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?

 

Get the 5.4, you won't regret it.

 

Thank you very much.

 

I'll second that. The gas mileage is almost the same but there is a world of difference in performance. The 5.4 is a great engine.

 

Thank you, your reply is very helpful.

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

I have a 5.4 and it is awesome.

 

To everyone who replyed, thanks. I will be getting the 5.4

 

wise man, Nike...........wise wise man!

 

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.

 

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 .

 

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.

 

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.