All else being equal, would you prefer a 2012 4.6 or 5.0 (non R-Spec)?

[P4D]

I know there is also a V6 option, but want to omit that from this question. I've searched around a bit, and have seen a lot of 4.6 vs R-Spec talk, but not a lot where the only variable on the car is the size of the V8. Assume everything else is roughly equivalent.

Thanks!

 

[Crusty Old Shellback]

When I went shopping for mine, I never drove anything but the R Spec. So I may be biased. My vote is for the 5.0.

But I'm a bit of a power junky and can never have enough.

 

[jlindh]

My wife and I had exactly that choice. Ultimately. we bought the 4.6 because my wife thought the GDI engine sounded "tinny" (from outside the car) and unlike a luxury car should sound. The lack of exhaust soot and future potential GDI problems is a bonus to us.

After nearly 7000 miles, our calculated mileage is 22.5.

 

[EXBMWGUY]

This is all very subjective, of course. First of all, to comment on an earlier response about DI noise, at 35,000+ miles, I don't get that at all, but maybe it's my hearing.

The biggest difference I've noticed between the 4.6 and 5.0 engine won't matter to some people, but it matters to me: the 4.6 (like most engines) runs out of breath at lower speeds and lower RPMs than the 5.0, which just seems to pull and pull and pull -- all the way up to ridiculous speeds. It reminds me of the V10 in my Audi of a few years ago. How useful is that to most people in everyday driving? Probably not much at all.

The 5.0 is incredibly fuel-efficient and forgiving on fuel grade choices (top-tier strongly recommended). It has been shown to prefer synthetic oils. But why wouldn't most buyers of this kind of car prefer high-quality fuel and oil? DI gets bashed pretty frequently, and certainly has earned its share of that bashing with some manufacturers and some owners. However, that has not been my case (yet). It's certainly a design that is being adopted more and more, so either the challenges will be overcome or 90% of all car owners will be unhappy campers within the next 5 or so years.

 

[StangKiller]

5.0, duh

 

[lncaylor]

I actually wanted a 2013 but since all of those models were DI, I searched for and found a low mileage 2012 4.6l that I am very happy with. I am not convinced that the automakers have figured how to deal with the intake valve carbon buildup on direct injection engines.

 

[P4D]

5.0, duh

I actually wanted a 2013 but since all of those models were DI, I searched for and found a low mileage 2012 4.6l that I am very happy with. I am not convinced that the automakers have figured how to deal with the intake valve carbon buildup on direct injection engines.

So, I guess what I was doing here, indirectly or incidentally, was restoking the GDI vs no GDI debate, which I have read about all over the site. I understand there is a subjective difference between the two motors, and one that comes down to personal preference.

I think, after more reading and seeing some of the responses here it comes down to:

More HP and GDI concerns and side effects (carbon build-up, exhaust "smoke")
or
Less HP, no GDI risk (however potentially minimal) or side effects


Looking at this link, it looks to me like the only difference is the motor

http://hyundainews.com/us/en-us/201...10106&selectedtrims=10108&selectedtrims=10107

 

[EXBMWGUY]

Looking at this link, it looks to me like the only difference is the motor

http://hyundainews.com/us/en-us/201...10106&selectedtrims=10108&selectedtrims=10107

Other, not terribly significant differences are: there is a 1mm bigger rear anti-sway bar on the R-Spec vs. both the 5.0 Non-R-Spec and 4.6 for 2012; and the wheels for the cars are different.

So it's DI and more grunt, or not.

 

[Crusty Old Shellback]

Both engines have a 10/100 warrenty so even if there is an issue with the GDI, it's covered.

 

[shagnat]

I'd say whichever you prefer regarding HP. I am of the belief that GDI is not so problematic as to shy away from any engine with it.
So, if you're a HP junky (like lots of us) go with the 5.0....... if not, save a few hundred $$ and get the 4.6.
At least that'd be my criteria for deciding.

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[Potty_Pants]

5.0

Walnut blasts and regular gas woohoo

 

[Cato]

I have really enjoyed the 5.0 here and it's power to spare.

 

[Gunkk]

4.6 -- no soot or worries about GDI issues.

 

[mtrot]

When I was car shopping, I was trying to find a 2012 5.0 non-RSpec, but I had a lot of trouble finding one anywhere near me. Ended up finding a great deal on a 2012 4.6, so I went with that. It seems to be pretty dang quick, but as someone mentioned, on hard acceleration it does seem to get short of breath before each up shift. I think I will try some 93 octane fuel to see if that helps.

 

[P4D]

With the oil consumption thread up top on the forum, and my still shopping, I'm really torn. I like the idea of the extra horses, but plan to keep the car a while and am torn over the GDI and oil issues of the 5.0.