2018 5.0 vs 3.5 EB
08-28-2018, 12:25 AM
#1
2018 5.0 vs 3.5 EB
So I know there's lot of debate over which is better and this is not the point of this at all.
I own a 2018 with the 5.0 coyote. I love the truck and haven't had a single problem for almost a year now and roughly 13K miles (not all miles are from me. Wife drives it when I'm out of town). I've been happy with the power and never felt like I needed more. With the 10 speed, it stays in the power well and maintains RPM through the shifts.
I'm currently working on a project out of town long term for roughly 6 months. I'm into month 5 right now. For the last 3 months I've been driving a rental, a 2018 with the 3.5 EB. Most people will do no more than test drive either truck and make a choice based on a short term opinion. I've put 4K miles on the rental so far and feel like I'm able to give an experienced opinion between the two trucks, which happen to be identical models with the only difference being color.
Sometimes hype is just that, hype. Opinions based on hearsay or popularity. I'm here to say that the 3.5 EB is not hype. Both trucks have plenty of power in my opinion, however, the 3.5 EB provides a better driving experience. Power is available with the 3.5 no matter where you are in the RPM range. Normal acceleration doesn't require as much throttle input as the 5.0. Passing at highway speeds is impressive with both and I'd have to say it's a draw here.
If any of you are old school dirt bike guys, I'll use this analogy. We used to ride 2 strokes (I know some still do) and they have a great powerband when they're on the pipe, but down low they weren't much fun. This is the 5.0. Today's 4 strokes make power from anywhere in the RPM range but also rev out to an impressive top end. This is the 3.5 EB.
I'm giving this non-biased opinion here so that maybe someone on the fence will make an educated decision based on some factual experience. There's absolutely nothing wrong with the 5.0 and I love it. After driving the 3.5 EB for an extended time, I love it more.
I own a 2018 with the 5.0 coyote. I love the truck and haven't had a single problem for almost a year now and roughly 13K miles (not all miles are from me. Wife drives it when I'm out of town). I've been happy with the power and never felt like I needed more. With the 10 speed, it stays in the power well and maintains RPM through the shifts.
I'm currently working on a project out of town long term for roughly 6 months. I'm into month 5 right now. For the last 3 months I've been driving a rental, a 2018 with the 3.5 EB. Most people will do no more than test drive either truck and make a choice based on a short term opinion. I've put 4K miles on the rental so far and feel like I'm able to give an experienced opinion between the two trucks, which happen to be identical models with the only difference being color.
Sometimes hype is just that, hype. Opinions based on hearsay or popularity. I'm here to say that the 3.5 EB is not hype. Both trucks have plenty of power in my opinion, however, the 3.5 EB provides a better driving experience. Power is available with the 3.5 no matter where you are in the RPM range. Normal acceleration doesn't require as much throttle input as the 5.0. Passing at highway speeds is impressive with both and I'd have to say it's a draw here.
If any of you are old school dirt bike guys, I'll use this analogy. We used to ride 2 strokes (I know some still do) and they have a great powerband when they're on the pipe, but down low they weren't much fun. This is the 5.0. Today's 4 strokes make power from anywhere in the RPM range but also rev out to an impressive top end. This is the 3.5 EB.
I'm giving this non-biased opinion here so that maybe someone on the fence will make an educated decision based on some factual experience. There's absolutely nothing wrong with the 5.0 and I love it. After driving the 3.5 EB for an extended time, I love it more.
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Michael Efferson (08-28-2018)
08-28-2018, 12:49 AM
#2
Senior Member
In my experiences the 3.5 Ecoboost has a fuel dilution issue.
I have sent 2 oil analysis samples away to 2 different labs, well before the Oil life monitor called for oil change. (around 80% life remaining)
I have posted both oil analysis reports on the forum.
