5.4 vs. 4.6

Depends.

The 4.6 will probably last longer, cost you less to maintain, and will have less problems. (Less oil, no COPs to replace, less likely to have the famous spark plug issues, less to fill up, just to name a few)

The 5.4 will tow and haul more, but will also be less reliable and cost you more for general upkeep. (More oil, COPs to replace.....you get the idea) But this engine will work less when towing or hauling something heavy vs. the 4.6.

If you don't need the extra power go with the 4.6.

If you tow or haul all the time go with the 5.4.

Oh by the way I own a 1998, F150 5.4l, auto, reg. cab. long bed, 4x4, 87k

These are general opinions. It also depends how well each motor was taken care of, how many miles, where you live, what day of the week the truck was made, what you are planning to do with the truck.............My friends with the 4.6 have had way less problems than my 5.4.

Also I belive the 5.4 is only $500-1000 more on the orginal build paperwork, but I could be wrong.

 

This is the answer I'm looking to find. Don't care that much about options. I know I want another Ford and I want a used one I can run into the ground without a lot of expense. Anyone else agree with Whiteghost??

This I don't need.



Thanks to all for your opinions!!!!

 

You have to remember though that 95% of the population that owns a vehicle is a moron when it somes to maintenance on their vehicle. So the arguement that a 4.6 will last longer than a 5.4 is pointless. Depends on the owner and how well maintained the vehicle is.

 

both are good engines. i had a 97 with 4.6 and had no problems at all. i have have an 01 superduty 5.4 and have had no major problems. the 5.4 is to underpowered for a 250 but..thats another story.

 

i know that your asking for 1997 to 2000 but i own a 2004 4.6 4x4 and i have an exhaust and chip and i run 33's and i swear i get atleast 15mpg intown if not better not to mention iv never had a problem with power, my friend but his 99 taho with a 4inch lift to a dirch at a prolly 50degree angle and i had no problem pulling him out iv never had to replace a plug in it yet ( although i should and the COP it great

 

i had a 98 f150 ext cab short bed 4x4 off road 4.6L, and it was a great truck! i cud keep up to the chevy 5.3L without to much problem. had cold air intake, dual exhaust no rear cats, 3 inch lift and 33 inch tires. 154,000 miles. now have an 08 f150 5.4L FX4, and i love this truck!

 

One opinion is all you needed to steer you in the wrong direction.


The engines will approximately last the same number of miles and cost the same to maintain.

Unless you stumble across the truck of your dreams, pass on the 4.6L.

 

I don't see how a truck with the 4.6 could be anyones dream truck.

 

LOL. Die Hard 5.4 fans. Don't get me wrong, I have the 5.4 in my 07 and it pulls and tows like no other truck I've owned. Better mpg's than the others too. I have ran up on 2 trucks and trying to make my mind up. One is a 99 4.6 with 126,000 miles Xtra cab XLT (5k), the other is a 2000 OffRoad Xtra cab 5.4 with 156,000 miles (5.5k). Both run out great.

 

Not real easy to steer but I am listening.

 

I'm curious how you have reached this conclusion, since most 5.4's and 4.6's share some of the same parts for maintainence?


hillbilly4u find a truck with the options you want then see what engine it happens to have in it, I think you'll be happier if you get a truck with teh options you want VS eliminating potiental trucks because of the engine they happen to have

 

Yea, I would like to know the same. I think it's just a stupid comment to put it bluntly. A 5.4L will outlast a 4.6L hands down given the same workload or as a DD from A to B. However you want to look at it, the 5four doesn't have to work as hard in doing so.

Their both awesome engines as far as dependability and longevity, but there are aspects that the 4six can't compete with when up against the 5four.

 

5.4! 5.4! 5.4! Trucks like these deserve the power they require. I would go with 1999-2003 model 5.4s! 260hp 350lb/ft , cant go wrong...

 

The 99 4.6 doesn't even have PI heads.
The 00 5.4 has PI heads and will have significantly more power!
Get whatever one you like best.They will both cost the same to maintain,last about the same and get very close to the same gas mileage.The 5.4 will have more power.

Phil

 

I guess a decision to be made will be made by you-there are many equal arguments for either engine. Look at this way-you will have to live with your own decision so buy what you feel is right for you...

Now if we were talking the difference between a 4.7 and a 6.0 or a 4.8 and a 5.7 Hemi there would be a vast difference..the true difference between a 5.4 and 4.6 is really not that incredibly vast...with the two engines-you will be wanting play with the aftermarket goodies anyway...

If two trucks with similar trim were sitting on the lot and one had the 4.6 and one had the 5.4 and the price was slightly more for the truck with the 5.4, I'd buy the 5.4 just because....