Originally Posted by E365
Kinda of a no-brainer. The F-150 with the 3.5 EcoBoost makes much more torque than the V8 Tundra, is rated 5 MPG higher in the EPA combined cycle and is rated to tow an extra 3,000 lbs.
Personally, I couldn't imagine buying another naturally aspirated engine again.
I love turbo engines. I own four cars with turbos.
But I prefer a naturally aspirated V-8 for my truck.
The reasons for the Tundra's poor MPG v. The F-150 are many, but they include weight, transmission speeds, gearing, and aerodynamic tricks.
The turbo engines get excellent MPG under light loads, but when towing, get the same, or worse than a NA engine, as the ECU has to keep it rich under heavy boost to prevent detonation.
The 420 lbft of torque for the 3.5 EB vs the 400 for the 5.7 Tundra isn't a huge difference but where the EB shines is the ability to tune for more HP and Torque, for example, in the Raptor.
Where the EB loses is reliability in service.
And reliability was at the top of my criteria in selecting a truck.