the results were nearly identical. I did not pull ahead at any point against his Platinum, but the two stayed side by side all the way to about 85. Also, all of these races were from dead stops.

I'm not trying to justify the 4.6, or the 5.4 in anyway with my posts. I simply trying to show everyone, you DO have another choice other than the 5.4. The majority of the people that post on these, and other boards, believe that the only option is the 5.4. I might agree on previous generations, but the current generation, I can't. I too had the 5.4 available at the time of purchase, but after comparing the two vehicles, and knowing what I planned to do, the 4.6 was the more logical choice for me. I have a strong belief that everyone needs to determine what they need for themselves, look at known facts, and formulate their own decision.

 

There is your issue..... That is the 2v 4.6, which honestly IS terrible compared to the 5.4 of that generation. We are talking a 60+ HP and 70+ lb-ft difference between the two. We are comparing the newer models, the 09+, which is an entirely different motor, AND transmission.

Also, as far as the current generation 4.6 3v, against the previous generation 5.4, there is no competition. The newer model will put perform the previous generation without question, despite the engine difference. Most of the performance comes from thew new 6-speed, which makes a WORLD of difference. Even so, stock for stock, the new 4.6 will walk away the victor.

 

Yep, My 2006 4.6 was a pig in the mountains of Germany (when we were stationed there) thus my reluctance to get one when we got back to the states...the new 4.63V. Love it..and for me when the weather turns bad here in San Antonio it's easier NOT to spin the tires in the wet. and for that i love it.

 

Like I said - apples and oranges.

1. The book value of an 09 with 4.6 3V is only a couple hundred bucks less than the SAME TRUCK with a 5.4. They both have 6 speeds.

2. OF COURSE your buddy's 08 4.6 is a dog compared to a 5.4 - it's only a 2V with a 4 speed. I wouldn't doubt that it's worth a couple grand less than the SAME TRUCK with a 5.4.

3. The OP wanted us to compare an 09+ with a 4.6 3V to an 05-08 5.4. The 5.4 is going to have a 4 speed, the 4.6 3V is going to have a 6 speed and ALMOST as much HP and TQ as a 5.4. I'd take the 4.6 in a heartbeat right up to its max tow rating. If I wanted to tow heavier than that, I'd buy a Super Duty with a V-10.

 

Ding, ding ding. We have a winner! And if anybody should know the differences between these motors, it's me. I've had:

- 1997 4.6
- 1999 5.4
- 2002 4.6
- 2005 5.4
- 2010 4.6

All of the above were identical regular cab, short box, automatic, 3.55 LS rear end 4x4's. (The 2010 has a 3.73 LS rear.)

The '97 was a real dog. The '99 was a rocket ship. The '02 was sleepy. The '05 was better than the '02, but not much better than the '99. The '10 would be an interesting race with the '99, but would probably win based on the 6 speed.

Oh, and as for resale, I took a bit of a hit when I traded the '05 with the 5.4 in just because it got worse mileage and gas was expensive at that time.

 

If you dont plan on modding to go fast (then id hold out for a 6.2) and just want a truck with some ***** with mild towing then a 4.6 3v would be great! When I got my 04 the 4.6 2v was a dog compared to a 5.4 3v and all the blower companies were mainly supporting the 5.4 along with other performance aftermarket. Like its been said the biggest difference is the 6 speed trans takes a second off the quarter mile even if the trucks are the same otherwise.

 

The old 4.6 2V won't win any races, but that was one long lasting dependable engine. IMO the best engine for reliability that ford has ever put in a vehicle.

 

I just traded a 2005 fx4 with the 5.4l for a 2010 4.6 3v. The 2010 outperforms the 2005 in every area. I dont care about printed #'s at all. I care how it feels/performs while i drive it.
I never drove the 2010 5.4 to compare because i didnt want to get mixed up spending 2,000 more when the test drive of the 4.6 3v already made me feel like i traded way up in the motor dept.