I am comparing a 2007 4.6L STX Supercab 4X4 w/6000 miles and a 2006 5.4L XLT Supercab 4X4 w/25000 miles. Both are priced around 15K-16K. I was surprised at the difference between the two of them. The 4.6L felt very sluggish. I knew it wouldn't have the pickup of the 5.4L but I didn't realize the difference was that great. I hear the gas mileage is about the same for both also so that is not a factor. The STX seems like a good deal since it is almost a new truck but I do not want to be unhappy with the smaller engine. Any opinions on these two trucks and will I regret getting the 4.6L? I won't be towing too often. The 2007 seems like a great deal since it is basically a new truck. Opinions appreciated. Thanks!


Finally bought one! 2006 5.4L F150 XLT SuperCab 4x4 with 22,000 miles on it. It is dark pearl blue metallic with the XLT chrome package.
pics: https://www.f150online.com/forums/me...new-f-150.html

 

get the 5.4

 

if your worried about the smaller engine then go the 5.4. if they get the same mpg and all then hell why not go for it especially the same price

 

5.4.... 4.6 is too underpowered to get out of its own way, in most peoples judgement. especially mine.

 

I would never be happy with a 4.6 and the gas consumption is very close.

 

The 5.4L is $1K more and it has almost 20000 more miles and is 1 year older so even though I would be happy with the power I am getting a truck that has a lot more wear and tear on it. If they were the same year/miles it would be a no brainier. I want to be happy but I also want the most for my money.

 

You won't have to deal with the spark plug issue with the 4.6

 

Why do you think that a newer truck is going for less than an older truck? Because of the engine. No one wants the 4.6. Once you have put an other 80k on the truck the 20k difference will not be noticeable.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

PS. Get the 5.4, I had to make my own.....

 

get the 5.4

 

You'll be sorry later, if you don't get the 5.4. There's quite a difference between the two.

 

Why a 4six ? You have something against power ? You scared ?

With the 5.4L you'll be content and when/if you update to a newer Ford later on. You'll do alright selling/trading in - The 5.4L has a much higher residual value, uhmmm, if you haven't noticed

Why do you think they get the same mileage I wonder ?? Simple - The 5.4L doesn't break a sweat getting up to speed. It has low end Power/ Torque; In other words - you won't have to mash the peddle just to make a left hand turn..

200,000 hard working miles is easy with the 5.4L . Okay, sure, the 4.6L can go 200,000 miles fairly easy as well..? Well, as long as you don't put anything on the hitch - - or in the bed

Holey Sh^t!! Maybe I should of been a salesmen ? I'm not prejudice, I don't discriminate!! The 4.6L is a good motor too--------For a Go-Cart

 

5.4 hands down

 

lol brew give the 4.6 more credit. mine hauled things fine for what it really was @ 194k. the only problem was i was in 2nd gear up the big hills lol.

but honestly, the 4.6 IS better off only in cars. and gay 2wd lowered trucks

 

26,000 miles is nothing for either of these engines or trucks. I wouldn't worry about wear. The XLT is better optioned too.

 

The 5.4 has had far too many issues for me to buy one. The cam phasers have been an issue. Figure around $1500.00 per side for repair/replacement should you have any problems. The spark plugs have been an issue. just search this board and you'll see how common and expensive it can be just to replace the plugs. The 5.4 has never put out the power or fuel mileage of comparable engines from other makers. It's slated for replacement in 2010.
The 4.6 in a 4x4 is a weak power package unless you you replace the gears with sets of 4.10s. Then the truck comes alive but at the cost of lower engine life and lower fuel mileage. The 4.6 you drove isn't broken in yet and hasn't reached it's full power potential but it's never going to be a powerhouse.
Your choice is either chancing that the 5.4 is a good one and hope that you don't have any issues or you can choose the extremely reliable but under powered 4.6. Personally, if I were in a position of absolutely having to have a 4x4, I'd be looking at the GM 5.3 flex fuel. The GM also has issues like front end seals, transmission issues, etc but the fix is far cheaper than if the 5.4 goes sour. Yeah, I'm a Ford guy and yeah I have 4x4s- all Fords....but older Fords that I will rebuild until I can no longer get parts. I'm not a fan of the newer soccer mom 4x4s.