Just got the my new issue of Car and Driver and they had a nice little comparo of 2 similarly equipped F150's; one with 3.5 Eco and the other with the 5.0 V-8. I don't have a link, so you will probably have to wait to read on line. The only real surprise was how much the EB dominated in towing performance. Everything else, including MPG's was pretty close. Surprisingly, they did pick the V-8 as the vehicle they would drive everyday unloaded because the writers thought the EB throttle seemed a little touchy. I came away with I would rather have the 3.5 EB over the V8 given its extra capability with no mileage penalty because I like to tow a pretty good load several times a year. If you don't tow heavy and want to save $650.00, it sounds like V8 might be your choice.

 

See that's the dilemma I'm kind of having. Only way I can get the truck in my configuration is with either the 5.0 or the 3.5EB since I need 4x4 crew cab 6.5' bed. It's kind of surprising that there isn't any mpg penalty going with either of these engines that much. Probably stay the same with the 10 speed later on.

On a quick off topic, anyone know who supplies the electronic locker for the F150 if it's like Eaton or someone else?

 

My experience is with the previous generation trucks, but I agree, for towing, the 3.5 EcoBoost is the best gas engine available from any manufacturer. It's amazingly effortless with a load behind it. It beats any gas V8.

That being said, it does drive "different", especially when unloaded. A lot of folks like the feel of a V8, and the sound, and that 5.0L is an excellent motor.

 

Just your description is one of the best comparisons I've read, liquid! I'd about flip a coin to choose.

 

The article also stated that the 5.0 (in the pick-up truck) wasn't long for this world. I know that the V8 is a sweetheart of a motor, but the 2.7 EB is competitive with it in power and capability and does surpass it by a decent amount in real world fuel economy. Although yet to be proven; I think that the 5.0 V8 would have a lower cost of ownership in the latter half of its service life than its higher tech EB brothers. If you want the V8, you better not wait too long

 

Great thread starter sir, thanks for sharing. However, history has already debunked your theory on reliability. The 5.0 is a great motor and I'd proudly own one but the older models have had some serious issues as well as some 3.5's to boot. The 3.5L EB makes up 45% of all F-150 sales since 2011. Over 1,000,000 have been produced for F-150's to date. Pretty stout little engine.

Reps sent for the article.

 

Old schoolers like me will opt for the 5.0,its got the power I want and sounds awsome
at WOT . I cant see any EB set up going for hundreds of thousands of miles without
a turbo parts failure or other ecoboost related gizmos kicking the bucket. V8s just need oil and gas and they go forever .

 

I would love see to see ford bump the 5.0 up a bit maybe 400hp-415-420 torque.

 

There's a few over 200,000 and 300,000 miles. I'm more concerned about how parts handle over 10+ years. Miles doesn't mean crap, it's the actual age that really matters in my book and how it was maintained.

 

good to know,most TD truck engines go loads of miles but need
turbos ,egrs and lots of other junk along the way

 

Lots of plumbing, complicated and they are hotter under the hood, that's why i went with the V8

 

I'm very curious to see how things play out with the 5.0L. I used to think that the simpler design was a better long-term bet for reliability, but in the last six months we've seen a startling number of 5.0L engine failures. Very curious to see if this is an issue that was rectified in the last few model years or not.

Not trying to start a war here, just that things aren't always what they seem.

 

I chose the 5.0 in my new 2016 F150 for different reasons. I bought a new F350 Superduty in '04 and after 12 years I've had my fill of turbos, EGR systems, oil coolers, and high tech injection systems. We no longer carry a big camper while towing a loaded cargo trailer, so a diesel isn't needed.

The F150 with the 5.0 will pull our small trailer and has great handling and a comfortable ride. Our hope is that the 5.0 will gives us long term reliability and easy maintenance. I know there are few certainties in life, but at this time we're thrilled with our new F150 and off to a great start and not looking back.

 

Startling number of 5.0 failures?

If anything it is the 2.7 that is seeing failures over at F150forums...

Josh

 

Just saw reports of shudder at low miles, failed oil pump at low miles...all during break in period on the 2.7L.

Kind of surprised how early this is happening but not considering its a clean slate design with a lot of new features for Ford. Hopefully these will be addressed...but considering timing chain issues are a problem up until 2015 on the 3.5L and several TSBs later to fix it, I won't hold my breath.