Here's some real world observations.... I see way more F150 Eco Boost trucks pulling campers and 5th wheels than V8 equipped 1/2 tons. Some of the campers being pulled by these Eco Boost powered trucks look like 3/4 ton truck work.
The disadvantage to the V8 with variable displacement is when the cylinders become deactivated they become parasitic loss to the active cylinders and rob power when the engine really needs to be at it's maximum efficiency. The Eco Boost is just the opposite whereas when efficiency is possible the engine runs with barely any boost.
