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3.8 Tech Pack vs 4.6 (with tech)

Bigfoot98

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Hi new forum member here.

I've made up my mind on a new 2011 Genesis. And I want the technology package. My understanding is the 2011 4.6 comes with it and with 3.8 it's an add on.

So now the question is 3.8 vs 4.6.

I've got a list of pros and cons

3.8 pros
--------------
Lighter feel
Slightly better ride
A little better MPG
Leather steering wheel
$2k less

4.6
------------
more power and smoother acceleration!
smoother transmission
harsher ride
$2k more
bigger brakes


Is there anything I'm missing here? I seem to remember some styling differences.
And who chose 3.8 tech over v8 and why?
 
I purposely chose the 3.8 because I preferred the way it rides and handles over the 4.6; I chose Premium w/Nav and no tech because a) so many service problems that owners report involve the tech package/dis/head unit, etc., and b) the tech package doesn't include anything that I wanted enough to pay extra for.
 
Hi new forum member here.

I've made up my mind on a new 2011 Genesis. And I want the technology package. My understanding is the 2011 4.6 comes with it and with 3.8 it's an add on.

So now the question is 3.8 vs 4.6.

I've got a list of pros and cons

3.8 pros
--------------
Lighter feel
Slightly better ride
A little better MPG
Leather steering wheel
$2k less

4.6
------------
more power and smoother acceleration!
smoother transmission
harsher ride
$2k more
bigger brakes


Is there anything I'm missing here? I seem to remember some styling differences.
And who chose 3.8 tech over v8 and why?

I chose the V8 - Have you driven both cars?

In my opinion the V8 handles better and feels more solid (probably because of the extra weight) and IMHO the ride is similar between the 3.8 and 4.6 -

The price was negligible and was not a factor to me.
 
I drove both and agree the 6 felt livelier and more fun. Otoh, the 8 felt more stable and solid. I went for that and the better brakes, perhaps giving up a little fun.
 
I never even considered the V6. The price and fuel economy differences were not enough to overcome the V6 and its 95 hp deficit. I had just sold a 400hp GTO and was worried the V6 would not make me happy. The extra gizmos in the Tech pkg intrigued me and knock wood, none have failed or given me the first moments trouble. I am genuinely pleased with my decision. The torque and the top end pull feel great, and I am getting 19-20.5 mpg in town and 26 mpg on the hwy, even better when I find nonalcholic 93 octane.
 
and if i remember correctly doesn't the V8 have lots of little things to make it different inside like trim/leather and some exterior things to, i can't remember what though
 
I think 4.6 comes with leather steering wheel as well. When I test drove the 4.6, it didn't feel harsher at all. It definitely felt more powerful though.

I went with 3.8 because 290HP was sufficient for me coming from IS250 (Honda Accord 170HP before that).
 
I am on my second V-6 with Tech (early build '09 and new '11). The '11 is a dream...suspension is DRAMATIC improvement. I love my MPG when it reaches 30 with the v6 sometimes. And the power and handling are perfect for me. I prefer (obviously) the V-6. My next one will be when the AWD comes out.
 
Good info everyone. Thanks for the comments. I was leaning towards the V6, but now I will go with the V-8. Next question is the leather.

You can't go wrong with black, however, the saddle is distinctive and adds a special touch, but it might not be for everyone.

Those of you who have the saddle, are you glad you got it or regretting you didn't just go for the simple black? And what do guests think of it?
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I am on my second V-6 with Tech (early build '09 and new '11). The '11 is a dream...suspension is DRAMATIC improvement. I love my MPG when it reaches 30 with the v6 sometimes. And the power and handling are perfect for me. I prefer (obviously) the V-6. My next one will be when the AWD comes out.

what do you mean by dramatic improvement? did they at last soften the suspension to remove jitters over potholes?
 
I drove both and agree the 6 felt livelier and more fun. Otoh, the 8 felt more stable and solid. I went for that and the better brakes, perhaps giving up a little fun.

Does v8 feel dramatically more stable at high speed than the v6? I remember a magazine review saying that the genesis wasn't as stable as european competition on the highway. That was a korean review on the 3.3L genesis so I wonder how much incremental stability the extra weight of the 3.8 and 4.6 will add.
 
Does v8 feel dramatically more stable at high speed than the v6? I remember a magazine review saying that the genesis wasn't as stable as european competition on the highway. That was a korean review on the 3.3L genesis so I wonder how much incremental stability the extra weight of the 3.8 and 4.6 will add.

Can't say, never had either above 65 or so before deciding on the 4.6.
Ultimately, I knew I wanted the Tech pkg so there was only a $2K difference in price. The trans, brakes, and leather more than justified the extra cost.
 
Does v8 feel dramatically more stable at high speed than the v6? I remember a magazine review saying that the genesis wasn't as stable as european competition on the highway. That was a korean review on the 3.3L genesis so I wonder how much incremental stability the extra weight of the 3.8 and 4.6 will add.

I have it on good authority that 110 in the V8 Genesis feels stable.

The one thing I'd say is that the steering needs a bit less power-assist.
 

Nice article reference, but on the site the articles are annoying as they aren't forward linked:
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3 <<--- Autobahn experience documented
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7

Correction, they are there. I just missed it I guess (looking for a "Next" link).
 
what do you mean by dramatic improvement? did they at last soften the suspension to remove jitters over potholes?

Much less harsh over rough road. But also overall tighter road handling. High speed cornering (exit lanes off highways for example) is very solid without roll. I changed out tires which helps also.
 
4.6
------------
more power and smoother acceleration!
smoother transmission
harsher ride - it's called a sport ride. The suspension has been stiffened up for better handling. This is pro not cons.
$2k more - you get what you pay for... more power means more $. This is not a con.
bigger brakes - this is pro.


Is there anything I'm missing here? I seem to remember some styling differences.
And who chose 3.8 tech over v8 and why?
 
Last edited:
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Much less harsh over rough road. But also overall tighter road handling. High speed cornering (exit lanes off highways for example) is very solid without roll. I changed out tires which helps also.

That's very interesting because 2009 and 2011 suspension is the same. Placebo effect?
 
One tech type feature that is *only* on the 4.6 is the autodimming exterior mirrors. That is a nice feature if you drive a lot at night.
 
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