i have the 4.6 and have never drove a 5.4, but from the data available there is no way comparing the two. The 5.4 is a very strong motor made for pulling and hauling. The 4.6 is a strong motor, just on a smaller scale. I would never need the additional performance that the 5.4 gives, i do more running around in town than i do pulling or hauling anything. If i did haul or pull stuff then i would have definately got the 5.4. But to compare the performance (speed) of both, i would have to say that both are slow (due to being a heavy truck), with the 5.4 being quicker. If i want to race or enjoy performance i will just drive my 12 second mustang that day. Guys these are trucks, most trucks are SLOW!!!

 

I agree.....I give up trying to compair the two engines...but get what you like to have! I'm extreamly happy with my engine as a 4.6 probably since I probably will not hual much at all or pull anything and the 4.6 still has power to spare for me! I was not saying one engine is better then the other, there both great engines and great trucks of a matter of fact!!! :-)

 

I think the reason is, with more power, you can stay in overdrive longer, turn less RPM's therefore burning less fuel, and burning the less fuel by staying in overdrive gives it the same mileage.

This is just me guessing..
On the window sticker, on the mpg it says the average wich is the big numbers, and below that there is the range wehre it says the highest ford was able to get and the lowest.. Did you notice if the range was the same?

 

Kinda funny, but my old 2000 5.4L Screw got 19mpg driving down to New Orleans, while my father-in-laws 4.6 Flare couldn't break 13. The hills killed him. he would lose too much going up by the time he hit the top. In an acceleration test side by side, even his lightweight bed couldn't save him... the 5.4L SMOKED him every time. Period. Put your neighbors next to yours. That several undred pounds of engine and drivetrain weight means squat. Besides, the unlocked hubs on the 4X4 aren't turning the whole front axle, hubs, and driveshaft, so drag is minimal. It's just some extra weight. I noticed with my 4.6 (1999), I could load the truck all day and it could care less. Hook up to a trailer, and then feel the difference. My $0.02 worth.

 

Exellent points from all. I'm happy with my 4.6, however;

1. I have a 2 wheel drive, regular cab, even less weight.

2. I have added k&n, Magnaflow catback, Superchips. How many horse difference?

3. I saved enough by getting the 4.6 to buy ALL my mods.

4. I don't tow with the STX. If I have to tow, I use my Fleetwood Class A. 7.4 (454). Bigger IS better.

5. When it snows, I don't drive my pickup. I drive my Tracker 4x4.

If I had to combine towing and four wheel, No way would I have gotten the smaller motor.

Since I don't, the 4.6 is great.
Chris

 

FYI, from www.fueleconomy.gov

4X2: city/highway
5.4 14/19
4.6 15/19
4.2 15/20

4X4:
5.4 14/18
4.6 14/18
4.2 Not Available

Sorry for including the 4.2 info on this thread, couldn't help myself.

Scott

 

I have a a 2 weel dr x-cab XL ,ordred it with 5.4 800.00 bucks extra but worth it.put magnaflow exaust on it runs and sounds like a mustang h.o. SEMPER-FI!

 

Here is my two cents apples to apples if your going to compare two trucks make sure
they are the same the only diffence would be one is a 4.6 and one would be a 5.4 only
then is when you will see the diffence

 

I test drove two trucks,both the same except one with 5.4 and the other 4.6.No brainer.Guess which one I drove off in.You have a great engine but you should have spent a little more and got what you ( really ) wanted.

 

I have a 2005 STX and a 2004FX4. Both are Super Cabs. Both 4wd. The 5.4 will run circles around the 4.6....

MK

 

i have a 04 lariat screw with the 5.4 and 373 ls and EVERYONE that i talked to that had screws with the 4.6 said get the 5.4 . I thought of getting the 4.6 thinking that maybe mpg would be better but when i saw the sticker that made up my mind . as far as whether i ever tow anything or haul anything having that 5.4 will be nice , guess it goes back to what i sy about my gun " rather have it and not need it , than to need it and not have it" just my .02 worth

 

I had a new 1997 F-150 XLT Scab 4x4 4.6 with Flowmaster exhaust, K&n air filter, Hypertech programer that was STILL a dog. Bought a 2004 F-150 FX4 Scab 4x4 with the 5.4 and same gears 3.73's, the 5.4 would run circles around the 4.6 and the 5.4 is stock. I loved the 1997 BUT the 4.6 engine SUCKED!!!!

 

They might feel the same just cruising around town, I don't doubt that at all.

But hook up a 5000lb trailer to any 5.4L F150 and any 4.6L F150 and take them on a 600 mile highway trip and you'll see a few key differences.

1. The 5.4L will spend alot more time in higher gears than the 4.6L.

2. The 4.6L will gear hunt alot more.

3. The 5.4L will get about 2mpg better mileage due to the fact it won't need to rev nearly as high to maintain speed.

4. The 4.6L (engine & tranny) will run hotter due to the higher revs and increased shifting. This could be a huge factor if it happens to be a hot day. Also increases wear on both components.

 

No doubt the 5.4 will pull better. But to classify the 4.6 as a piece of junk is completely wrong. By that logic i can say that the 5.4 is a peice of junk compaired to the 5.6 by nissan. And we all know thats not true. Different engines for different purposes. (If I really need to tow something I would have held on to my old I-300).

 

Just for your info I bought a f-150 4.6 2wd tow package and the tow rating on it is 9,900 so i dont know what they are talking about. No offense, it pulls my Case 1845G skid steer w/ no problem! The machine weights 6,700 lbs. The 4.6 runs with the 5.4SC 4X4 I ran a couple and they didnt impress me to much. I even took one at the track last fall.