I cant say that the 5.0 L is any better, but I have 2 oil analysis reports that show it is an issue. First oil change at 3900, kilometers, 2nd at 4100 km. I was leaning towards the 5.0 L, but was rushed, as I was replacing my only vehicle/ single person household, after my 2007 King Ranch was stolen from me. I also wanted the 6.5 foot box in a Supercrew, & my options were limited.
Wishing I didn't have to worry about turbo issues, & direct injection, which seems to be common for them to have fuel dilution.
I am also finding that my drivers side turbo is pulling oil residue into the intercooler, which sounds like may lead to problems down the road.
I haven't seen anyone sharing 5.0 l oil analysis, so maybe they are no better.
My previous truck had 383,000 kilometers on original engine/ transmission, with no serious issues.
I never had it in a dealers garage, in the time I owned it.
I have sent 2 oil analysis samples away to 2 different labs, well before the Oil life monitor called for oil change. (around 80% life remaining)
I have posted both oil analysis reports on the forum.
I cant say that the 5.0 L is any better, but I have 2 oil analysis reports that show it is an issue. First oil change at 3900, kilometers, 2nd at 4100 km. I was leaning towards the 5.0 L, but was rushed, as I was replacing my only vehicle/ single person household, after my 2007 King Ranch was stolen from me. I also wanted the 6.5 foot box in a Supercrew, & my options were limited.
Wishing I didn't have to worry about turbo issues, & direct injection, which seems to be common for them to have fuel dilution.
I am also finding that my drivers side turbo is pulling oil residue into the intercooler, which sounds like may lead to problems down the road.
I haven't seen anyone sharing 5.0 l oil analysis, so maybe they are no better.
My previous truck had 383,000 kilometers on original engine/ transmission, with no serious issues.
I never had it in a dealers garage, in the time I owned it.
08-28-2018, 01:25 AM
#3
Senior Member
5.0 Vs 3.5eco boils down to how you use it.
The 3.5 doesn't just provide a bit more torque than the 5.0, it places the "power band" practically everywhere. Not far off idle you are making near max torque, and it remains until it starts to die off at high rpm. Turbo motors also do not lose that power at altitude.
If you tow heavy loads regularly, or hit mountain passes often, you will appreciate being able to pass at speed quickly and climbing grades without waiting for shifts to bring on the power, having to remain at high rpm for long periods of time while climbing passes, or losing power due to altitude.
For everyone else, the 5.0 is a great motor that generates solid power at a cheaper price point than the 3.5. You will lose some of those savings due to the lower mpg's of the 5.0, but only to those with 3.5's that religiously keep their foot light on the go faster pedal.
The 3.5 doesn't just provide a bit more torque than the 5.0, it places the "power band" practically everywhere. Not far off idle you are making near max torque, and it remains until it starts to die off at high rpm. Turbo motors also do not lose that power at altitude.
If you tow heavy loads regularly, or hit mountain passes often, you will appreciate being able to pass at speed quickly and climbing grades without waiting for shifts to bring on the power, having to remain at high rpm for long periods of time while climbing passes, or losing power due to altitude.
For everyone else, the 5.0 is a great motor that generates solid power at a cheaper price point than the 3.5. You will lose some of those savings due to the lower mpg's of the 5.0, but only to those with 3.5's that religiously keep their foot light on the go faster pedal.
08-28-2018, 02:06 AM
#4
I have a 5.0 but I’ve spent a lot of time driving my Dads 3.5EB and I can say I completely agree with your review. Except you forgot to mention the 5.0 sounds way better than the EB, no comparison there.
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ranken (12-29-2022)
08-28-2018, 02:07 AM
#5
So I know there's lot of debate over which is better and this is not the point of this at all.
I own a 2018 with the 5.0 coyote. I love the truck and haven't had a single problem for almost a year now and roughly 13K miles (not all miles are from me. Wife drives it when I'm out of town). I've been happy with the power and never felt like I needed more. With the 10 speed, it stays in the power well and maintains RPM through the shifts.
