* Displacement: The most obvious difference is the displacement. The 360 cubic inch (5.9L) engine has a smaller displacement than the 390 cubic inch (6.4L) engine. This directly impacts power output, with the 390 generally producing more horsepower and torque.
* Bore and Stroke: The 390 achieved its larger displacement through a longer stroke. The 360 had a shorter stroke. This difference in stroke affects the engine's characteristics. Longer strokes generally produce more torque at lower RPMs, while shorter strokes can lead to higher RPM power.
* Block Casting: While both are big-blocks, they used different block castings. This means internal components aren't interchangeable between the two.
* Crankshaft: Different crankshafts are used due to the differing stroke lengths.
* Production Years: The 390 was produced earlier and for a shorter period than the 360. The 360 was introduced later as a more economical and smaller big-block option.
* Applications: While both were used in various Ford vehicles, their applications differed somewhat due to their characteristics. The 390 was often found in higher-performance applications initially, while the 360 saw more widespread use in trucks and larger cars.
In short, the 390 is a larger, more powerful engine than the 360, but the 360 offered a good balance of power and economy within the big-block family. They are not directly interchangeable.
