Looking into picking up a 1994-1998 Mustang GT and was wondering if someone could breakdown the differences between the 4.6L V8 and the 5.0L V8. I also heard that from '95 to '96 the transmission is different. Any others differences between a '95 and '96?

 

The 5.0 is a single cam pushrod engine, the 4.6 is a dual overhead cam engine. They are completely different, no parts will swap from one to engine the other. If you plan on doing a lot of performance upgrades the 5.0 has a lot more parts out there and is much cheaper.
I'm not sure on the differences in the transmissions.

 

as far as engines go I know very little. Is one better than the other? Does one last longer? Any advantage to a dual overhead cam engine over the single cam pushrod?

 

their are 2 different 4.6 engines. you have the 2v which is sohc (single overheadcam) found in GT'S and you have the 4v which is dohc (dual overhead cam) with the 4.6 they dont have push rods, and both are good engines. from driving both i would go with the 4.6

 

5.0 - cheap parts, tons of parts, a full bult on 5.0 will make some nice power.

4.6 - lots of parts, little bit more expensive, full bult on 4.6 makes ok power. (not including spray, or F.I.)

 

both being full boltons, with the same mods the 4.6 will have the advantage

 

5.0 is cheaper to mod and easier to work on.
4.6 is smooth and has endless potential but costs alot to mod and not as simple to do the work on.

 

correction

not all 4.6 motors are dual overhead cam motors, thats the cobra. the base mustang gt is SOHC.

the 5.0 and 4.6 are about the same strength, i'd give the 4.6 a lil more longetivity.

either be old school, or new age =O

 

Both are good engines, and will last a long time if built right and proper service is done. Ive seen either one go for close to 200k miles. As far as one having advantages over another im not sure. I havent really delt with the 4.6's much so hopefully someone with more knowledge than me will answer that. If it were me I would go with the 5.0 The 4.6 from 96-98 is not very strong and you would have to do a lot of mods to get it up to the power a stock 99-04 GT is pushing. If you want the 5.0 you will have to find a 94-95 as they stopped using the 5.0 in 95.

 

99-04 4.6's have more power than any 5.0 in stock form............4.6 FTW