ntempleton

I'm been trying to decide which engine to go with for a few weeks now, and can't seem to pull the trigger on either. Most of my use will be commuting and general travel. I will haul with it regularly, but but the weights won't be much over 300-500lbs. I will tow, but very infrequently. Also, I commute 40 miles a day, freeway with some stop-and-go.

The 3.7 seems to be the easy choice, but 5.0 trucks are far more common on Dealer lots (at least in my location). Also, it's been tough to find a 3.7 truck that isn't a stripped down work truck. Also, reading this and other forums, the MPG reported by owners of both engines is very close. Even the EPA numbers are only a few MPG off from each other.

Which would you buy? Why?

Thanks!

ford5.0tx

I wouldnt even consider the 3.7. my 5.0 is avg over 22 on the highway and the extra power is nice. i would go with the 5.0, its a truck...get a v8

Loki 5.0

Get what you want or you will be wanting another truck in two years. That is what my wife told me when I was discussing the same issues. Guess what I ended up with. The 5.0 will get excellent mileage with the 3.55 and driving to get mileage.

Git er dun

How easy will it be to sell the 3.7 L where you live? If it's hard, go with the 5.0 L. Otherwise, forget what everyone else thinks, test drive both and get the one you want.

kingement

When you do tow, what weight will you tow?

ntempleton

I was talking to a few buddies tonight and they said the same thing. 5.0L is going to have a much better resale and the mileage difference isn't enough to really make a huge deal. If the difference between 17 and 19 mpg matters financially, I probably shouldn't be looking for a truck, right?

I drove the 3.7 a few weeks back, but haven't driven the 5.0. That's going to change this weekend. I liked the 3.7, but changing lanes and passing took a little planning. I'm not sure that is a deal breaker, but it was definitely there.

As for how much I tow, generally it's a 12' flat bed full of yard waste. A small fishing boat might be added to the mix shortly.

Thanks Guys!

suttonjr7

I bought the 5.0 and absolutely love it. There definately is not a problem with passing any vehicles at 60 it will move. There is plenty of power. I can't comment on the 3.7, never drove it. Once you drive the 5.0 you should really like how it performs. You should get which ever you think would fit your needs better

russ49

I have the 3.7, SCrew. The mileage is not that great with the 3.73 rear end...the most I can get on 10% ethanol on the hiway is 19.5mpg @70mph. I have about 2,000 miles on it. The mileage drops to 16.5 in the city. It does have the power but has to rev to get it. I think I would prefer to have the low end torque of the 5 liter. If the gas mileage of the 5 liter is 22 with the 3.55 rear end I'd go for the 5 liter.
http://i873.photobucket.com/albums/a...0/IMG_2589.jpg
http://i873.photobucket.com/albums/a...0/IMG_2590.jpg

rmcnelly

New F-150 XLT Supercab 3.7L owner w/3.73 rear end. Drove 500 miles yesterday up to the mountains, then south on 29 and back via route 58. Managed 22.5 mpg overall and averaged 24.5 mpg on the flatter route 58 (200 miles). My previous 4.0L 5spd auto Ranger couldn't touch this. I
kept the cruise control anywhere from 58-62mph and the tranny would shift down to 4th when climbing grades, and then going down steep grades would downshift into 5th, then 4th to keep the speed down. Smart transmission!

Looks like you could get over 600 miles per tank on the highway (26 gal tank).

Pics from Walton's Mountain:

https://picasaweb.google.com/rmcnelly29/20110326#

--Rick

sanders4617

I have a 2011 XLT with 3.7L at 3.73.

Gas mileage is real sensitive to where you are at.

If you are climbing more than you are coasting, then your gonna average below 20mpg easy.. but if its relatively flat, and you can mix in coasting, then you are looking at 20-23 in my truck. I only have 370 miles, so maybe it gets better.

I did a 27mile trip the other day which included some stops but mostly just driving back roads with some small hills.. When i pulled back into my driveway, It was at 22mpg. Driving around the city.. I am looking at 16-18mpg.

I am still running off the tank of gas that the dealership gave me, but when I refill, I will see how far that tank will take me.

I have been wandering.. When it says that I have 100 miles to E... Is that pretty accurate as far as- im completely out of gas.

OR... do you still have a reserve after that? Like a 1-2 gallon reserve?