Loaded 3.8 vs Loaded 5.0 Genesis

[Blackacre]

Does anyone know if there are differences to these models other then the obvious engine upgrade?

1. It looks like the bumpers may be different on the 5.0 which also look to include fog lights.
2. 19" wheels vs 18" wheels
3. Auto dampening suspension

 

[ksoze]

Does anyone know if there are differences to these models other then the odious engine upgrade?

1. It looks like the bumpers may be different on the 5.0 which also look to include fog lights.
2. 19" wheels vs 18" wheels
3. Auto dampening suspension

The 5.0 Tau V8 has been described in awards as having, "velvety power delivery, competitive performance, and attainable price...". I did not see "odious" in any of the descriptions

As far as your list of differences, those plus LED fogs, illuminated door sills, quad exhaust tips and an awe inspiring 5.0 badge.

 

[greekgeek]

5.0 also has staggered wheels

 

[Blackacre]

Thanks everyone...

 

[goochylittlepig]

It also has even worse mileage.

 

[Ernie3647]

It also has even worse mileage.

The 5.0 guys were on roll you couldn’t just let them run with it guess.
By the way no AWD in US.

 

[rickkapur]

I was one who agonized long and hard between 3.8 and 5.0.

I went with the 5.0 (was unable to get the Ultimate....so missed on the air suspension)...
Why: As someone above said...."velvety power delivery, competitive performance, and attainable price...".
Seriously...the drive experience was night and day...5.0 was effortlessly smooth; and has power to spare...esp when passing on a highway...that confidence is priceless.
Yes, the mileage is 17-19 mpg....low...but that is a price you pay...

 

[Nikgen]

In the USA, 3.8 AWD gets you a few things you can't get on the 5.0:

• Heated Steering Wheel
• Heated Rear Seats
• Head light Washers

Also the OEM LED Fog lights can be added to the 3.8's as an easy DIY project (though might be best to have dealer install the stalk with fog light control on the steering column) - you can buy the lights, stalk with fog light switch, and harness on ebay.

Oh, and don't forget the equally awe-inspiring H-Trac badge that you can't get on the USA 5.0 (let's you continue to drive in bad weather when the 5.0 guys are spinning their rear tires and going nowhere )

 

[dxtra196]

The miles per gallon what kept me from buying the 5.0 all I do is city miles, little highway. Right now I'm getting 15-16 I can't even imagine what I would get with the v8. I prefer the v8, foglights, 19 inches wheel, more horsepower, adaptive suspension. I'm curious is there anyone out there that does only city driving , what your mpg?

 

[rickkapur]

I do mostly City....assume i get 14-15 mpg; 18-19 on highway. BUT...it is a pleasure to drive.... vs the 3.8 ( test drove both car multiple times; almost pulled the trigger on a 3.8...but then gave in to the "want" of the 5.0).

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[Alwaysforward]

I get consistently between 20-21mpg with my 5.0 Ultimate. I drive mixed city and highway driving back and forth to work. I burn exclusively Mobil Super Unleaded fuel. I use ECO mode except for red light hole shots, highway on/off ramps and when I just need that extra power. On road trips we get 24-25mpg. All mpg posted are calculated, not from the cars onboard computer. It is off by 1-1.5mpg on a consistence basis (on the high side)...

You can't beat a 5.0, 420 horsepower car with mileage like this. So glad I went with the V8. The power is effortless as noted above. Worth the extra mulla and actually I got a monthly savings based on I planned on only getting 16mpg with the car and planned for that mileage in my budget. Just about $1000 per year in savings...

 

[goochylittlepig]

The 5.0 guys were on roll you couldn’t just let them run with it guess.
By the way no AWD in US.

I was just teasing. Obviously if you can afford the 5.0, the slightly higher fuel costs aren't going to be a big deal. For me, the 3.8 RWD with the Signature Package is plenty of car and a great price. Higher than that and it becomes more money than I want to commit to a car. Now if someone was handing out 5.0 Ultimates, I'd happily take one!

