V6 vs V8
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 157
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From: Minneapolis, MN
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.
More Turbo
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 683
Likes: 6
From: Long Island, New York
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.
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.
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
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.
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.
Last edited by arin; Jan 8, 2006 at 11:39 AM.
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,976
Likes: 911
From: Montana
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.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 504
Likes: 0
From: Gilbert, AZ
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
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,978
Likes: 1
From: Alvin, Texas.
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.
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.
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 44
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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..
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 58
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From: Fair Hill MD
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.
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
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.
