2.7 EcoBoost vs 3.5 EcoBoost – Which One is The Best?

Many times when you search the internet, you will see the 2.7 EcoBoost vs 3.5 EcoBoost competition regarding the speed, towing, and overall performance. In fact, questioning which one is better is very controversial.

Both engines can deliver high towing, torque, and vehicle performance in general. Yet, there are still some differences between both. This brings up the insisting question if we have to choose, which one to go for?

Before we answer this question, let’s detail the characteristics of both engines and the advantages and disadvantages as well. Later, you will be able to answer this question yourself.

Contents

2.7 EcoBoost

The 2.7 liter EcoBoost is a turbocharged engine introduced in 2015 in the Ford F-150. The engine is a direct-injection one that has more than one generation with several upgrades for each generation.

Generally, the 2.7 liters EcoBoost yields faster speeds while towing. However, when you add weight, it loses much speed.

After the Ford F-150, many Ford vehicles started using this engine as the Ford Edge Sport and the Ford Fusion Sport. Also, Lincoln vehicles as Lincoln MKX uses the same engine.

Newest 2.7 EcoBoost models

Newest 2.7 EcoBoost models

If you own an F-150, the 2.7 EcoBoost is probably the most advanced engine that you can get. The reason behind this assertion is that 2.7 EcoBoost uses every trick in the book for better performance.

For the second generation 2.7 EcoBoost, everything is finally made electronic. To understand this, let’s look behind at the previous generations of 2.7 EcoBoost.

The wastegates and every other component were controlled by Vacuum power. In the new models, starting from 2017, everything became electronic.

“The electronically controlled nature is very important as it stands for many of the performance upgrades of this engine. For example, you can put the truck in eco mode thanks to the increased control over the turbos.”

In addition, the wastegates became electronic and the direct injection allows more compression which is why these engines have so much compression.

Back in the day, the previous models allowed only for like 8 to 1 or 9 to 1 compression if they were turbocharged.

The difference between both was that old engines had to back down the compression a little bit to prevent detonation and things like that.

Also, they had to run premium fuel whereas the use of direct injection allows the use of regular fuel and high compression.

Direct injection allows for that by either injecting the fuel later in the compression stroke or actually using the fuel to somehow prevent detonation by injecting it and modulating the fuel and certain points in the compression stroke.

So, it is a big improvement over the years.

Also, adding port injection along with direct injection allows for getting the best of both worlds. Port injection enhances fuel efficiency and at the same time, direct injection allows for increased compression levels.

Thus, you have more torque and more power.

3.5 EcoBoost

Similar to the 2.7 EcoBoost engine, it is a turbocharged one. The first models of this engine were introduced in 2007. Later, new models emerged in 2018 with better performance.

The engine has an aluminum body which is better in terms of heat control.

The same Ford F-150 uses the 3.5 engine while other vehicles include Ford Transit Van, Ford Flex, Ford Taurus, and Ford Expedition.

Newest 3.5 EcoBoost models

The aluminum body and forged steel rods offer better connectivity and durability. In addition, the newest models all include four valves per cylinder.

Not to forget that the main achievement for the new 3.5 EcoBoost is the volume and sturdy construction.

Another significant upgrade is the multi-port fuel injection technology. This technology gives provides more torque and towing capabilities. Thus, the engine performs better in terms of hauling.

2.7 EcoBoost vs 3.5 EcoBoost

2.7 EcoBoost vs 3.5 EcoBoost

Comparing both engines, we should consider different factors. For example, the horsepower, torque, construction, and cooling mechanism.

“When it comes to power, 3.5EcoBoost has the most tricks up its sleeve. On the other side, 2.7 does not have as many. Similarly, the newer 5.0 engine doesn’t have as many tricks to make more power.”

Generally, 2.7 is the lowest or one of the lowest engines and it is the entry-level compared to 3.5 is a higher one. However, both are considered high-performing engines.

Horsepower & torque

Horsepower stands for the power of the engine. In other words, how much power it can deliver. Without too much saying, the 3.5 engine can deliver higher horsepower levels than the other option.

Similarly, the torque has to do with the acceleration. It means the effectiveness of the acceleration of your engine. Again, the 3.5 engine outperforms the 2.7 in this essence.

Cooling mechanism

One of the main advantages of the 2.7 engine, perhaps the most important one is the cooling mechanism. The 2.7 engine has those special water-cooled exhaust manifolds.

Those parts lie behind the less effect of adding weight on speed. In other words, the loss of speed is not at the same levels as other engines because of the manifolds.

For other engines, when you add weight, they have to deal with detuning a lot more because they don’t have that water-cooled exhaust.

On the contrary, 2.7 engines have those water-cooled exhausts which cool down the engine and eliminate most of the heat effects. Thus, allowing for more aggressive tuning from the computer.

3.5 engines don’t have those water-cooled exhausts and even more advanced engines as the 5.0 don’t have them either. Hence, 2.7 stands out for having this cooling down mechanism.

If you looked down at the 2.7 engine, you won’t see an exhaust manifold. You just see a turbocharger and the side of the head. This looks like the turbochargers coming right on the side of the head.

