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Flex Fuel VS Ecoboost; Which Engine Has The Most Benefits?
By: Saiful Islam | July 17, 2022
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If you are opting to buy a new car, the first thing you will check is the engine. Nowadays, car buyers are concerned about carbon footprints and fuel economy. Hybrid engines like Flex Fuel and EcoBoost are their choice.
Are you facing a dilemma regarding Flex Fuel VS Ecoboost? Flex Fuel is a combination engine of ethanol and gasoline.
In contrast, the Ecoboost engine combines turbocharging and direct fuel injection.
Flex Fuel offers an alternative to oil, while Ecoboost offers more horsepower in a compact-size engine.
Both engines are environmentally friendly and have excellent fuel economy. The machines are not the complete opposite, but they have their differences. We will compare them and find the best fit for you.
Flex Fuel VS Ecoboost In A Chart
| Category | Flex Fuel | Ecoboost |
| Engine type | Internal combustion engine | Direct fuel injection engine |
| Environment | Release less toxic fumes | Reduce carbon footprints |
| Fuel economy | Burn a complete mixture of the fuel | Direct injection improves fuel economy |
| Technology | Has electronic sensor | Turbocharging system |
| Performance | Enhance torque and horsepower | Offers low RPM range and low-end torque |
| Noise | Does not create any noise | Only when face issues |
Read More: 35 VS 37 Tires F250
Comparison Between Flex Fuel & Ecoboost
We can divide them into three categories. It will help understand the differences and similarities between Flex Fuel and Ecoboost. Their function, performance, and special features are the categories we need to explore.
Function
Flex Fuel is also known as Alternative fuel, Duel fuel, and Flexible fuel. The primary function of this engine is to burn a complete proportion of fuel mixture. It is a combination of ethanol and gasoline.
The Combustion Engine of the Flex-Fuel vehicle is internal. This engine can run on more than one kind of fuel. However, ethanol or methanol gets mixed with gasoline in the Flex Fuel vehicles.
Flex Fuel uses one Tank instead of using two different fuel tanks. The electronic sensor in the engine calculates the needs and burns the fuel according to its mixed proportion.
Ecoboost engine is also known as Ford Ecoboost. Because it is the trade name of petrol engine that many new Ford line cars use. Ford motor company is now focusing on this type of powerful engine.
A combination of turbocharging and direct injection is the key. This combination helps to push more air and increase power. Direct injection reduces the intact track part, which fastens the fuel injection process.
Special Features
Flex Fuel and Ecoboost are both engines of new vehicle specials with modern technology. Their unique features have made the cars move into new inventory. Let’s compare their unique characteristics.
| Flex Fuel | Ecoboost |
| Emits fewer toxic fumes in the environment | Emits fifteen percent less carbon dioxide in the environment |
| Burns a proper portion of fuel mixture in the combustion chamber | Direct injection brings fuel and air in an adequate equation |
| The electric sensor adjusts the fuel injection and timing | Provides 420 LB-FT of torque and 365 Horsepower |
| Sustainable ingredients work as an alternative to oil | The special coating helps to prevent high friction & fuel consumption |
| Tax credit offers to remove tax obligations | Aluminum materials made the engine lightweight |
Read More: How Many Quarts Of Oil In A Chevy 350 Engine
Performance
Flex Fuel is an environment-friendly engine system. It does not reduce its performance due to making it eco-friendly. It adjusts and increases the operating system of new cars.
The Use Of Fuel of Flex Fuel helps the car determine the perfect fuel proportion. Though it uses E85 fuel, it does not lose performance like traditional engines.
Also, the combustion engine, electric sensors, and high-pressure fuel pump improve fuel efficiency and pressure. Flex Fuel even enhances towing capacity and horsepower.
Ecoboost provides excellent performance to Ford models. When we talk about performance, we primarily speak about the performance of the Ford F 150 or Ford Mustang Ecoboost.
The Fuel Efficiency that Ecoboost provides is twenty percent better than others while driving. It offers high-speed and low-end pick-up with balancing fuel pressure.
The Towing Capacity of Ecoboost is also better. The towing capacity of the F 150 engine Ecoboost delivers low-end torque, better horsepower, better fuel economy, low RPM range, and better traction off-road.
The Size of the Ecoboost V6 is smaller than other conventional engines. But, it has a better power rating, efficient horsepower, and less displacement than the bigger engines.