I'm currently working on a project out of town long term for roughly 6 months. I'm into month 5 right now. For the last 3 months I've been driving a rental, a 2018 with the 3.5 EB. Most people will do no more than test drive either truck and make a choice based on a short term opinion. I've put 4K miles on the rental so far and feel like I'm able to give an experienced opinion between the two trucks, which happen to be identical models with the only difference being color.
Sometimes hype is just that, hype. Opinions based on hearsay or popularity. I'm here to say that the 3.5 EB is not hype. Both trucks have plenty of power in my opinion, however, the 3.5 EB provides a better driving experience. Power is available with the 3.5 no matter where you are in the RPM range. Normal acceleration doesn't require as much throttle input as the 5.0. Passing at highway speeds is impressive with both and I'd have to say it's a draw here.
If any of you are old school dirt bike guys, I'll use this analogy. We used to ride 2 strokes (I know some still do) and they have a great powerband when they're on the pipe, but down low they weren't much fun. This is the 5.0. Today's 4 strokes make power from anywhere in the RPM range but also rev out to an impressive top end. This is the 3.5 EB.
I'm giving this non-biased opinion here so that maybe someone on the fence will make an educated decision based on some factual experience. There's absolutely nothing wrong with the 5.0 and I love it. After driving the 3.5 EB for an extended time, I love it more.
I own a 2018 with the 5.0 coyote. I love the truck and haven't had a single problem for almost a year now and roughly 13K miles (not all miles are from me. Wife drives it when I'm out of town). I've been happy with the power and never felt like I needed more. With the 10 speed, it stays in the power well and maintains RPM through the shifts.
I'm currently working on a project out of town long term for roughly 6 months. I'm into month 5 right now. For the last 3 months I've been driving a rental, a 2018 with the 3.5 EB. Most people will do no more than test drive either truck and make a choice based on a short term opinion. I've put 4K miles on the rental so far and feel like I'm able to give an experienced opinion between the two trucks, which happen to be identical models with the only difference being color.
Sometimes hype is just that, hype. Opinions based on hearsay or popularity. I'm here to say that the 3.5 EB is not hype. Both trucks have plenty of power in my opinion, however, the 3.5 EB provides a better driving experience. Power is available with the 3.5 no matter where you are in the RPM range. Normal acceleration doesn't require as much throttle input as the 5.0. Passing at highway speeds is impressive with both and I'd have to say it's a draw here.
If any of you are old school dirt bike guys, I'll use this analogy. We used to ride 2 strokes (I know some still do) and they have a great powerband when they're on the pipe, but down low they weren't much fun. This is the 5.0. Today's 4 strokes make power from anywhere in the RPM range but also rev out to an impressive top end. This is the 3.5 EB.
I'm giving this non-biased opinion here so that maybe someone on the fence will make an educated decision based on some factual experience. There's absolutely nothing wrong with the 5.0 and I love it. After driving the 3.5 EB for an extended time, I love it more.
Good on you that you have had enough time to compare both. I agree to some extent to your analogy of the 2 stroke vs 4 stroke, but with caveat;
Your 2 stroke dirt bike, high revving, power up high somewhat describes what DOHC engine designs produce. My 4 cylinder DOHC car engine behaves like this, so does my Coyote 5.0L. But the 2 stroke bikes were often broke. Blown head gaskets and engine rebuilt a few times over...
I believe that Ford created some good and bad by giving us more options like the 5.0L DOHC and the EB. DISSENT within the community!
I drove the EB in a work truck and respected it, but I drove it like a 2 stroke dirt bike! Like an on-off switch. Because I got addicted to the boost. I still chose the V8 in the end. Whatever floats your boat, but the topic can turn into another classic! I tow a TT and I have to acknowledge that a high proportion of F-150 owners that pull trailers choose the EB. I see them all the time at the campgrounds!
Last edited by Delavan; 08-28-2018 at 02:10 AM.
08-28-2018, 02:10 AM
#6
The best engine for the truck as daily
driver is the 2.7EB.
