2012 Genesis Test Drive - 3.8 vs. 4.6

[Genesiswannabee]

A number of us have posted comments regarding our test drive of the 2012 3.8 Genesis?
Has anyone actually driven a 2012 4.6 yet? Could they kindly post their comments here. Also does any have any impressions comparing the 3.8 and the 4,6 after having driven both?

 

[tonygxp]

A number of us have posted comments regarding our test drive of the 2012 3.8 Genesis?
Has anyone actually driven a 2012 4.6 yet? Could they kindly post their comments here. Also does any have any impressions comparing the 3.8 and the 4,6 after having driven both?

trying to keep this civil as possible. driven 3 3.8 Genesis', all 2011's with tech or at least premium and i prefer the V8 to the V6 in every way. fuel economy was negligible and to me the drive is more inviting, smoother (due to the increased weight more than likely). alot more torque at lower rpm, effortless whereas the 3.8 likes to rev more in everday acceleration.

I have not driven a '12 V6 yet so i have no comment other than don't be fooled by the "V6 has only 40 fewer horses man" as peak HP is nothing compared to sustained HP where the 4.6 shines (don't even bring up the V6 -V8 torque difference, that is immense).

 

[Mark_888]

I have not driven a '12 V6 yet so i have no comment other than don't be fooled by the "V6 has only 40 fewer horses man" as peak HP is nothing compared to sustained HP where the 4.6 shines (don't even bring up the V6 -V8 torque difference, that is immense).

Don't forget that the V8 is dragging around 200 extra lbs on the front end.

 

[NOLa]

A number of us have posted comments regarding our test drive of the 2012 3.8 Genesis?
Has anyone actually driven a 2012 4.6 yet? Could they kindly post their comments here. Also does any have any impressions comparing the 3.8 and the 4,6 after having driven both?

gadgetboyatl has driven a 4.6. He may be along soon to post a reply when he quits driving it.

NOLa

 

[Mark_888]

Anyone who currently owns a Genesis is not eligible to voice their opinion on the 2012 engine choice, since they are biased and permanently scarred by their prior engine decision.

 

[NOLa]

Under that criteria, only gadgetboy can reply since he has test driven both and has not owned a previous genny. I know what you mean about the bias though and in that case, you can guess that gadgetboy is going to fall into the "I prefer the V-8" camp since after driving the two, he bought the 4.6.

But Mark, don't you think some people already have it in their mind what they're goinna get even before they test drive it? I have a feeling gadgetboyatl had his mind set on the 4.6 all along and the test drive was just for confirmation. There are many here that are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the R-spec and some of those will probably get it without test drving the other Gennys 'cause that's just what they want.

Now where is that gadgetboy?!

 

[gadgetboyatl]

gadgetboyatl has driven a 4.6. He may be along soon to post a reply when he quits driving it.

NOLa

Yes! I picked up the 2012 4.6 Titanium Grey this week. I preferred the V8 mainly because I just like the way it accelerates over the V6. It just feels like it pulls harder and faster, especially at highway speeds. They just didn't compare. The V8 is much quieter when pushing it too. The only reason I considered the V6 was mpg and in the end the negligible difference didn't come close to eclipsing the fun factor the V8 brought to the table.

I could tell pushing the v8 hard into corners that it was more nose heavy than the v6 but it wasn't a big deal, I'm not taking it to the track on the weekends(well not every weekend). I also prefer the hyd/elec. steering feel over the V6(feels more linear), just a personal choice. And the Michelin tires are worlds better than the Dunlops I have been test driving over the past few months. I hope I conveyed enough to give you an idea of the difference, but remember it is strictly subjective.

 

[nextcar]

Yes! I picked up the 2012 4.6 Titanium Grey this week. I preferred the V8 mainly because I just like the way it accelerates over the V6. It just feels like it pulls harder and faster, especially at highway speeds. They just didn't compare. The V8 is much quieter when pushing it too. The only reason I considered the V6 was mpg and in the end the negligible difference didn't come close to eclipsing the fun factor the V8 brought to the table.

