Hi all... I'm considering buying a F-150 FX4 and have been doing a bit of research online prior to going in for a test drive. I'd like to know if anyone has driven both models and if anyone has any opinion as to which is better than the other.

I came across several websites that list specs on both, such as:

5-liter V8 - http://www.usautochoice.com/2011-for...0-fx4-5-0l-v8/

3.5-liter V6 - http://www.usautochoice.com/2011-for...l-ecoboost-v6/

And I see that they are pretty much equally powered and priced, but I'd like to hear back from those who have actually driven one (or both of 'em).

 

Try doing a search this has been beaten to death already.

 

.....to death.

 

To death but I'll bite. They are not equally priced. The Eco is a $750 option.

 

Both are great engines, but the Eco won out for me. It just out performs the 5.0 hands down. But Ford is doing great and their engine line up is great also so I'm sure you will be pleased with either engine.

 

I drove both before I ordered mine with the 5.0. I have only owned one truck with a V6 and that was my '91 S10 4x4. Anyway, for me it was the sound. I have to have a V8 sound when I get on it and the 5.0 really growls in stock form....with mods, who knows? In Canada, the Eco costs more too.

 

Really?

REALLY?

 

Pure performance....go Eco.
Potential for better mileage....go Eco.
Need to tow heavier loads....go Eco.
Potential for higher resale....go Eco.
Want to pretend you're even slightly "green"....go Eco.

Like that V8 growl....definitely go 5.0.
Potential for mods without too much risk of blowing up your engine....go 5.0.
Need to tow moderately....go 5.0.
Want to save a few bucks initially....go 5.0.

I went for the Eco but did not immediately rule out the 5.0L by any means. Both are great engines.

 

I like the way you summed that up! I'm in the same boat as iF150. I've been leaning more and more towards the Eco.

 

X2,i drove both and the EcoBoost just flat out performs better then the 5.0 IMO.The 5.0 might sound better but i would rather have a quiet fast truck then a loud slow truck.

Later Mark.

 

Great summary by Dawg. There is no way the performance is the same. Unloaded, WOT is similar. Part throttle, the EB has some quirks. But no other half ton pulls as hard as the EB from 2000rpm+, which is most noticeable when towing.

 

After doing a lot of research, I drove both expecting I would buy the EB. To me they were very close in power. There were 3 deciding factors. The EB I test drove had a turbo lag when you punched it. I might have gotten used to it, but doubt it. I do not like having to wait on anything. The EB I drove felt light on the front when changing lanes, getting on the freeway, etc, but I could have gotten used to that. Then there is the sound. I have had V8s for 54 years, my first was a flathead Ford. I just love the sound of a smooth V8. So, I could not see paying $750 extra for something that I would not be totally happy with. Since I seldom tow and when I do, it's not heavy, the only time the EB was a winner for me was when my foot was in it and how often is that? I am pleased with the 5.0 so far and I get 22.1 on the interstate at 72 mph and 19 overall. This last week's fillup, I got 19.5 overall. I have 4500 miles on it.

 

Why try and start crap? The 5.0 is by no means slow, the eco is faster in stock form but neither truck is slow.

 

Of course the EB outperforms the 5.0 - it has more HP and torque. The EB is offered as an alternative to the 6.2. If it weren't for CAFE requirements and the price of gas, you think Ford would even bother with the EB? They'd offer the 6.2 across the board for all you power and sound freaks.

Even the 3.7 isn't slow. It's all in what you need and want.

 

That's pretty good results Bluejay! I actually bought the Eco for the performance factor with the "potential" for better gas mileage as secondary. It's curious because mine did not have any noticeable lag at all. Also, the Eco's performance is more pronounced at altitude over the naturally aspirated V8s since I drive in the 5000-12000 ft. elevation range. I had my mind on a Raptor with the 6.2L and I know how I like to drive so the Eco was the way to go for me. But I also have to do a lot of stop and go commuting so having the Eco's increased potential for good mileage was also attractive. But it was hard for me to depart my past V8s and custom exhausts...nothing sounds better!