4.6 vs 5.4
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4.6 vs 5.4
I'm looking into purchasing a 2000 Expedition XLT for work . The truck is in mint condition, but has the 4.6 engine instead of the 5.4. My concern is in its long term use, not so much speed. All my other trucks have all had the 5.4 engine, so I do have my concerns about the 4.6. Should I pass this truck up and keep looking?
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Having only driven the 5.4, you will most likely be less than impressed with the power of the 4.6. However, I own the 4.6 and it will tow a boat like a sunufagun and the longetivity of the 4.6 is without a doubt a winner.
Maintenance is key with these trucks - Just make sure you're not buying somebody's neglected ride and you'll be in good shape.
Maintenance is key with these trucks - Just make sure you're not buying somebody's neglected ride and you'll be in good shape.
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I recently purchased a 1999 Expedition. In my hunt I test drove both 5.4 and 4.6 models. I have to say that I was not very happy with the 4.6. I had to press the gas pretty good to get up and going. The 5.4(the one I finally purchased) has plenty of power for such a large vehicle. I drove two 4.6's one with well over 130k miles and one less than 100k. I guess it depends on how much power you need or like, in my case I don't really "need" the 5.4 but I like it much better than the 4.6. Just my opinion though 
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Drove em both. My parents 00 4.6 and my 03 5.4. Both motors are very dependable (the 4.6 doesn't even spit out plugs
) and you can expect a long life. As stated earlier, maint. is the key. If it's mint and what you're looking for I'd go for it. Towing is a different story. Althought the 4.6 will tow, the 5.4 has more ummph.
Specs below
2000 Ford Expedition Technical Information <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=7 width=600 border=0><TBODY><TR align=left bgColor=#ffff99><TD>Vehicle Type</TD><TD align=middle colSpan=2>Full-size Sport Utility Vehicle</TD></TR><TR align=left><TD bgColor=#cccccc>Engine</TD><TD bgColor=#cccccc>4.6</TD><TD bgColor=#cccccc>5.4</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top align=left><TD>Displacement / Type</TD><TD>4.6L SEFI V-8</TD><TD>5.4L SEFI V-8</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top align=left><TD>Compression Ratio</TD><TD>9.0:1</TD><TD>9.0:1</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top align=left><TD>Horsepower @ rpm</TD><TD>215 @ 4400</TD><TD>260 @ 4500</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top align=left><TD>Torque (ft-lbs) @ rpm</TD><TD>290 @ 3250</TD><TD>345 @ 2300</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top align=left><TD>Transmission (standard)</TD><TD>4 speed automatic with OD</TD><TD>4 speed automatic with OD</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top align=left><TD>Final Drive Ratio</TD><TD>2.64:1</TD><TD>2.64:1</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
) and you can expect a long life. As stated earlier, maint. is the key. If it's mint and what you're looking for I'd go for it. Towing is a different story. Althought the 4.6 will tow, the 5.4 has more ummph.Specs below
2000 Ford Expedition Technical Information <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=7 width=600 border=0><TBODY><TR align=left bgColor=#ffff99><TD>Vehicle Type</TD><TD align=middle colSpan=2>Full-size Sport Utility Vehicle</TD></TR><TR align=left><TD bgColor=#cccccc>Engine</TD><TD bgColor=#cccccc>4.6</TD><TD bgColor=#cccccc>5.4</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top align=left><TD>Displacement / Type</TD><TD>4.6L SEFI V-8</TD><TD>5.4L SEFI V-8</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top align=left><TD>Compression Ratio</TD><TD>9.0:1</TD><TD>9.0:1</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top align=left><TD>Horsepower @ rpm</TD><TD>215 @ 4400</TD><TD>260 @ 4500</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top align=left><TD>Torque (ft-lbs) @ rpm</TD><TD>290 @ 3250</TD><TD>345 @ 2300</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top align=left><TD>Transmission (standard)</TD><TD>4 speed automatic with OD</TD><TD>4 speed automatic with OD</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top align=left><TD>Final Drive Ratio</TD><TD>2.64:1</TD><TD>2.64:1</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
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I have the 4.6. It's fine for in most cases. If you're going to pull something dual-axle and heavy, you might want the 5.4. If you drive in the Rocky Mountains, you want the 5.4. Otherwise, why take the gas mileage hit? I've had zero engine or transmission problems.
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From: Woodland Hills
Originally Posted by 2000Expy
I have the 4.6. It's fine for in most cases. If you're going to pull something dual-axle and heavy, you might want the 5.4. If you drive in the Rocky Mountains, you want the 5.4. Otherwise, why take the gas mileage hit? I've had zero engine or transmission problems.
al
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I own the 4.6 and have been very happy. It has less torque than the 5.4 and I don't think the mpg is much better than the 5.4 either. I get an average of 13mpg consistently. Two big benefits for me is that it is not coil over plug design and that the heads don't eject plugs. Both of these issues are significant and common problems for the 5.4's. Both can also be expensive to repair.
