Anyone with knowledge of the 07 Sport able to give their opinion on the same old question of either 3.0 or 4.0?

I'm looking at the supercab 2wd with jumpseats and sliding back window and as far as driving styles, no major towing expected and no monster truck offroading, but definately the occasional 2wd offroad excurision from time to time. Truck will primarily be 40/60 city/highway and avg highway speed 80-90.

I've read previous posts and I've seen the debate goes back and forth. I'll be keeping the truck for many years (so long as I like it), so not too concerned about the resale value. The 3.0 is ready for pick up whenever for 13,700$ (before tax), but the 4.0 needs to be ordered thru ford and won't be ready till end of March (14,700 before tax). The way I see it, the biggest difference is that the 4.0 is 1000 more and I'll have to wait 80 days or so.

 

It all depends on what you want, they both get the same gas mileage but the 4.0 has 50 more HP and 60 more ft lbs of torque. For me since the gas mileage isn't any different, I would get the 4.0 but if you don't care about the power and don't need it, and want a truck sooner rather than later, get the 3.0. Either way you are getting a great truck with a great motor........

 

if i could do it again i would get the 4.0 but at the same time i love my 3.0 and it has not given me any trouble in 70k

 

my 3.0 has 150k only prob is my belt tensioner broke...39 dollar fix

 

Thanks for the responses.

Gator, since you mention that if you could, you'd of opted for the 4.0..........that noticable in power differences between the 2? Do you feel lag getting up to speed on highways and when excellerating?

Biz, what about you and the driving power of the 3.0? I've heard/read the 3.0 is a great proven motor and lasts, but how about performace?

 

The ONLY reason (IMHO opinion) to get the 3.0 is due to the initial cost. The 3.0 itself is pathetically slower than the 4.0 and gets the same gas mileage.

I had a similar choice as you, I waited months to get my 4.0 instead of settling for a 3.slow. If you plan on keeping it for many years just have some patience so you dont regret it years later.

 

I'll put in my two cents here. The 3.0 you will get used to, after driving the 3.0 for a while it will seem like it has capable performance. When comparing the two however there is a huge difference. IMO you dont even need to check the engine to know what engine is in the ranger, just drive it.

I have the luxury of driving 3.0 ford rangers (we have 7 i believe) for work. There is nothing like driving a 4.0 ranger to work, driving a 3.0 all day, then driving a 4.0 back home. The performance between the two is extremely different.

I suggest you test drive them both though, if you drive like a grandpa the difference may not be that big to you.

 

I've driven a 3.0 Ranger and a 4.0 Ranger. I bought two 4.0 Rangers. The 3.0 motor just isn't worth it in my mind.

 

Get the 4.0, you will not regret it.

 

i love my 3.0

 

The 3.0L will get you slightly better mileage; drive a 3.0L stick as opposed to a new 4.0L auto, I couldnt tell a "huge" difference, but that was me, I guess a used 4.0L ranger wouldve been easeir to tell. After a few performance mods, the 3.0L can feel quite peppy as opposed to stock..I've ran with my roomates mom's '05 Camry V6 and stayed slightly ahead (no joke).

 

ya, but you had a 2.3 before that


i would say 4.0. mod it up and you will like it way better than a stock or modded 3.0

 

4.0! kinda bc i have one

kinda bc everyone calls the 3.0.... slow enuf said lol

 

hey ive whooped on 4.0L OHVs.. not that much more grunt than a 3.0L

 

thats the ohv

the 3.0 is a torquey little engine

 

yep..read the post above mine.. thats what i was referring to

 

Good uck going 80+ in the 3.0 and getting any better then 3mpg. At 80 the 3.0 is atleast at 4K rpms. I was making a 240MI drive (School to home) one time and was (for a good reason)going a 80-85 the whole way.... well i only got 3/4 of the way home before i had to go fill up...


the 3.0 is slow as hell, gets very very poor MPGs for how little hp, etc it has and if it wasnt for my warrenty.. well i would be alot out of pocket becuase of that piece. If i ever buy another ranger i would ONLY get a 4.0.

If you want the easiest way to pick: drive one of each... you'll never want a 3.0 again I almost cried after driving my friend's 4.0

 

Don't even consider getting the 3.0. Like it was already stated, wait it out for the 4.0. I have the 3.0 and I wished I would have known that their even was a 4.0 option when buying my truck. My truck is very very slow, but I'm stuck with what i have and can't dwell on it forever. That's my opinion.

 

I've had the 3.0 and the 4.0....there is no competition, the 4.0 is better in almost every aspect.

 

i own both and the 3.0 is a good strong engine for dd but the 4.0 is alot more nicer in my opinion. my 4.0 gets better mileage than my 3 did but the 3 had 4.56's and 32's. but dude in all honesty get the 4 you will be so much happier

 

It is not at 4k at 80, I have 4.10s and im never at 4k going 80 lol. The guy I bought my truck off of has an 05 4.0 sohc and I keep up with him.

 

If it were me, I would drive a 3.0 and 4.0 both in the style truck you are wanting. Then I would decide which one I wanted.

 

Thanks everyone for all the info. I'm going to place the order for the manual 4.0 Sport tomorrow. I plan on having the truck for awhile, so rather than being pissed later on for not getting it, I'll just wait the couple months it'll take to get the 4.0 here.

What about limited slip, worth getting it on the 4x2 for an extra $250?

 

i'd get it, the open differential sucks.. and I dont suppose you can get anything above a 3.55 gear ratio for a 4.0L 4x2 can you? I've driven a new 4.0L/auto with the 3.55's and it lugged imo

 

your buddy needs to learn to drive then...