5.4 vs. 4.6
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2006
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5.4 vs. 4.6
I am looking at a 2004-2005 f150. What kind of gas milage can i expect with the 5.4 or the 4.6. It will be a 4x4 supercab or crew cab. I'm not to worried about gas millage but it's for the fiance and she doesn't need anything to pull with or have alot of power since we have a 250 diesel for that. Just wondering if the 4.6 would be better for her for gas millage or if there isn't that big of a difference and just go with the 5.4. Is one motor better than the other as far as reliabilty or did one motor have any problems i should stay away from. thanks
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: NOR CAL
If your not worried about power, than I would concider test driving a 4.2. I get up to 22mpg on the highway with mine. My average is about 17mpg but I have mostly city driving, and I like to go fast. You won't get that out of the V8. It is a good running V6, I have ridden in a chevy V6 and they feel alot weaker. From what I have heard the 4.2 and the 4.6 are prety similar in the power feeling. The 5.4 and 4.6 get the same milage figures. I also have a 5 speed manual with mine so it helps a little with the torque. If what you want is power than go for the 5.4, and if you want mpg test drive a 4.2.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2006
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thanks for the advice. i didn't see any 4.2 while i was looking today. So that's why i didn't consider that option. power isn't a big deal since we do have the diesel if we need power but i also don't want to buy something with no acceleration when you want to get on the highway. If there isn't much difference in mpg between the 4.6 and 5.4 i would go with the 5.4 but if the 4.6 gets alot better millage i would go with it. I have only test drove the 5.4 so don't really know what kind of power the 4.6 has. thanks
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Joined: Dec 2005
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Had a 4.6 w/auto trans in a 03, 4x2 extended cab & short bed. IMHO it was under powered. Just with 5 people in it I had to flog it. running with no load it got 18 mpg running 75 mph, about 14 around town.
Had an 04 with the 5.4 same body etc as above & plenty of power. The 04 has an extra gear in the trans. still got 18 highway & 15 around town. Added a super chips programer & got 20 highway & 16.5 around town. The best thing about the programer is that it made the electronic throttle work like it had a cable attached instead of a 1/2 inch of nothing when your trying to squeeze it off. Before the programer I drove it in second gear in stop & go traffic. If your buying a used one suggest a test drive & see if you can stand how the electronic throttle works.
Had an 04 with the 5.4 same body etc as above & plenty of power. The 04 has an extra gear in the trans. still got 18 highway & 15 around town. Added a super chips programer & got 20 highway & 16.5 around town. The best thing about the programer is that it made the electronic throttle work like it had a cable attached instead of a 1/2 inch of nothing when your trying to squeeze it off. Before the programer I drove it in second gear in stop & go traffic. If your buying a used one suggest a test drive & see if you can stand how the electronic throttle works.
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Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Angelica, NY
I had a 05 STX SCab 4X4 w/ the 4.6, and now have a 06 XLT SCab 4X4 w/ the 5.4. The 4.6 was a great running motor, but really was under powered for these heavy trucks. The mileage wasn't that great, probably due to working harder to move the truck. The 5.4 on the other hand has a lot more power and feels good with the weight of the truck. The mileage is pretty close to the 4.6. I think you and your lady would be happier with the 5.4 just for the fact that if you need the power, it's there. Like when passing a vehicle. With the 4.6, you'd better have a pretty long stretch of clear traffic to get it done. I know I'll never go back to a 4.6 in a truck. The 4.6 would be a great motor in a lighter vehicle. Either way, these are great trucks. Brian
Cargo Master
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2006
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We will be test driving both but we didn't get a chance to drive the 4.6 today and i was just asking other peoples opinions that have had them for a while and put them threw more real world experiences than a test drive. kato, thanks for your advice. I have a 5.4 in my 2000 and have liked it. Since the 4.6 doesn't get much better mpg i am leaning towards the 5.4. Thanks to everyone for their advice.
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Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Marion, VA
I got the 5.4 for several reasons. The 5.4 and 4.6 have the same fuel mileage ratings, the 5.4 has a heavier duty transmission and larger differential (9.75 vs 8.8) and the 5.4 has much more power and towing ability.
I get the EPA rating (4X4) of around 14 in normal driving and I meet or exceed the 18MPG highway rating at 70 MPH on the highway. Under perfect conditions, I can get almost 20.
I get the EPA rating (4X4) of around 14 in normal driving and I meet or exceed the 18MPG highway rating at 70 MPH on the highway. Under perfect conditions, I can get almost 20.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Kzoo
If i could buy a new truck at the moment i would get a 5.4 Definatley i meen the 4.6 is great and all but it is very underpowed in my opinion considering this is almost a 3 ton truck and it doesnt really get that much better gas mileage at least from what i have read but then again it all depends on how you drive, i have sort of a lead foot... whichever you choose though you'll be happy with it, good luck!
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
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I filled my wife's tonight. 13.9MPG.
Last fill was 14.7MPG.
I had a heavier foot this time around. Self inflicted reduction in economy.
These are hand calculations. The funny thing, the "Lie-O-Meter" fuel reading on the dash read 13.6MPG this time and 14.9MPG last time.
That has to be the most accurate of the fuel economy displays I have encountered yet.
My Powerstroke fuel economy reading is always off by 2+MPG.
Last fill was 14.7MPG.
I had a heavier foot this time around. Self inflicted reduction in economy.
These are hand calculations. The funny thing, the "Lie-O-Meter" fuel reading on the dash read 13.6MPG this time and 14.9MPG last time.
That has to be the most accurate of the fuel economy displays I have encountered yet.
My Powerstroke fuel economy reading is always off by 2+MPG.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: NOR CAL
I didn't catch the part about the super crew with 4wd. If that is the the case then the 5.4 would be the best choice. It is one of the heaviest versions, and you can't get the 4.2, and I not sure if you can even get a 4.6, but if you do have the choice go for the 5.4. MPG will probably look better or the same as the 4.6 since the engine doesn't have to work as hard. Plus you get alot more power.