2003 F150 V6 or V8 (fuel, truck, mileage, engine)

[davidt1]

Both V6 and V8 Automatic show same fuel efficiency.

Gas Mileage of 2003 Ford F150 Pickup

Since fuel efficiency is the same, is there any reason to get a V6? Thanks.

[GTOlover]

Go with the 4.6 Liter V-8 it is just the better engine all around IMO

the 4.2 V-6 in the later gen F-150's is Nothing like the old Rock Solid torque monster 4.9 Liter Inline-6 from the days of old

[North Beach Person]

I have the 4.2 six. While adequate I don't do a whole lot of heavy hauling. It does tend to struggle a bit now (151K) when doing steep hills.

All things being equal I'd take the V-8.

[Wilson513]

Agree ^^^ That V6 was the red headed stepchild. Replacing the revered Ford straight 6, and I think it had a 100% recall in the 90's for a serious head problem. I'm not a big fan of the 4.6L Ford, but between the two you would have to take the V8.

[SD4020]

The 4.6 is a great engine. Being the mileage is the same you gain some torque and HP increased make the 4.6 a better option. The 4.6 is a solid engine and as long as your' not pulling heavy loads frequently you will be ok.

Keep the oil changed and it will run 200,00 250K miles without issue. I had a 98 with the 4.6 that was totaled out due to a deer strike. I miss that pickup and would still be driving it.

[Wilson513]

The motor for that truck is the 5.4. Forget about the mileage, its a better motor.

[SD4020]

Originally Posted by Wilson513

The motor for that truck is the 5.4. Forget about the mileage, its a better motor.

The 5.4 had a rated horsepower of 260 HP and 350 lb-ft of torque.

The 4.6 has 248 HP and 286 lb-ft of torque. If you're hauling or pulling the 5.4 would be the better option.

I have no issue with either engine.