This may be over reduntant question. It's easy to get lost in all of the replies concerning spark plug preferences.

As far as I can tell from posts of experience , The Motocraft and Autolite are the same plug except for logo branding. All others might be good quality names but can cause problems in the Duratec/Ford 3.0L V6 24V DOHC engine. I may be wrong but thats the impression I get.

If the Autolite parts are the same as Motocraft , what is the better choice

The Iridium XP or the double platinum , the newer Iridium XP has some great reviews, is it worth the extra expense. I don't want to be tearing the plenum off of this engine again anytime soon.


2003 Ford Escape 3.0L V6 24V DOHC engine

 

Autolite manufactures the Motorcraft plugs to Ford's specifications. They are not the "same" plug as the equivalent Autolites although you'd likely never be able to tell the difference as a casual customer.

The double platinum plugs will likely last from 60-100K miles, probably the same lifespan as the Iridium plugs.

 

I run the Autolite double platinum. I tried the E3 in my Focus it didn't change the gas mileage at all. And they where made in China.

 

On the later models, if the plug base is black, it's made by Autolite to Ford specs, later silver base plugs are NGK. Found this out when doing the plugs on my 2012.