stang_fanatic said:
ohh $hit thanks for the replies,
it seems both are killer rides , just 5.0 has cheeper parts, but then 5.0 are older cars so there are probably more cost of owning one
one thing left confusing is how come 5.0 and 4.6 have the same hp ?
thanks everyone !!!
My 2 cents:
The reason the HP rating is close on the 94-95 cars and the 96-98 cars is that Ford pulled a marketing ploy. If you notice, the 5.0 went
down in power between 93 and 94. The changes between those years included a different intake and a few other engine changes. But that was BECAUSE they knew the 4.6 was coming out soon. And they certainly could not have HP go down with the new engine. So the 5.0 conveniently goes down in HP. Things that make you go hmmm?
On your original post, I don't think anyone has laid out the differences in stock performance of the 5.0 and 4.6 - just a lot of bits and pieces. So I'll try. The 5.0 develops its power at lower RPM, and has a higher torque rating (I believe). Both power curves on a 5.0 are decisively healthier down at low RPM compared to a 4.6. And those are
precisely the type of power curves that you want in a street driven performance car. Anyone here will tell you that torque is what throws you back in your seat, and makes it fun to drive stop light to stop light, or pulling out of a corner. HP sells cars, torque wins races (as they say). You'll probably see similar 0 to 60 and 1/4 times with cars in any of those years (94 to 98), with maybe a slight advantage to the 5.0.
The 5.0 is very reliable (if not on the bottle or modded heavily). So there is probably little difference in reliability between a 94 and a 96 (only 2 years different anyway). I would look to the mileage and condition of the car more than engine for reliability differences.
Then you get to mods and sound, which everyone here is quick to point out the differences on. And I agree with a lot of the above. 5.0 is easier to mod - though a cam swap alone might actually be easier on a 4.6. And there are more parts out there for the 5.0. But the attention in aftermarket parts is clearly shifting to the new '05. As far as sound, I would give the nod to the 5.0. They sound lower, meaner, gruntier. I would take that over "raspy" exhaust any day. But that's me. And exhaust note is purely a matter of personal opinion.
Post your question over on the 4.6 tech. It would be interesting to see how they respond.
Oh and BTW, don't defeat the curse filter by typing "$". The filter is there for a reason. "Sh**" is preferable.