i had a 2000 chevy with the 5.3 as a company work truck and ive got a 2000 f250 with the 5.4. hands down the chevy was faster than my 5.4, even though my 5.4 is a 5 speed with 4.10 gears and the chevy was an auto with something like 3.54 gears. the main problem i had with the chevy was that it wouldnt pull itself up a hill unless it was turning 3500 rpms. but it pulled strong in the higher rpms. on the other hand, my 5.4 falls flat on its face and is virtually useless at any rpm above 3k. i think the 5.4 is better for towing because it makes more power at lower rpms and i dont have to constantly downshift.