5.4 vs 5.0 performance and evaluation
05-11-2014, 02:35 PM
#11
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.
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.
The tip in on the 5.0L is really tame compared to the 5.4L, GM suburban and a Titan. The only thing I can think of, is that you'd roast the tires off if not accounted for, since you have a 3.73 axle, 4.17 first gear, and great torque.
The 2013 Nissan Titan Crew Rental I had, had the most tip in I've seen, wanting to roast the tires at every light but sluggish performance after the fact. While it's quick, in most situations it felt slower than my previous 2010 5.4L Screw, even though the 2010 was slower. Most likely due to the 2010 F150s better gearing to get you where you need for torque, while you're already up to speed. The Titan would undoubtedly be the drag strip winner though.
I already did a comparision review of my previous 2010 5.4L F150, the 2012/13 Ecoboosts , 2013 6.2L F250, and 2014 5.3L suburban against the 2012 5.0L. The 2013 5.6L Titan review is coming.
Never seen this thread before, sorry I missed it earlier.
