F-150 5.0 vs. Ecoboost

[yaktamer]

Trying to decide between 2 used 2014 4x4 F-150s. Similarly equipped, the V-6 is a Supercab with 16k miles, the V-8 has 29k and is a crew cab. The Ecoboost is about $500 less.

From what I've read elsewhere the Ecoboost is better for towing. Despite advertised mileage, the consensus seems to be no real difference when not towing.

I don't plan to do much, if any, towing, and figure the V-8 is likely to be less maintenance long-term since no turbos. Any thoughts?

 

[Wingmaster]

I was in the same position a couple of years ago. I ended up getting the 5.0. My decision was, like you, I really dont pull a trailer very often and I figured it would be about my luck that about a thousand miles after the warranty runs out the turbos would roll craps and I would be paying a big repair bill.
By the way. The 5.0 has a lot of power. I have pulled a few trailers with it and have been more than happy with it.

Wingmaster

 

[Skootertrash]

i have a 2013 supercrew ecoboost and love it. Since you don't pulling a trailer, I would say get the crewcab. You will appreciate the extra room.

 

[Goldstar225]

I have owned both, 2012 supercrew 5.0 V-8 4X2 and 2014 supercrew ecoboost 4X4. Assuming the same gear ratio (mine were/are 3:73), both are about equal in daily driving when it comes to acceleration and fuel mileage. The V-8 sounds much better, you gotta love a subdued but distinct V-8 rumble. If you are going to tow in the heavier range, say 7000 pounds or more, the ecoboost is much better. I tow a travel trailer rated at 9000 gross which lead me to trade in my V-8 for the ecoboost. The ecoboost generates the same torque at 2000 rpm as the V-8 at 4000 rpm. When climbing hills my ecoboost will pull a hill at 2500 rpm in 4th that the V-8 had drop to 3rd and run 4000 rpm (both maintained highway speed).

For me, If I was only towing 6000 pounds or less I would have kept the V-8. As it is I really enjoy the towing muscle of the ecoboost and I was an ecoboost skeptic.

 

[johngalt]

Car and driver tested some trucks a few months back, including an ecoboost F150 and a silverado with the 6.2. In real world tests the silverado got better gas mileage.

 

[dmar]

Car and driver tested some trucks a few months back, including an ecoboost F150 and a silverado with the 6.2. In real world tests the silverado got better gas mileage.

John, you really didn't just start a Ford/Chevy thing, did you....?! I'll be right back, I'm going to get some popcorn!

OP, I'd get the 5.0, proven performer, reliable, and plenty of power for what you say you'll use it for. That being said, I'd get a Chevy...

 

[johngalt]

John, you really didn't just start a Ford/Chevy thing, did you....?! I'll be right back, I'm going to get some popcorn!

OP, I'd get the 5.0, proven performer, reliable, and plenty of power for what you say you'll use it for. That being said, I'd get a Chevy...

Not really intending to start a Chevy vs ford war, just pointing out evidence that says the ecoboost may not be living up to its efficiency hype. If it were me, I would get the V8. I am also very suspicious of the long term durability of turbos.

 

[Speedo2]

?...... If it were me, I would get the V8. I am also very suspicious of the long term durability of turbos.

I agree 100 percent. Just purchased a 2015 Lariat with the 5.0 for that very reason, on the road with it now and I'm loving it. - S2

 

[JcMack]

Besides the reliability factor of the mechanics of the turbo I can't imagine the additional fol de rol electronic junk to control it. I'd go with the V8 even if gas mileage is a bit less.

 

[sophie]

If I were to buy one of the two trucks you are looking at and considering both are relatively close in condition I would probably buy the 5.0 V8 Crew Cab. I have driven the 5.0L's and was impressed with them when they came out. I have friends that have the EcoBoost motors and I think after hearing them talk about the EcoBoost powered trucks that a lot of the facts and figures are overstated as to the performance of the trucks in pulling conditions. I am not trying to stir up the guys here that drive the EcoBoost trucks in any way. I hear lots of guys bragging about them.
Just my 2 cents.

I currently drive a 2008 F150 4X4 Crew Cab with the 5.4 liter and it is a pretty good combination.

 

[kantuck]

As for electronics-you either drive a vintage vehicle or it has an ECU-live with it, or not.
I just bought a new Ford 2015 F150 Screw, XLT Sport. It comes after 4 Tundras in a row -all bought new , 2000,2003,2005 and 2010. The Tundras required exactly zero parts total, excepting batteries and recall parts and one set of tires. great trucks and they all(every brand!) cost too much and not enough diff in MPG to justify a discussion here or anywhere else, let alone a study. I was ready for a change but my son's new 2015 Toyo had me lusting with some improvements. How long you keep a truck matters a lot in money talk.
Turbo's of today are pretty reliable but Ford's previous versions had some issues. I bought the haighest gear differential and my truck pulls what ever I need to pull-load of logs is heaviest I will do-or another vehicle on trailer & I assure you it will handle that! if I towed 5th wheel mega trailers or livestock I'd have done a lower diff..
Why buy a 2014 as most of the leftovers are gone and you can get great incentives on 2015 if timing is right. I bought under published invoice as I don't qualify for any "Ford buyer plans"-invoice is less than Xplan FWIW.
Like that V-8 rumble says this ole guy...

 

[James&theGiant1911]

Get a raptor and have the ultimate truck

 

[venomballistics]

I was in the same position a couple of years ago. I ended up getting the 5.0. My decision was, like you, I really dont pull a trailer very often and I figured it would be about my luck that about a thousand miles after the warranty runs out the turbos would roll craps and I would be paying a big repair bill.
By the way. The 5.0 has a lot of power. I have pulled a few trailers with it and have been more than happy with it.

Wingmaster

Ford gave their old 2.3L Turbos a hair drier made by Garrett.
thats a subsidiary of the outfit that built the engines for Learjet.

My 80's era SVO Mustang says your overstating your concern.

 

[4011]

Traded an 2007 F150 5.4 for a 2013 5.0. Son has a 2012 Ego boost. The 5.0 fun to drive. More get up and go than a 70 year old needs. Run some ethanol in it and it will scream. 17.6 in town on gas. 16.2 in town on the corn. Smells like corn dogs cooking at idle.

 

[LVSteve]

I would go with the Ecoboost if any serious altitude is involved in your towing.

 

[yaktamer]

Thanks all for the input. I stumbled across a good deal on a 2014 2WD crew cab with 5700 miles and grabbed it. It has the 5.0. So far, so good.

 

[Old TexMex]

Mine's a 5.0 XLT in "Cartel black". Great p/u.