For the sake of discussion.

Its easy to get wrapped up in top engine offering's, and how they compare to each other...But what about the middle guys? It's safe to say that the engines for Ford and GM as of the 2014 year model, compare something like this.

3.7L - 4.3L
5.0L - 5.3L
3.5LEB - 5.3L/6.2L
6.2L - 6.2L

I was Just wondering what everyone thinks of GM's new 5.3L (2014+). Personally I haven't driven one yet, but I admit to curiosity, not because I'm planning on trading in my truck and thus moving over to the dark side, but more so just a personal curiosity.

I know the previous 5.3L's used in a 2013 and down trucks were pathetic compared to the new 5.0L, But given that the 2014+ engines are essentially rated at identical HP and torque numbers to the Ford 5.0L I was wondering how the two actually stacked up in various situation's, head to head drag race, towing, daily driving, all that stuff.

I've watched (and timed) a few 0-60 clips online of both 5.0L F-150's and 5.3L GM's and they seem nearly identical.

How do you guys think they compare?

 

Couldn't care less.

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-click- the pic'
Goth 150
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That's not true. You felt a need to post. It would be nice for everybody if you really did care a little bit less.

 

This really belongs in "Ford vs the competition" but, it could get interesting. Let's wait and see before I make the move.

One of the things I find interesting is that Ford is rolling new body styles of F-150's in late December / Jan while the other car makers are rolling them in the fall. Bad move IMHO. GM is still talking smack about the new 5.3L and how it's the most while Ford hasn't rolled any 2015's yet.

Anyway, I think the OP's comparisons are correct but how does the 2015 2.7L fit in?

 

I'm not sure if that's how I would compare them, also Ford dropped the 3.7 for 2015 and added 3.5 NA.

To me it looks like GM's 4.3 is between Ford's 3.5 NA & 2.7 EcoBoost.
The 5.3 is between the 2.7 EcoBoost & 5.0.
The 6.2 has more hp but less torque so maybe compare to the 5.0 or 3.5 EcoBoost.

Ford's new truck is lighter so the hp to weight ratios may be better than GM's (just a guess).

 

I've always like the GM 5.3L engine. It's a good mix of power and economy.

 

GM 5.3L is a little easier to work on than the 5.0L Ford. Decent engine. It's the rest of the GM truck that could be a problem. At least that's been my experience.

 

Comparing pre-2015 models here, so the 3.5L N/A and 2.7L EB aren't in this equation.

 

As one on the dark side, the 5.3 is a powerful engine, and plenty for any half-ton, I have only towed a 5x8 enclosed trailer weighing in at about 2500#
but even with the 3.08 axle it would pull to 90 mph no issue on a 600 mile trip, also I did it on a tank and a half of gas. even with the light axle it has plenty of power. Its not perfect though as sometimes the transmission kicks into gear, I was told its a electronic issue. It also really likes to hold a gear if you are doing any heavy throttle, all the way to 5500 rpm if you let it. I like it as for a daily driver I can drive it below 1500 rpm most of the time and I get 16.7 city with a 4WD truck although its a reg cab 6.5' bed. Hiway i have seen 23-24 although I mostly baby the hell out of it, and hold 65 mph cruise control. I wouldn't try any 3/4 duties with it, but it is a nice truck to drive, and it does well in mud, and was fun on the logging roads in Maine. The motor is great but the rest of the truck has a ton of little issues, I guess that's why they were giving it away, lol

 

Whereas the Fords distribute the little issues evenly across the platform.

 

Awesome report......kudos to you man......it'd be easy to flame about how great your truck is that was genuine......I actually like all of the big 3s current trucks prefer Ford but still like all 3

 

the older 5.3s are very good engines. Ive seen a few go 300+ k. the ones with the cylinder deactivation has a few problems. I haven't driven any in towing..... but empty...not bad. the 4.8 is underpowered....

 

Welcome to FTE!

It's funny that different regions of the country tend to lean towards one brand or another. For instance, growing up in Maine, it seems to me that Maine is Chevy/GMC country with a few others mixed in. The local Ford dealer where i grew up sells new Fords and Ram/Dodge products just to compete with the Chevy/GMC dealer across the street.

 

IMHO the 5.3litre in the 2013s pulls like a 3v 4.6 even the 5.4 destroyed it in pulling power.

the 14+ motor feels very similar to the 5.0. it might a little snappier off the line due too the direct injection and I believe it gets into the torque band faster than the 5.0.

IMHO the ultimate towing motor in the half ton class is the 3.5eb. a close second would be the 8spd hemi combo from ram

 

The Ford 6.2 is right there with them, pulls like a freight train.