3.0 really that low on power?

[brevity]

Need some opinions, please!

Just how weak is the 3.0? I'm comparing a 4L to a 3L, and just want to hear what you think before I pull the trigger. Is the 3.0 that bad, power-wise?

 

[stmitch]

The 3.0 is not a powerful motor, but there do seem to be some that are better than others. A well maintained and lightly modded 3.0 comes pretty close to a 4.0 OHV motor as far as performance goes. If you're looking at the SOHC 4.0, then the gap in power widens in the 4.0's favor. I will say that I'm very happy with my midly modded 3.0 as far as power and fuel mileage are concerned, but a stock 3.0 can leave something to be desired in both departments.

 

[triumphrider-1]

Power wise it is middle of the road. It makes more power than a 2.3/2.5L four banger, but less than the 4.0L. Gearing will be the biggest difference for seat-o-the-pants power measuring.

Driving my truck (3.0L, with 4.10 gears) and comparing it to my uncles (4.0L SOHC with 3.73 gears) the trucks felt pretty close, with a slight edge to the 4.0L.

Big thing for feel is to keep the 3.0L in its "wheel house" for power/torque production (3000-5000rpm).

 

[Frodo]

The 3.0 is not a powerful motor, but there do seem to be some that are better than others. A well maintained and lightly modded 3.0 comes pretty close to a 4.0 OHV motor as far as performance goes. If you're looking at the SOHC 4.0, then the gap in power widens in the 4.0's favor. I will say that I'm very happy with my midly modded 3.0 as far as power and fuel mileage are concerned, but a stock 3.0 can leave something to be desired in both departments.

What modds have you done? I have a 96 with a 3.0. Tryin to find the best bang for my buck

 

[psykostevo]

My 1992 Ranger 3.0L is a pig, but then again my other car is an 05 GT putting down 447rwhp

 

[Teddyzee]

I would never buy the 3.0 if a 4.0 was available.

My green truck was a 4.0 OHV (it's a 5.0 now) and felt very powerful.
I still own a 3.0 Splash, and owned an older '91 3.0, there is no comparison power wise.

 

[Brian1973]

Have had my 1991 3.0L since 1994... always knew it was kind of a dog... wasn't until I got a 3.4L 4Runner a couple years ago that I noticed just how much of a dog it is... now I drive my 4Runner like I stole it cause I'm so used to always keeping my "hammer" down! lol The Ranger is a solid truck (nice ride compared to a 4Runner) so it's still good for things but it's more of a cruising vessel than a speedy Gonzalas ;-) feels kinda like I'm driving a tank at times....

I'd agree with Triumphrider, if you keep the rpm kinda high for the 3.0, it does feel a bit peppier but then I'm sure it sucks up the gas a bit faster and at 3 bucks/gal, I'll get there when I get there! 5th gear on the highway is a joke with the slightest of hills.... again, 4th with higher rpm gives ya some more horses to pass the next car....

 

[99rangerstd3.0]

Power wise it is middle of the road. It makes more power than a 2.3/2.5L four banger, but less than the 4.0L. Gearing will be the biggest difference for seat-o-the-pants power measuring.

Driving my truck (3.0L, with 4.10 gears) and comparing it to my uncles (4.0L SOHC with 3.73 gears) the trucks felt pretty close, with a slight edge to the 4.0L.

Big thing for feel is to keep the 3.0L in its "wheel house" for power/torque production (3000-5000rpm).

I agree with Triumphrider... gearing is probably a big factor. I'm very happy with my 99 ranger, 3.0 with 4.10's and 4wd. i've put it up against a 96 t100 auto with a 3.4, which is rated at 190 hp but my truck outruns it through all the gears.

I also use it for towing all the time, like 2000 lbs of ditch trencher and trailer beind it and i was very supprised how well it did, seeing as the whole way home is basically all up-hill

 

[TomB1269]

Driving my truck (3.0L, with 4.10 gears) and comparing it to my uncles (4.0L SOHC with 3.73 gears) the trucks felt pretty close, with a slight edge to the 4.0L.

Big thing for feel is to keep the 3.0L in its "wheel house" for power/torque production (3000-5000rpm).

And there in lies the problem, 3000 - 5000 RPM for power means your draining the tank. I have an 02 EDGE and only get 13 to 15 mpg with 100% "CITY" IE in town, light to light house to store, work etc. And on the Hiway if I watch the tac I can get up to 22.5 mpg but you can not rev it over 3000 rpms or drive over 70mph . If you are in a hilly area such as I-88 just west of Albany you may as well drive it at 80mph because the trans will shift less, you will get there sooner and your mileage will not be that much different (20/21 to 18/19 - done it a dozen times each way)
The long and short, the 4.0 has more torque and the torque starts a little lower in RPMs so it will not require as much throttle off the line for as long a period, in addition it will manage hiway speeds loaded or unloaded better than the 3.0. GET THE 4.0...........

 

[brevity]

Thanks for the input, Everyone. I'm now the proud owner of a '98 4.0!

 

[TomB1269]

Good Luck and enjoy it