Benefits And Drawbacks Of Flex Fuel & Ecoboost
Benefits
| Flex Fuel | Ecoboost |
| Less release of greenhouse gases | Release 15% less carbon dioxide |
| Ethanol usage as an alternative to oil | Has 20% more fuel efficiency |
| Can use gasoline & ethanol or methanol | Turbocharging increases horsepower |
| Can earn a good number of tax-credit | Direct injection reduces fuel cost |
| Enhance torque and horsepower | Lightweight and friction-resistant |
Drawbacks
| Flex Fuel | Ecoboost |
| The fuel production is only-use | Has timing chain problems |
| Ethanol can cause corrosion | Direct fuel build-up carbon |
| Ethanol or methanol is not readily available | Can damage cam phasers, tensioners, and chain guides |
| Comparatively expensive | Prevents airflow in the cylinders |
Gas Engine VS Electric Motor
Both Flex Fuel and Ecoboost are gas-based engines. Their functions depend on gas and fuel economy as they use gasoline, ethanol, or methanol. But the uprising gas price is pushing us towards electrics.
Electric motor cars are getting more popular day by day. Moving from traditional engines, car companies are getting more interested in modern electric motors.
| Gas Engine | Electric Motor |
| Has too many moving parts | The only moving part is the engine |
| Gasoline vehicle is high-maintenance | Does not need regular maintenance |
| Comparatively expensive | Less expensive than gas engines |
| Follows traditional functions | Result of modern technology |
| May contributes to the greenhouse effect | Has no impact on the greenhouse issue |
| Has more mileage than an electric motor | It is about time and technology |
A gas engine car and an electric motor car can have similar appearances. But, almost seventy percent of the parts and components of the cars are different. An electric motor car offers the same functions as a gas car.
Let’s compare two Ford cars, one with a gas engine and another with an electric motor.
Ford Mustang VS Mustang Mach E
| 2021 Ford Mustang | 2021 Ford Mustang Mach E |
| 2.3 liter Ecoboost engine | SR RWD & AWD engine |
| Effortless 310 horsepower | Standard 266 horsepower |
| 350 lb.-ft. of torque | 317 lb.-ft. of torque |
| 12-inch digital cluster | 305-mi range |
| Environment-friendly | Environment & budget-friendly |
| Traditional engine style | Modern futuristic style |
You can also check out the specifications of these cars on Ford’s website for a better understanding.
Taking Care Of F150 Ecoboost
Your car engine does not only last longer according to its power. Also, You need to maintain it properly to last long. Here are some tips to take care of your F150 Ecoboost engine.
- You need to change your transmission fluid according to the manual.
- Do not forget to lubricate the suspension gears when they tend to dry.
- Changing engine oil within a certain period should be the top priority.
- Try rotating your tires regularly to keep the engine power running.
- Last but not least, clean your car and car components regularly.
- Look at the maintenance schedule of your Ford F 150 Ecoboost.
People Often Ask
Which Car Models Have Ecoboost?
Ford transit company mainly launched the Ecoboost engine to the market. Many Ford super-duty cars have Ecoboost, for example, Ford Explorer, Ford Mustang, Ford Ecosport, and many more.
Do Bronco And Bronco Sports Have Ecoboost?
Ford Bronco has a 2.7 liter Ecoboost engine with 330 horsepower and 415 lb. Similarly, Ford Bronco Sport has a 1.5 liter Ecoboost engine with turbocharged inline-three cylinders.
Which F-150 Engine Is reliable?
For the all-new 2021 Ford F150 cars, the 3.5 liters Ecoboost V6 can be considered the most reliable F 150 engine. Ford’s performance can experience up to 400 horsepower while driving with this engine.
How To Identify Flex Fuel Car?
You can identify a Flex Fuel car by looking at the E85 badging on the vehicle’s fuel door. Also, you can check the yellow color printed fuel sign and the eighth character of the VIN.
What Is The Octane Rating Of A Flex Fuel?
The octane rating of a Flex Fuel engine is 110 instead of gasoline’s 84 to 93. The Flex Fuel engine can resist more contraction before knocking and auto igniting.
Can You Use Flex Fuel In Ecoboost?
Ford Ecoboost engines require high-rated gasoline to operate. Flex Fuel uses 85% ethanol, which is unsuitable for the Ecoboost engine’s size and fuel efficiency.
Is A Flexible Fuel Vehicle Worth It?
In a Flex-Fuel vehicle, you can use both gasoline and ethanol. This engine produces less toxic fumes. So if you are concerned about the environment, flex-fuel is undoubtedly worth it.
Who Wins The Engine Race?
Undoubtedly, Flex Fuel and Ecoboost are two different things. One is an engine type, and the other is a trading name of an engine brand. But they share similarities like the environment-friendly features.
However, in this Flex Fuel VS Ecoboost game, Flex Fuel refers to the engine that uses a mixture of gasoline and ethanol to operate. In contrast, Ecoboost refers to the combination of turbocharging and direct injection.
Both engines have unique beneficial factors. So, Flex Fuel will be readily available and suitable if you live around farms. But, if you want a Fuel-efficient car with competent power, Ecoboost is a perfect fit.
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