Is there really much of a difference in mileage between the two? Do you all just go for the V8?

 

When I purchased mine, I test drove both vehicles and did not notice a major difference in power. I went with the 5.0 8 cylinder due to a stronger more reliable engine and the transmission is stronger. I have no regrets, perfect power and torque for the size of the vehicle. From what I have read on this Forum, there is very little difference in gas mileage between the two.

 

I have the 5.0 V8 in my 1998 and I've gotten as high as 22 MPG doing 95% highway driving. The motor was around 40 years so it is tried and true. I believe the difference between the 6 & 8 is 1 MPG or less.

I don't know about the newer models but models through 2001 that had the V8 only had AWD vs a true 4x4 in the 6 cylinder. So, consider that as well.

 

Is AWD worse than part-time 4WD?

Does the OHC v6 have the same HP as the OHV V8? According to consumerguide, it does.. Says it has better gas mileage, too. Just less torque.

 

AWD has no low range ability, so it is not as venerable off road, if you plan on using it for that... also, yes, the OHV 4.2L v-6 has more horsepower than the older5.0L v-8, but considerably lees torque. If you plan on towing anything, or hauling anything, get the v-8. It has been time tested, and if you ever want to upgrade the engine, there are many more aftermarket parts available for it. Also, the mileage difference is minimal.

 

AWD is ONLY worse than 4x4 if you plan on using it for moderate off-road use. other than that it is awesome...... i have AWD and picked it for the safety in emergency manuevering and snow capability. as far as power, torque is way more important to me than horsepower in a truck...... so i go V8 all the way. remember, there is no replacement for displacement. mpg on my 5.0 AWD is 13/17 city/highway

 

The v8 drivetrain, whether it be tranny or engine, is waaaay more reliable amd sturdier than the v6 components. At least the OHV 4.0L is durable, but the tranny is still soft.

Mileage, while semi-important, is down the list when looking at maintenance on common issue like the timing chain issues that call for pulling the 4.0L OHC out for a temporary fix.

 

Well, I'd be looking at moderate off-road use, so I'll be looking for 4WD. I don't know if I'm going to be able to go with V8 even if I wanted to. Did a search on autotrader and there's probably 2 V8s within 200mi of me and 20+ V6s..

 

oh that sucks..... if you do moderate off road use, you'd probably want the v8 for the added torque....

 

We have a 99 X six cylinder 4.0, most to the time we are on the high way. Summer months 22 and sometimes 23 miles per gallon. Winter months it drops down to 17 mpg.

 

I have a 96 Explorer XLT AWD 5.0 V8 and I get about 16/19, My buddy has a 98 V6 (I think 4WD) and he says he gets about 19/21. Mine is beat though so that might have something to do with it.

 

My 96 v8 gets about 18/21 city/highway. I tow a horse trailer and it has loads more power than my v6 explorer had. Mileage loss was only 1 mpg city or highway. I am turning over 120,000 this week and I'm leaving for a family vacation in Florida. About 950 miles from where I live in Maryland. This explorer has been nothing but reliable for me.

 

Thanks for the help everyone. I'd probably never have to pull something and it would probably be closer to a low amount of offroading, but I'd like to have the option. The only thing I can ever really see me pulling would be a little aluminum boat, maybe.

 

Oh yeah, I was also wondering about the rear door. Do they all just open in one piece? Are there rear hatches that open window/door seperately?

 

Yep. My 96 EB can either open just the rear window, or in one piece- depending on which way you turn the handle on the back.