4.6 or 5.4?
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New User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9
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From: Conn.
4.6 or 5.4?
Hello everyone;
I have a problem. I will buy a 2004 F-150 by 1/30/04, but I never had a full size truck before and I don't know which engine is best. I will use the truck(F-150 supercab 4x4 XLT)everday going to and from work, and trips to the dump. I live in CT, so I will use the four wheel drive for bad snow storms. Any one have any suggestions?
I have a problem. I will buy a 2004 F-150 by 1/30/04, but I never had a full size truck before and I don't know which engine is best. I will use the truck(F-150 supercab 4x4 XLT)everday going to and from work, and trips to the dump. I live in CT, so I will use the four wheel drive for bad snow storms. Any one have any suggestions?
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 146
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From: Columbus, Ohio
I test drove the 4.6 and a 5.4. WORLD of difference. It was taking a big chunk out of my budget to go with the 5.4, but I knew that after driving the 4.6, that I wouldn't be happy with it. Why buy a vehicle that you're not happy with, right?
I suggest that you go and test drive both. Get out on an open road and nail the gas to the floor on both vehicles. Then just drive around for a little while like you normally would. If you feel the 4.6 would suffice, then get it. I do agree with the above posts though. If you have the extra cash in your budget, definitely get the 5.4.
I suggest that you go and test drive both. Get out on an open road and nail the gas to the floor on both vehicles. Then just drive around for a little while like you normally would. If you feel the 4.6 would suffice, then get it. I do agree with the above posts though. If you have the extra cash in your budget, definitely get the 5.4.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 62
Likes: 1
REALIZE that the 5.4 (maybe the 4.6L too?) WILL NOT FEEL as peppy as it will after 500 miles.
All the people that test drive say the 5.4 is slow. Well, it seems like it. If you're OK with it on the test drive, then just you wait until 200 miles and then BAM-it hits ya BIG time.
Get the 5.4L. Better to have too much than wish you had a 5.4L.
Dan
All the people that test drive say the 5.4 is slow. Well, it seems like it. If you're OK with it on the test drive, then just you wait until 200 miles and then BAM-it hits ya BIG time.
Get the 5.4L. Better to have too much than wish you had a 5.4L.
Dan
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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I have to agree with you Dan. I could swear this thing picked up 50 hp after 500 miles. Better mileage too. I realize engines "break-in", but for some reason, this one is very noticable! Almost like Ford programmed a break-in period in the computer. Hmmm.
BTW, the 4.6 is ok, but the 5.4 is fabulous.
BTW, the 4.6 is ok, but the 5.4 is fabulous.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 222
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From: Cumming, GA
Having a bigger engine helps your truck's resale value and also, since it creates more energy at lower RPM's, a 5.4 doing the same work as a 4.6 will not wear as fast and have similar gas mileage.
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 35
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the 4.6 is a great motor.people drive them forever.
its for those who dont need to haul trailers everyday but can if need be.its a bull that never dies.you can also upgrade the crap out of it and it can take it .
its for those who dont need to haul trailers everyday but can if need be.its a bull that never dies.you can also upgrade the crap out of it and it can take it .
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 125
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Gas milage of the 5.4 doesn't look too impressive according to the thread "fuel economy... whose getting what" . The highest claim was 18mpg hwy . Others claimed 12-15 mixed. I checked a few threads on this subject. A few claimed 20-22 hwy with the 4.6, others lower but overall better milage than the 5.4.
Last edited by bigbadjs; Jan 29, 2004 at 08:02 AM.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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22 mpg with the '04 4.6L. Not even realistic.
EPA 4.6L
2X - 15-19 MPG
4X - 14-18 MPG
EPA 5.4L
2X - 15-19 MPG
4X - 14-18 MPG
For the most part, we've found this to be true. Thing is that the mileage is similar, but the performance difference is night and day. I'll take the 5.4L, thank you.
BTW, our mileage is still better than the rest.
EPA 4.6L
2X - 15-19 MPG
4X - 14-18 MPG
EPA 5.4L
2X - 15-19 MPG
4X - 14-18 MPG
For the most part, we've found this to be true. Thing is that the mileage is similar, but the performance difference is night and day. I'll take the 5.4L, thank you.
BTW, our mileage is still better than the rest.