If you’re shopping around for a Ford Truck, there are several choices on the table. You will have the bed lengths, trims, paint, cab configurations, and other variations to choose from. However, one of the most important decisions for auto enthusiasts would be choosing the right engine for your truck. Unfortunately, this decision may not be as easy as it sounds.
Ford has six main configurations for the F-150 alone, making it easier to find the right one, but there is sure to be an option that fits your needs. The options boil down to the High Output 3.5 L V6 EcoBoost engine and the 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 engine.
The 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 is found in the XL, XLT, Lariat, and King Ranch models, while the High-Output 3.5L V6 EcoBoost is found in the F-150 and Limited models. We’ll walk you through these options and help you determine where each shines.
The core difference between these options rests on power, efficiency, and perceptions around long term reliability.
What is the Size Difference Between a V6 & V8 Engine?
V6 and V8 signify the number of cylinders that power the engine. A V6 is a six-cylinder engine, while a V8 is an eight-cylinder engine. A spark plug inside each cylinder ignites the fuel to produce power for the engine. Therefore, a V8 engine should generally have more power than a V6. Traditionally if you needed a more powerful truck for towing and hauling V8 engine was the better option. .
When it comes to the size of the engine, the V8 engine occupies more space in the hood of the truck. For that reason, the truck's front bed is longer and wider to cater to the expanded engine. Although, you may not realize the extra dimensions when the truck is on the road.
However, more power is not always the best choice in a truck. Other metrics depend on the activities you wish to carry out with the truck. Additionally the promise of modern technology, improved engine efficiency, and ultimately higher output turbo chargers have reshaped the options available to shoppers.
Payload & Hauling Capacity
The 3.5-liter twin-turbo gasoline V6 produces 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. If you go for the EcoBoost turbocharged V6 engine, you can tow up to 13,200 pounds and haul 3,230 pounds.
On the other hand, the 5.0-liter V8 produces 420 lb-ft of torque and 395 hp. This means it can tow about 10,600 pounds and haul about 3,279 pounds.
While the V6 and V8 payloads are comparable, the V6 is the superior choice for towing.
Speed & Acceleration
The V8 engine is designed to be pushed to the limits. When you press the gas pedal, the V8 engine accelerates faster than the traditional V6 engine to deliver the power you need. The V8 engine has a higher top speed than the V6 engine at the end of the day. It is also better equipped to accelerate a lot faster.
The maximum speed a Ford fitted with a V8 engine can move is 120 mph. However, Ford releases trucks with a maximum speed of 105 mph. The maximum speed that a V6 engine can move is about 118 mph. This means that both options have pretty much the same speeds.
In the case of the Ford, the conventional 5.0-liter V8 engine reaches the same speed in under six seconds. However, the fastest V6 option (the High Output 3.5 L V6 EcoBoost engine) achieves the same speed in about 6.3 seconds. If you wish to use the truck for road trips, the V8 provides the best speed and acceleration.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy boils down to the number of miles each gallon of fuel will take you. In this case, the V6 turbo engine takes the cake. For example, the second-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost Twin-H.0 Turbocharged V6 delivers a fuel economy of 15/18 city/highway, while the first-generation engine of the same capacity delivers 18/25 city/highway mpg.
On the other hand, the 5.0-liter V8 engine has 17/23 city/highway mpg fuel economy. However, if you opt for the four-wheel-drive capabilities on your truck, the mpg goes lower to about 15/21 city/highway mpg for the V8 and 15/18 city/highway mpg for the high-output turbocharged engine.
Therefore, if you want to save money at the pump, the V6 offers you the best chance to do it.
Handling & Stability
As said earlier, the V8 engine is larger than its V6 counterpart. Therefore, it tends to be heavier. At average driving speeds, you may not feel the difference. However, when navigating corners, curves, and turns at higher speeds, the V8 feels more stable but may drift a lot. On the other hand, the V6 can navigate corners more nimbly without drifting like the V8. The V6 is more stable at high speeds than the V8, making it a good choice for leisure trucks.
Reliability & Longevity
When it comes to the engine's reliability, the V6 has better reliability than the V8 as it has fewer moving parts and has been produced for a longer period. Therefore, the major issues have been dealt with over the years. Consequently, you expect the V6 engine to last longer, have lower depreciation rates, and have fewer issues than the V8 engine.
Maintenance
The maintenance of an engine goes hand-in-hand with reliability. V8 engines have larger engines and more moving parts than the V6. Therefore, it will cost you more to keep it in tiptop shape. Ford has not produced the V8 truck engines for many years, and a few issues have been reported over the years, although minor.
Cost
The V8 engine is undeniably the most expensive. You pay more for higher performance, speed, and acceleration. The next highest engine in terms of cost is the High Output 3.5 L V6 EcoBoost engine, with the 3.5-Liter EcoBoost V6 coming in third. When you factor in maintenance, the V6 remains the cheaper option.
In conclusion, the engine you choose is based on your needs. The High Output 3.5 L twin turbo EcoBoost V6 engine is suitable for towing and has a lower maintenance cost, better fuel efficiency, and reliability. On the other hand, the 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 has a higher payload, with better speed, acceleration, and stability.
If you’re second guessing whether a Ford Truck is the right choice for you, compare it with other trucks like the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro or the Jeep Gladiator. No matter what truck you choose, Camera Source is here to help you keep it safe. Contact us with questions and concerns or start browsing our products!
If you already have a Ford Truck, make sure it’s equipped with the best safety features. Start browsing Ford backup cameras and front and side cameras for Ford trucks. If you can’t find a camera for your specific model, there’s always universal backup cameras for any vehicle!