Also, you probably know that extra heat coming out of the motor is definitely making a huge difference as far as power is concerned.

Moving to the 3.7 EcoBoost engine, the major disappointment about this engine is that they didn’t go ahead and change the heads over the water-cooled exhaust.

With the size and improved performance of this engine, more heat needs to be taken out. Thus, there was a need for a better cooling system.

A water-cooled exhaust could have been better in this case. Also, the fact that there is room for adding a bigger cooling system makes it possible to improve the engine in the next generations.

If the 3.5 EcoBoost engine had this better cooling mechanism, it would have beaten most of its competitors without hesitation.

The engine already holds many advantages and capabilities over other engines. With a better cooling system, the performance would have grown higher to an incomparable extent.

Hence, we believe that the cooling system is something that should be placed on the table as it makes a huge difference in power output and in tow.

Even more, some car experts believe that water-cooled exhausts are cheaper. For this type of cooling mechanism, the engine doesn’t have bolts for the exhaust manifolds or gaskets.

Everything is just as it is without extra parts. Even more, there are no exhaust manifolds.

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Weight

If we are to compare them in terms of weight, the 3.5 EcoBoost will win. One of the significant differences between both engines is the material.

The 2.7 EcoBoost features a compact and iron graphite block. The material is a combination of both iron and aluminum as main materials and other metals.

Basically, the aluminum lies in the lower and heads and iron in the middle.

The materials blend is used to strengthen the overall durability of the engine. However, it is still one of the lightest engines you can use for your Ford truck.

It appears that the main purpose of using such material was to conserve weight rather than manufacturing a strong durable engine.

Yet, you won’t hear too many voices complaining about the lightweight of the engine or even its durability.

On the other side, the 3.7 engine is a heavy-duty engine with an aluminum block. The aluminum block is also better for heat control.

Internal parts

Internal parts

The 3.5 EcoBoost stands out for having better internals. It has a stronger crank and connecting rods. It used forged connecting rods whereas the 2.7 EcoBoost uses powdered metal connecting rods.

The ones used in the 2.7 engine are still strong but definitely, the 3.7 nailed it in terms of internals.

The 2.7 connecting rods are almost mid-grade ones that you can’t rely on to push too much power as there will be a weak link.

The 2.7 engine is not built as stout or as rugged as the 3.5 engine. Also, with the lower displacement of the 2.7 engine, it doesn’t produce the same torques as the 3.5 one.

Fuel efficiency

Comparing fuel efficiencies, the former is better with no arguing. The direct-injection system uses fuel more efficiently thus, providing a higher fuel mileage for the vehicle.

However, with the increased torque, HP, and other performance metrics, the fuel consumption increased. Thus, making the 3.5 engine lower in terms of fuel efficiency.

Towing and payload

Towing and payload are two different terms that are sometimes used interchangeably. Yet, both have different meanings and they don’t necessarily go together.

Towing means the ability of the vehicle to move with weight over it. Whereas the payload is the ability of the car to carry heavy loads in general.

In general, both engines have perfect towing and payload capacities. But since we are comparing, we have to say that the 3.5 has a bit higher towing capabilities.

However, you still have one of the best towing features with a 2.7-liter engine.

As for payload capacity, the 2.7 engine is a top performer than the other one. The water-cooled exhausts we talked about before are the reason behind this performance.

However, you can depend on a 3.5 for large payload capacities.

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Price

“To cut a long story short, the 3.5 engine costs more than the 2.7 one. So, if you are after the price, 2.7 is a better option as you will still get a very good performance.”

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FAQ

1. How to maintain the engine?

Maintaining any engine requires doing the same things. Basically, change the fuel filter or wash it for reusable filters. In addition, change the engine oil after the determined lifespan.
This way, you can maintain the engine and get it working and performing the best for a longer time.

2. What are common 3.5 engine problems?

Similar to any other car component, everything comes with some flaws. One of the main drawbacks of the 3.5 engine is the speedy wearing out of the ignition coil.
Typically, ignition coils should last for more than 100,000 miles. Yet, due to the high hp and torque which require more engine power, those coils sometimes wear out before their lifespan ends.
To solve this problem, you need to check the whole ignition system every now and then. Once you notice any wear or tear in any of the parts, you should change them immediately to prevent any extra losses.

3. What are common 2.7 engine problems?

Mostly, the issues are related to oil leakage. In the older models of a 2.7 engine, you may notice an oil pan leakage because the material of this pan is not the best.
If you noticed oil spots where you park your vehicle, ensure that it is an oil pan leakage.

Conclusion

Both engines are really fun to drive and it’s hard to tell which one’s better to drive. However, if we have to pick a winner, it will probably be the 3.5 engine.

The 3.5 outperforms in horsepower, torque, and overall performance. Whereas 2.7 outperforms in fuel efficiency and hauling capacity.

But, if we have room for a change, we would prefer 3.5 EcoBoost internals with the water-cooled exhaust of the 2.7 EcoBoost.

This way, you don’t have to feel guilty idling all day. The 2.7 EcoBoost doesn’t burn much gas as the 3.5 one thanks to the exhausts.

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