The best engine for the truck as a truck is the 3.5EB
The best engine for truck as sports car is the 5.0.
Drive each extensively and you will see what I'm talking about.
In some ways the most impressive truck I've driven was a RCSB XL 4x2 3.3L. 0-60 in the 6's is just way more than you expect. In a lot of ways it feels like the 5.0 does in a Screw 4x4. The power to weight isnt that different.
I'm just happy we have all the choices. Not a bad engine in the bunch for the right application.
The best engine for the truck as a truck is the 3.5EB
The best engine for truck as sports car is the 5.0.
Drive each extensively and you will see what I'm talking about.
In some ways the most impressive truck I've driven was a RCSB XL 4x2 3.3L. 0-60 in the 6's is just way more than you expect. In a lot of ways it feels like the 5.0 does in a Screw 4x4. The power to weight isnt that different.
I'm just happy we have all the choices. Not a bad engine in the bunch for the right application.
08-28-2018, 03:43 AM
#7
Senior Member
5.0 Vs 3.5eco boils down to how you use it.
The 3.5 doesn't just provide a bit more torque than the 5.0, it places the "power band" practically everywhere. Not far off idle you are making near max torque, and it remains until it starts to die off at high rpm. Turbo motors also do not lose that power at altitude.
If you tow heavy loads regularly, or hit mountain passes often, you will appreciate being able to pass at speed quickly and climbing grades without waiting for shifts to bring on the power, having to remain at high rpm for long periods of time while climbing passes, or losing power due to altitude.
For everyone else, the 5.0 is a great motor that generates solid power at a cheaper price point than the 3.5. You will lose some of those savings due to the lower mpg's of the 5.0, but only to those with 3.5's that religiously keep their foot light on the go faster pedal.
The 3.5 doesn't just provide a bit more torque than the 5.0, it places the "power band" practically everywhere. Not far off idle you are making near max torque, and it remains until it starts to die off at high rpm. Turbo motors also do not lose that power at altitude.
If you tow heavy loads regularly, or hit mountain passes often, you will appreciate being able to pass at speed quickly and climbing grades without waiting for shifts to bring on the power, having to remain at high rpm for long periods of time while climbing passes, or losing power due to altitude.
For everyone else, the 5.0 is a great motor that generates solid power at a cheaper price point than the 3.5. You will lose some of those savings due to the lower mpg's of the 5.0, but only to those with 3.5's that religiously keep their foot light on the go faster pedal.
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08-28-2018, 05:33 AM
#8
So I know there's lot of debate over which is better and this is not the point of this at all.
I own a 2018 with the 5.0 coyote. I love the truck and haven't had a single problem for almost a year now and roughly 13K miles (not all miles are from me. Wife drives it when I'm out of town). I've been happy with the power and never felt like I needed more. With the 10 speed, it stays in the power well and maintains RPM through the shifts.
I'm currently working on a project out of town long term for roughly 6 months. I'm into month 5 right now. For the last 3 months I've been driving a rental, a 2018 with the 3.5 EB. Most people will do no more than test drive either truck and make a choice based on a short term opinion. I've put 4K miles on the rental so far and feel like I'm able to give an experienced opinion between the two trucks, which happen to be identical models with the only difference being color.
Sometimes hype is just that, hype. Opinions based on hearsay or popularity. I'm here to say that the 3.5 EB is not hype. Both trucks have plenty of power in my opinion, however, the 3.5 EB provides a better driving experience. Power is available with the 3.5 no matter where you are in the RPM range. Normal acceleration doesn't require as much throttle input as the 5.0. Passing at highway speeds is impressive with both and I'd have to say it's a draw here.
If any of you are old school dirt bike guys, I'll use this analogy. We used to ride 2 strokes (I know some still do) and they have a great powerband when they're on the pipe, but down low they weren't much fun. This is the 5.0. Today's 4 strokes make power from anywhere in the RPM range but also rev out to an impressive top end. This is the 3.5 EB.
