Notices
Ford vs The Competition Technical discussion and comparison ONLY. Trolls will not be tolerated.

Hemi Vs. 5.4

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 9, 2004 | 05:53 PM
  #1  
JohnnyBoy's Avatar
JohnnyBoy
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
From: Dallas
Exclamation Hemi Vs. 5.4

Hey, just wondering. I have been considering the 5.4 over the 4.6 for some time now in the 04 f150. Cant really decide though. Both get the same MPG? The HEMI though, gets I beleive 21 mpg, and is bigger (5.7) and more powerful than either one. As far as style and everything else, ford hands down. Does anyone have any kind of experince between these trucks? Is the HEMI a better engine? Any help kindly.
 
Reply
Old Aug 9, 2004 | 05:56 PM
  #2  
MW95F250's Avatar
MW95F250
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 1
From: Raleigh, NC
The Hemi only gets 10-11 mpg if you're lucky--going downhill in neutral with the key off and a good strong tailwind.
 
Reply
Old Aug 9, 2004 | 06:09 PM
  #3  
EKUgrad's Avatar
EKUgrad
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
The Hemi mileage is bad, but not 10-11 unless you have your foot way too deep in it too often (it does sound good when you do, though). I average 13-14 with mostly city driving (4x4, quad cab, 3.92 and 20in wheels). I see 17 when at 70 on the highway, 15.5 or so at 75.

I have noticed that when I let my friends drive it, it always averages 8-9 when I get it back (I always reset it before giving it to them). I guess they have fun with it.

I bet the Ford gets better mpg, but I don't know.
 
Reply
Old Aug 9, 2004 | 07:15 PM
  #4  
wnorman1192's Avatar
wnorman1192
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville, FL
Where did you hear that the best a Hemi can get is 10-11 mpg? I just averaged 21.7mpg on a trip from Orlando to Jacksonville with cruise set on 75. The truck is a reg cab 2x4 with 3.55's. The worst I have ever gotten is 12.3 really ******* it around town with no hwy driving. With mixed city and hwy driving I average 14.5-16.5, and I usually drive pretty hard, as the feel and sound of that motor is addicting. I'm sure that the 5.4, being a slightly smaller motor gets as good or better mileage than a 5.7. Saying that the best a hemi can get it 10-11 is just plain wrong.
 
Reply
Old Aug 9, 2004 | 07:32 PM
  #5  
Logical Heritic's Avatar
Logical Heritic
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,291
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by EKUgrad
The Hemi mileage is bad, but not 10-11 unless you have your foot way too deep in it too often (it does sound good when you do, though). I average 13-14 with mostly city driving (4x4, quad cab, 3.92 and 20in wheels). I see 17 when at 70 on the highway, 15.5 or so at 75.

I have noticed that when I let my friends drive it, it always averages 8-9 when I get it back (I always reset it before giving it to them). I guess they have fun with it.

I bet the Ford gets better mpg, but I don't know.
Ill be the one saying it gets 11. My older brother owns his own business. Uses a hemi 3/4 ton as his work truck. I think he might have gotten 14 one time. 11 is better than what he got with his 6.7 but it aint got the ***** down low that the 6.7 has either.
I told him to buy a PSD but he dont listen so good. He has 10 grand of rollover depriciation now because of all his gasser debacles. He needs to go diesel for a few years and let the depriciation catch up.

Id buy the 5.4. No question about it.
 
Reply
Old Aug 9, 2004 | 07:42 PM
  #6  
wnorman1192's Avatar
wnorman1192
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville, FL
I could definately see any V8 in a 3/4 ton truck getting 11mpg. The 2500 is much heavier than the 1500, and typically has lower gears. I still say that in 1/2 ton trucks, the difference in mileage between a 5.4 and 5.7 is neglegable. If you are really concerned about mileage in a 1/2 ton truck, you may want to check out a chevy, as the 5.3 usually gets much better fuel mileage than the ford or dodge. This is probably because the chevy is much lighter.
 
Reply
Old Aug 9, 2004 | 08:35 PM
  #7  
92f150I6's Avatar
92f150I6
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,719
Likes: 1
From: PA
In my f250, I can manage 15MPg highway with the 5.4, 4:10 hears and 33" tires. Milage in the city is probably in the single digits, but I haven't calcualted it yet. I do know that it is bad.
 
Reply
Old Aug 9, 2004 | 08:37 PM
  #8  
Beast12's Avatar
Beast12
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 14,413
Likes: 3
From: Sarnia, Ontario, CANADA!
I just rented a 2004 F150 for the weekend. I wasn't very "gentle" on the throttle. I did half city driving and half highway. Got about 15.2 MPG. I thought that was not too bad considering it was a four door 4x4. Just to let you know.

-Matt
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-3

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-5

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
story-9

2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Aug 9, 2004 | 09:12 PM
  #9  
BVister's Avatar
BVister
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
I'm not sure where the rumor about the Hemi getting horrible mileage came from, but it sure doesn't seem to be any worse than the 3V 5.4's.

