4.6 vs 3.7
#16
12-14-2010, 01:01 AM
I think for what you want the truck to do, both engines are more than adequate. If I were looking to buy a new truck today, the biggest consideration I would worry about is price. With all the deals on the 2010 models, you will be hard pressed to make a better argument for the 2011 models.
My next concern would be reliability. I see no reason the 3.7 would be problematic, but it has not been tested in a pickup application and its true performance in this arena remains to be seen. The 4.6, on the other hand, has proven itself to be a pretty good engine.
Performance would be my final consideration. I think the 4.6 3v and the 3.7 should be fairly close in terms of unloaded driving performance. I'd love to see a drag race between two trucks that are otherwise identical. My 4x2 SCrew 4.6 3v with the 3.31 axle seems to have plenty of cajones. I am not sure if the 3.7 could hang with it despite having 10 more horsepower because it is down on torque by a little over 40 pound feet. I think the power characteristics of the 4.6 3v lend itself to moving a trailer a lot better than the 3.7 which is rated to tow a max of 6100 lbs vs the 4.6's max tow rating of 9800 lbs.
If you had asked about the new 5.0 vs the 4.6, this would be a completely different discussion. I, however, still would have to consider the lower price of the 2010 models, but only if I had to buy a truck right away. I think you are going to see similar deals on the 2011 models in several months. So, if you aren't in a hurry to buy, you might want to wait it out and see how the new engines are doing in the real world plus get a better deal if you should decide to buy. You might even be able to buy a 5.0 equipped truck for a decent price in a few months and really have a truck that puts a smile on your face.
My next concern would be reliability. I see no reason the 3.7 would be problematic, but it has not been tested in a pickup application and its true performance in this arena remains to be seen. The 4.6, on the other hand, has proven itself to be a pretty good engine.
Performance would be my final consideration. I think the 4.6 3v and the 3.7 should be fairly close in terms of unloaded driving performance. I'd love to see a drag race between two trucks that are otherwise identical. My 4x2 SCrew 4.6 3v with the 3.31 axle seems to have plenty of cajones. I am not sure if the 3.7 could hang with it despite having 10 more horsepower because it is down on torque by a little over 40 pound feet. I think the power characteristics of the 4.6 3v lend itself to moving a trailer a lot better than the 3.7 which is rated to tow a max of 6100 lbs vs the 4.6's max tow rating of 9800 lbs.
If you had asked about the new 5.0 vs the 4.6, this would be a completely different discussion. I, however, still would have to consider the lower price of the 2010 models, but only if I had to buy a truck right away. I think you are going to see similar deals on the 2011 models in several months. So, if you aren't in a hurry to buy, you might want to wait it out and see how the new engines are doing in the real world plus get a better deal if you should decide to buy. You might even be able to buy a 5.0 equipped truck for a decent price in a few months and really have a truck that puts a smile on your face.
X2 Agree 100% with what you said especially about the torque and horsepower difference between the 3.7 and 4.6 3V.
Later Mark.
#17
12-14-2010, 04:14 AM