I'm giving this non-biased opinion here so that maybe someone on the fence will make an educated decision based on some factual experience. There's absolutely nothing wrong with the 5.0 and I love it. After driving the 3.5 EB for an extended time, I love it more.
I own a 2018 with the 5.0 coyote. I love the truck and haven't had a single problem for almost a year now and roughly 13K miles (not all miles are from me. Wife drives it when I'm out of town). I've been happy with the power and never felt like I needed more. With the 10 speed, it stays in the power well and maintains RPM through the shifts.
I'm currently working on a project out of town long term for roughly 6 months. I'm into month 5 right now. For the last 3 months I've been driving a rental, a 2018 with the 3.5 EB. Most people will do no more than test drive either truck and make a choice based on a short term opinion. I've put 4K miles on the rental so far and feel like I'm able to give an experienced opinion between the two trucks, which happen to be identical models with the only difference being color.
Sometimes hype is just that, hype. Opinions based on hearsay or popularity. I'm here to say that the 3.5 EB is not hype. Both trucks have plenty of power in my opinion, however, the 3.5 EB provides a better driving experience. Power is available with the 3.5 no matter where you are in the RPM range. Normal acceleration doesn't require as much throttle input as the 5.0. Passing at highway speeds is impressive with both and I'd have to say it's a draw here.
If any of you are old school dirt bike guys, I'll use this analogy. We used to ride 2 strokes (I know some still do) and they have a great powerband when they're on the pipe, but down low they weren't much fun. This is the 5.0. Today's 4 strokes make power from anywhere in the RPM range but also rev out to an impressive top end. This is the 3.5 EB.
I'm giving this non-biased opinion here so that maybe someone on the fence will make an educated decision based on some factual experience. There's absolutely nothing wrong with the 5.0 and I love it. After driving the 3.5 EB for an extended time, I love it more.
08-28-2018, 05:51 AM
#9
Senior Member
Better is a funny word. Better at what? You go on to define it as power/acceleration/driving experience. With that definition, I would completely agree based on the trucks I've rented (1-2 weeks at a time). If you define better as in owning for 10+ years, then it's not so clear to me. I think there were some real design deficiencies in the first gen 3.5TT but Ford addressed a couple of big ones.....so I continue to watch and learn.
08-28-2018, 06:10 AM
#10
I'm surprised this thread remains civil, so far.
Some will buy the 5.0, some will buy the 3.5L, likely more will buy the 2.7L, and some will buy the 3.3L NA engine. It's amazing there's such a deep selection of engines, trim level and options to the buyer.
3.5L TT is the engine for me. Why? The abundance of torque across the rpm range. When I tow, pushing down harder on the gas pedal, there's just a strong response. Going uphill is not a problem maintaining speed let alone accelerating. This is absolutely incredible. I keep forgetting there's a little V6 with turbos under the hood doing all this work. But it sure feels like a big V8, without the noise. And the lack of engine/muffler noise to me equals more enjoyment listening to the radio on the long trips.
Not knocking the other engine choices. Some find one engine to be better than the others for their need or want. And so be it. In the end, it's all good.
Some will buy the 5.0, some will buy the 3.5L, likely more will buy the 2.7L, and some will buy the 3.3L NA engine. It's amazing there's such a deep selection of engines, trim level and options to the buyer.
3.5L TT is the engine for me. Why? The abundance of torque across the rpm range. When I tow, pushing down harder on the gas pedal, there's just a strong response. Going uphill is not a problem maintaining speed let alone accelerating. This is absolutely incredible. I keep forgetting there's a little V6 with turbos under the hood doing all this work. But it sure feels like a big V8, without the noise. And the lack of engine/muffler noise to me equals more enjoyment listening to the radio on the long trips.
Not knocking the other engine choices. Some find one engine to be better than the others for their need or want. And so be it. In the end, it's all good.