A friend of mine has a 2004 QC Hemi Ram 4x4, and I have a 04 F-150 FX4. Both of our trucks get almost the same average calculated fuel mileage, which generally seems to be in the 13-14 MPG range. We both use our trucks about the same, some in town and towing, and quite a bit of highway driving. Not that my truck is weak or under powered, but I sure wish the 5.4 made the kind of power the Hemi makes, especially considering the mileage isn't any worse.
 
Reply
Old Aug 9, 2004 | 09:22 PM
  #10  
bigsnag's Avatar
bigsnag
Posting Guru
25 Year Member
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 2
From: Pryor
The new 3V 5.4 gets the best mileage of all the new trucks. The Hemi gets the worst. The difference isn't going to be huge, but the Ford will get better mileage, PERIOD.

I'll be the first to call BS on the guy saying he got 21.7. Lots of guys on the Dodge board are touting their good mileage, but when you ask them how they figured it, they do it by resetting the mileage computer after they are up to speed. I've still only seen a couple of guys on the Dodge board claim over 20 mpg and it was by doing the trick above and by driving around 65 mph. Anyone who actually calculates their mileage by miles divided by gallons between fill-ups is getting around 17 at best on the highway.
 
Reply
Old Aug 9, 2004 | 09:26 PM
  #11  
Logical Heritic's Avatar
Logical Heritic
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,291
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by bigsnag
The new 3V 5.4 gets the best mileage of all the new trucks. The Hemi gets the worst. The difference isn't going to be huge, but the Ford will get better mileage, PERIOD.

I'll be the first to call BS on the guy saying he got 21.7. Lots of guys on the Dodge board are touting their good mileage, but when you ask them how they figured it, they do it by resetting the mileage computer after they are up to speed. I've still only seen a couple of guys on the Dodge board claim over 20 mpg and it was by doing the trick above and by driving around 65 mph. Anyone who actually calculates their mileage by miles divided by gallons between fill-ups is getting around 17 at best on the highway.
I can flash my computer and get a 27 or 28 mpg average. My mommas lincoln with the 302 would get 99 mpg......... coasting downhill.
 
Reply
Old Aug 9, 2004 | 09:36 PM
  #12  
plasticboob's Avatar
plasticboob
Cross-Country
20 Year Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
If you like styling and everything else more on the Ford, then get the Ford and definitely go with the 5.4 - any V8 is not going to get super-great-happy-fantasy mileage without cylinder deactivation, so I wouldn't worry about the relatively negligible difference between engines' mpg. You probably wouldn't be happy if you prefer Ford styling, interior, etcetera but purchased the Dodge just because it has a fun motor. Good luck!
 
Reply
Old Aug 9, 2004 | 11:42 PM
  #13  
tkondro's Avatar
tkondro
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 301
Likes: 0
From: Saskatoon
"The new 3V 5.4 gets the best mileage of all the new trucks. The Hemi gets the worst. The difference isn't going to be huge, but the Ford will get better mileage, PERIOD."

The Ford motor can't even come close to a chevy in the mileage department (well I guess I shouldn't say that, but consistently the chev is better). If you are referring to the mileage posted on the window, remember it is not totally accurate.

If I recall, there was one of the comparison articles that said the Ford and Hemi were very close on their tests and the chev and toyota were also very close in fuel mileage. (I think it was car and driver).
 
Reply
Old Aug 9, 2004 | 11:58 PM
  #14  
bigsnag's Avatar
bigsnag
Posting Guru
25 Year Member
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 2
From: Pryor
The 5.3's don't get the mileage that the 5.7's used to. From what I have seen the Ford is the best and Dodge is the worst among the Big 3. I don't really count the other two (Nissan or Toyota) unless they are specifically mentioned. That's not to discredit their products. I think Toyota makes some of the best vehicles on the planet, one of them being my 1988 Landcruiser, but their market share and total impact on the truck community are so small that they don't come into play much.
 
Reply
Old Aug 10, 2004 | 06:17 AM
  #15  
stu37d's Avatar
stu37d
Government Teat-sucker
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 9,748
Likes: 1
From: Virginia Beach
Club FTE Silver Member

Originally Posted by wnorman1192
Where did you hear that the best a Hemi can get is 10-11 mpg? I just averaged 21.7mpg on a trip from Orlando to Jacksonville with cruise set on 75. The truck is a reg cab 2x4 with 3.55's. The worst I have ever gotten is 12.3 really ******* it around town with no hwy driving. With mixed city and hwy driving I average 14.5-16.5, and I usually drive pretty hard, as the feel and sound of that motor is addicting. I'm sure that the 5.4, being a slightly smaller motor gets as good or better mileage than a 5.7. Saying that the best a hemi can get it 10-11 is just plain wrong.
I am very **** about figuring my gas mileage every time I fill up, and I have never gotten close to 20MPG in my 5.4 ('01). I even drove one tank of gas in a very conscientious manner- driving 60 with cruise on, no jackrabbit starts, etc- and the best I got driving to and from work (about half highway/ half city) was only 17.4. I didn't buy the truck for the mileage. I got it because I wanted a truck. And if you want a hemi, go get one. You don't have to justify it to anyone here. Get the truck YOU want, and enjoy it! Good luck...
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:39 PM.

story-0
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-30 18:33:59


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-2
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-4
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-6
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-8
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE