yamahatim

So I finally got around to testing. Let me set this up a little. I ran some seat of the pants runs using a stopwatch as a tool. Not very scientific, but I ran 3 runs with each and used the average rounded to the nearest .5 second increment. Here were the trucks I used:

My old truck:
2010 Supercab 5.4 with 3.55 limited slip rear end, 58000 miles/152 miles on a fresh oil and air filter change.

My new truck:
2013 Supercrew 5.0 with 3.73 electric lock rear end 680 miles/brand new truck.

I am calling this a close match despite the 3.55 to 3.73 axle ratio difference based on the supercab being approximately 250lbs lighter than the supercrew. I would expect the 5.0 to perform even better as it breaks in. All runs were with traction control on.

-----------2010 5.4---2013 5.0
00-60mph------9.0---------7.5
30-60mph------7.0---------5.5
55-75mph------7.5---------5.5


One thing I did notice between the 2 trucks is the difference in the gas pedal. It seems the 5.4 has slightly more throttle tip-in programmed into it early to about ¼ throttle, which is why I believe some might feel the 5.4 feels like it has more torque low, but when you hit the midrange to full throttle, the 5.4 feels more sluggish. If fact, from 0-1/2 throttle, the 5.4 feels like it has the same acceleration as it does from 0-full throttle. However, mash the throttle on both, the 5.0 has the definite power feel and acceleration advantage. The 30-60 and 55-75 categories is where the 5.0 really feels strong, which is where you really want the power when you are out on the road, accelerating out of cities and towns or passing slower vehicles on the highway. Overall, they are both stellar engines, but based on my testing and the seat of the pants feel, the 5.0 is a much better truck when empty, and a better real world performer when driving and towing on the open road.

Some other notable improvements on the 2013: Steering, turn signals, stereo, gauges, manual shift mode.

Things I am not sure were an improvement: High beam switch, grill, wheels.

dave91gt

Great post. My wife has an 08 Expedition and I have a screw 5.0. The 5.4 in the expy exhibits the same throttle tip in characteristics you describe. It feels more aggressive than the 5.0. But, the speedometer tells a different story. I easily pull away from the expy the few times we have tried it. The expy has 3.31 gears so not a fair comparison though. I just towed a 2001 lifted Jeep Wrangler from Canton Ohio on a 16 foot car hauler and the 5.0 downshifted less with a loaded trailer than the expy does unloaded. I also got the same fuel mileage towing than the wife does driving the expy daily. Sounds fishy? It's not. I have zero reason to tout the 5.0. It is an amazing engine in my book. It's proving it every time I drive it. The 5.4 is a solid engine. No knock against it.

dieselhunter44

And the fact that the high beams absolutely SUCK! My Camry has way better high beams, granted they are Xenon projectors. But still the Camry cost $21k, this truck stickered for $43k.


Anyhow I love the truck And the 5.0 is amazing! I'm thinking about buying another in the coming months

Melwinn

I'm glad you did this comparison. After reading the last one where the 5.0 was seen as a lesser engine to the 5.4 my eyes hurt. I have nothing against the 5.4 as I have owned two of them, but the 5.0 is a huge upgrade! Thanks for the info!

As for the high beams, with the hid lights (I retrofitted mine with the new OEM ones) it is amazing how bright these are. I would suggest as an upgrade for anyone who isn't happy with their lights. Ran me about $750 for everything.

Edit: whoops just saw you meant the switch not the actual high beams. Nvm! Haha

Bennyboy

I'm new to Ford and plan on doing a similar comparison of the 5.0 to my buddies 2013 Hemi Ram once we get sometime to compare them. He's just under 2,000 miles, I'm at 500. And for the record, I've always owned Dodges, he's always owned Fords, so we'll be unbiased. Haha.

Anyway, having driven his old 5.4, I agree with what your saying. The 5.4 is one thing that kept me out of a Ford till now. Loving the 5.0.

130428

so a brand new 5.0 is better than a 5-10 year old engine?
thats good to know...

just kidding it's good to see some numbers

News in

I believe that tradesman (wrote the other comparison) compared a 5.4 (and 5.7 hemi) with a 4 speed to a 5.0 with the 6 speed. Trucks with 6 speeds feel a little more sluggish to me than the old 4 speeds, the 6 speeds seem to want to get to a higher gear pretty fast, unless you're on the gas pretty good. I like the 6 speed now, but when I first drove it, I didn't care much for it. I came from an 08 GMC with the 5.3 and 4 speed, and when I first drove the newer vehicles with the 6 speeds, I didn't like any of them. But the 6 speed has grown on me. Initially, I hated the way my truck would shift out of first into second so quickly, even if I was on the throttle pretty good, but I guess I got used to it. Or the transmission "adapted to my driving style" (still don't know if I buy that lol).

yamahatim

Well there was some "debate" about the 5.4 being more capable with more available torque at a lower RPM than the 5.0. Some of those that argued have not driven both so I thought I would have some fun!

News in, I know what you mean. I remember when the 5.4 with a 6 speed tranny came out and they compared it to the 5.4 with the 4 speed, the 0-60 and 1/4 mile times were really, really close! I had an '04 FX4, and when I traded it for the '10 I really thought the 6 speed was an upgrade. As far as the sluggish feel, I think is has somewhat to do with the fact that all pre-2009 trucks still had throttle cables, and the 2009 and up trucks have fly-by-wire throttles.

lariat05.4

04-08 with the 5.4 are drive by wire as well. I posted in that other thread as well but ill say it again. I have a 5.4 with the 4 speed, drove both 5.4 with the 6speed and the 5.0 as well. While the 5.4 with the 6speed is a great improvement I'd still rather have the 5.0.

boy_welder2000

I can compare the 5.4 to the 5.0. The 5.0 from 1994 that is...