Big iv

I just bought a 2013 stx 2wd with the 5.0 and it hauls ***, I rarely need to tow though.

terraformer

Either engine is great. I'm a bit old school so like the sound of the 5.0. But the Ecoboost is a superb engine too. Can't go wrong with either one - drive them both as you plan to and get the one that you like best.

I wrote awhile back that the Eco made me smile, but the 5.0 made me smile wider. But they both made me smile

kchill93

X2. I hate the pissing contest on here about engines. I have a 5.0. But I've driven ecoboost and enjoyed them as well. Both will make a man happy

roadduster

I'm sure you would be happy with both. If you care about the sound then go with the 5.0. I love my 5.0 in my single cab, fast as hell and sounds great.

FJRunner

I recommend the 5.0. Good old American V8!

sweetfordfx4

I have the 5.0 and I love it. It gets pretty good gas mileage and it tows very nicely. I've also taken the EB for a few test drives and the torque is very impressive. One drawback about the EB, is that you can get carried away with how quick it is and any gas savings can be lost with a heavy right foot.

Wisdom

I also have the 5.0 and its a solid truck. From the needs you describe there's no need for the ecoboost unless you just enjoy driving it more. The 5.0 will probably outlast the ecoboost down the road, that's why I went with the 5.0. Mines over a year old now and hasn't given me any trouble what so ever.

chuck9997

I also bought a 2013 STX with the 5.0... looking for a load of "***" to haul.

BobzillaX

I drove both and the EcoBoost accelerated noticeably quicker than the 5.0.

jeffinthebag

You are right, the EB does get better gas milage. If you look at the sticker it says by 1 mpg! Both the EB and 5.0 get approx the same milage. If you tap the gas on a EB and spin the turbos the mpg are even lower than the 5.0. The 5.0 does get better mpgs towing because then EB needs to spin the turbos more thus spending extra fuel.
If your going to tow the max amount (better off with a f250 really) or if your going to tow over the Rockies, yes the EB is a better engine. But for everyday all round driving and light towing under 8,000 lbs, the 5.0 is a better engine.
As for speed and quickness. Off the line the 5.0 beats the EB and then the EB catches up once you over come the turbo lag.
I prefer the 5.0 myself, just wasn't to sure if Ford fixed the turbo coking problems of the earlier European EB engines over long periods of time.
Both are good engines over all, but don't kid yourselves thing the EB is a diesel replacement, it not.