 

[Midnightsun]

I can't understand someone who plunks down $50,000 on a car is worried about a few hundred dollars a year in extra gas costs when comparing engines. If you are driving so much that fuel consumption differences add up considerably then maybe a different type of car would be better suited for you. I do understand the not being able to have AWD and therefor having no choice going with the V6. Personally I would have gone V6 if this were the case in Canada.

 

[Blackacre]

Thanks everyone. A lot of great information here.

So there are a lot of comments about the power but I noticed the 5.0 is several hundred pounds heavier. The horse power to weight ratio is still better 5.0 but I was wondering about handling. Handling in all the sense of performance characteristics at high speeds but also body roll on street corners and possibly bottoming out over speed bumps and parking lots.

I have a Sonata Hybrid and thats the worst part about the car. Its so heavy (far too heavy for the chassis and suspension in my opinion). That and the throttle and brake response is comical at best.

 

[ksoze]

So there are a lot of comments about the power but I noticed the 5.0 is several hundred pounds heavier. The horse power to weight ratio is still better 5.0 but I was wondering about handling. Handling in all the sense of performance characteristics at high speeds but also body roll on street corners and possibly bottoming out over speed bumps and parking lots.

Best way to judge is to drive one and see for yourself.

The 5.0 does have the Continuous Dampening Suspension, which along with other parts of the car, was tuned by Lotus based on the weight and power. It is not a sports sedan, but for most offers 95% of what one would actually use. The car by no means feels too heavy or disconnected and unless doing timed auto crosses or laps at Laguna Sega, handles just fine.

 

[reddogva99]

Thanks everyone. A lot of great information here.

So there are a lot of comments about the power but I noticed the 5.0 is several hundred pounds heavier. The horse power to weight ratio is still better 5.0 but I was wondering about handling. Handling in all the sense of performance characteristics at high speeds but also body roll on street corners and possibly bottoming out over speed bumps and parking lots.

I have a Sonata Hybrid and thats the worst part about the car. Its so heavy (far too heavy for the chassis and suspension in my opinion). That and the throttle and brake response is comical at best.

I upgraded from the sonata hybrid and what a world of difference. I'm now a car snob. I had to drive a regular sonata for a service visit and I hated it!!

 

[Tpr5.0]

In the USA, 3.8 AWD gets you a few things you can't get on the 5.0:

• Heated Steering Wheel
• Heated Rear Seats
• Head light Washers

Also the OEM LED Fog lights can be added to the 3.8's as an easy DIY project (though might be best to have dealer install the stalk with fog light control on the steering column) - you can buy the lights, stalk with fog light switch, and harness on ebay.

Oh, and don't forget the equally awe-inspiring H-Trac badge that you can't get on the USA 5.0 (let's you continue to drive in bad weather when the 5.0 guys are spinning their rear tires and going nowhere )

With Bridgestone Blizzaks on all fours, the car is fantastic going through the snow. Plus when the warm weather hits, the extra 109 hp is very nice.

 

[Alwaysforward]

... but I was wondering about handling. Handling in all the sense of performance characteristics at high speeds but also body roll on street corners and possibly bottoming out over speed bumps and parking lots...

As noted above, you will be pleasantly surprised with the handling of the 5.0. Go test drive one and report back.

 

[Blackacre]

I test drove a 3.8 AWD Genesis this week and a turbo Sonata. To my surprise I thought the sonata was faster and had better throttle response. Perhaps weight was a factor. The Genesis was a far superior car though. Much roomier and more luxurious for sure. The dealer did not have a 5.0 to test drive. I'll test a 5.0 out this week and report back.

Right now I'm leaning towards a 3.8 rear wheel drive Genesis. However until I find out about an upgrade guaranty for Apple car play I may hold off. Then again I may just fall in love with the 5.0 and by it on the spot.

 

[Nikgen]

With Bridgestone Blizzaks on all fours, the car is fantastic going through the snow. Plus when the warm weather hits, the extra 109 hp is very nice.

...it will never be as good as the AWD when the conditions are bad, just like the 3.8 will never be as quick as the 5.0. However, in both cases, whether or not the differences are meaningful will be a personal call.