If you are looking for highly robust and reliable engines, the 5.0 F150 and 5.3 Silverado are some of the best. Both engines are praised for their superior power, hauling capacity, safety features, reliability, and comfort. But which is the better one in this 5.0 F150 vs 5.3 Silverado comparison?
Well, despite having similarities, the two engines differ in so many ways depending on the model year. Some significant difference is in their horsepower, torque, and towing capacity. Apart from that, the 5.0 F150 differs from the 5.3 Silverado in terms of engine capacity and transmission type.
Now, since the 5.3 Silverado has a larger engine size, does this make it the best choice? In this guide, you can find all there is to know about the 5.0 F150 vs. 5.3 Silverado.
Comparison Table of 5.0 F150 vs. 5.3 Silverado
In the table below, you can quickly find out how the 5.0-liter F150 compares to the 5.3-liter Silverado in terms of specs.
| Differences | 5.0 F150 | 5.3 Silverado |
| Manufacturer | Ford | General Motors Corporation (GMC) |
| Horsepower | 360 HP to 400 HP (2011-2023 years) | 315 HP to 355 HP (2007 – 2021 years) |
| Torque | 380 lb.-ft to 410 lb.-ft | 338 lb.-ft to 383 lb.-ft |
| Engine size | 5.0 liters | 5.3 liters |
| Transmission | Six and 10-speed | Four, six, and eight-speed |
| Fuel economy/mileage | 15 to 20 mpg in the city, 21 to 24 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined | 15 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the highway, and 17 mpg combined |
| Towing capacity | Up to 13,000 pounds | Up to 11,500 pounds |
What Is The 5.0 F150 and 5.3 Silverado?
The first series of 5.0 F150 was introduced in 1969 and was later retired in 2001. In 2011, Ford started manufacturing the 5.0 F150 again. Currently, you can get the F150 5.0L trucks in 2011, 2015, 2020, and 2023 year models.
On the other hand, the 5.3L engine Silverado first came into existence in 1999. You can find this engine in various Chevy Silverado vehicles from 1999 to 2007.
Between 2007 and 2014, GM produced another generation of the 5.3 Silverado featuring better performance and power. However, this 5.3-liter engine was dropped in 2022.
5.0 F150 Vs 5.3 Silverado? – Differences
Now that you know what the 5.0 F150 and 5.3 Silverado are, what are their differences? Read on to find out this and much more.
Manufacturer
The 5.0 F150 is manufactured by the Ford Motor Company. Ford is an American multinational company founded in 1903 and specializes in automobiles, including luxury cars and commercial vehicles.
On the other hand, the 5.3 Silverado is manufactured by the General Motors Truck Company (GMC). This is also an American automobile company established in 1911. The company focuses on producing reliable utility vehicles and trucks.
Horsepower and torque
If you get an F150 truck with a 5.0L engine manufactured between 2011 and 2023, you can expect 360hp to 400hp of horsepower. On the other hand, the torque ranges between 380 and 410 lb.-ft.
With the 5.3 Silverado, their 2007 to 2021 models offer 315hp to 355hp horsepower, which is on the lower side. As for the torque, the engine delivers between 338 and 383 lb.-ft. So, overall, the 5.0 F150 drives faster and can handle more load than the 5.3 Silverado.
The good news? You can install an aftermarket exhaust system to get more horsepower from your 5.3 Silverado. The DNA Motoring CBE-CS09-4853L-4DR Cat Back Exhaust System would be an excellent choice.
Fuel economy
The 5.0 F150 is more fuel efficient than the 5.3 Silverado thanks to its small engine capacity. Its estimated mileage is 15 to 20 miles per gallon in the city and 21 to 24 mpg on the highway. And when combined, you get up to 21 mpg of mileage.
With the 5.3 Silverado, the mileage in the city is about 15 mpg, and 22 mpg on the highway. Meanwhile, the engine’s average mileage is 17 miles per gallon. However, the fuel efficiency may decrease due to issues like the P015d 2013 Chevy Silverado caused by an unresponsive oxygen sensor.
Transmission
Depending on the model year, your 5.0 F150 may utilize a 6 or 10-speed transmission. The 5.3 Silverado is available in four, six, and eight-speed automatic transmissions.
The 5.0 F150 with the 10-speed transmission offers better efficiency and quieter drive than its 4, 6, and 8-speed counterparts in the 5.3 Silverado.
Towing capacity
The 5.0 F150 retakes the win because it boasts a towing capacity of up to 13,000 pounds. This is because it also features more torque than its Silverado counterpart. On the other hand, the 5.3 Silverado can tow up to 11,500 pounds of the load, depending on the model year.
Firing order
This is simply the sequence in which the engine cylinders generate and distribute power. The firing order for older 5.0 F150 engines is 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8, while that of new engines between 2011 and 2022 is 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2.
On the other hand, the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 5.3 firing order is 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3. This means the spark plug at the number one cylinder should be the first to fire, followed by number 8.
FAQs
In this section, I will respond to frequently asked questions about the 5.0 F150 vs 5.3 Silverado?
Which engine is better, the 5.0 F150 or 5.3 Silverado?
The 5.0 F15 offers more horsepower, torque, and towing capacity than the 5.3 Silverado, making it a better choice. It is also more fuel efficient.
How many miles do the 5.0 F150 and 5.3 Silverado last?
Depending on your usage and vehicle model year, your 5.0 F15 may last between 150,000 and 300,000 miles. The 5.3 Silverado can last between 200,000 and 300,000 with proper maintenance.
Which is more expensive, 5.0 f150 or 5.3 Silverado?
The 5.3 Silverado is slightly expensive since the 2021/2022 model with 383 lb.-ft of torque boasts a $36,790 starting price. On the other hand, the cost of a 2022 5.0 f150 with a torque of 410 lb.-ft starts at $31,985.
Does the 5.0 f150 or 5.3 Silverado tow better?
It is definitely the 5.0 f150 since it can tow up to 13,000 pounds of load. Meanwhile, the 5.3 Silverado’s towing capacity is about 11,500 pounds only.
Conclusion
The 5.0 f150 and 5.3 Silverado are reliable engines that pride themselves in offering the best performance. However, the machines differ in pricing, power, hauling capabilities, and lifespan. But overall, the 5.0 F150 seems to be the winner thanks to its high horsepower and torque. This is despite the engine being small in size.