I could tell pushing the v8 hard into corners that it was more nose heavy than the v6 but it wasn't a big deal, I'm not taking it to the track on the weekends(well not every weekend). I also prefer the hyd/elec. steering feel over the V6(feels more linear), just a personal choice. And the Michelin tires are worlds better than the Dunlops I have been test driving over the past few months. I hope I conveyed enough to give you an idea of the difference, but remember it is strictly subjective.

do you feel any difference in the ride quality and suspension? is it softer or calmer compared to the v6?

 

[gadgetboyatl]

do you feel any difference in the ride quality and suspension? is it softer or calmer compared to the v6?

Suspension feel was the same for the two 2012 v6 vs. v8 with the exception of the time i took some hard corners. The v8 felt a little heavier in the corners. The overall ride quality seemed more settled in the V8.

 

[nextcar]

Suspension feel was the same for the two 2012 v6 vs. v8 with the exception of the time i took some hard corners. The v8 felt a little heavier in the corners. The overall ride quality seemed more settled in the V8.

more questions:

how was the 8 speed tranny? was it smooth, or did you feel that it shifted gears too much?

how was acceleration from a standstill? i know some trannies start you in second gear so that it seems to hesitate. I really liked the 6 speed tranny in the 2011 V8.

lastly, do you remember any differences in how the cars feel between the 2011 V8 v 2012 V8?


thanks!

______________________________

Help support this site so it can continue supporting you!

 

[NYCGPS]

i test drove the V6 the 8 speed tranny is really smooth.

I am waiting for the V8 to come so I can test that as well.

 

[tonygxp]

Yes! I picked up the 2012 4.6 Titanium Grey this week. I preferred the V8 mainly because I just like the way it accelerates over the V6. It just feels like it pulls harder and faster, especially at highway speeds. They just didn't compare. The V8 is much quieter when pushing it too. The only reason I considered the V6 was mpg and in the end the negligible difference didn't come close to eclipsing the fun factor the V8 brought to the table.

I could tell pushing the v8 hard into corners that it was more nose heavy than the v6 but it wasn't a big deal, I'm not taking it to the track on the weekends(well not every weekend). I also prefer the hyd/elec. steering feel over the V6(feels more linear), just a personal choice. And the Michelin tires are worlds better than the Dunlops I have been test driving over the past few months. I hope I conveyed enough to give you an idea of the difference, but remember it is strictly subjective.

Congrats on the new V8, best of luck with it. love everything about it except the back

 

[magichelmt]

Greetings,
My first post. Great forum. I drove a 2012 & 2011 3.8 with the technology package today. I wanted to try a V8 out, but they did not have any in stock. I must say that they drive really similar. The 8 speed was smooth and the 2012 pulled stronger. I put about 30 miles on the 2012 and 10 on the 11. The salesman is going to call me when a V8 comes in so I can drive it. I can see where a V8 could be really fun in this car, but the V6 is no snail. I love reading this forum. I think that the research before buying a car is half the fun. My wife on the other hand does not want to hear anymore about cars until we go to sign the papers.

 

[Seattle Genesis]

This forum has always been a good solid source of info and opinions. Thanks to all. Ive already decided on getting a v8 2012. Now I just need to know what color to pick. Im stuck on black or white with saddle interior. Both are hot in many ways. I currently have a 2009 V6 titanium/black with saddle dash and door panels that I intend to trade in.
~Seattle Genesis

 

[Genesiswannabee]

Seattle,

Both black or white are great colors with saddle interior. I am getting titanium with saddle.

I'm curious how you found the wear was on the saddle interior on your 2009?
Any steps you would recommend to keep it looking good? Did you apply any treatments to the leather? How are body oils on the saddle leather?

Larry

 

[tonygxp]

found an r-spec in stock ready to go. i am almost tempted to do it.

 

[Seattle Genesis]

Seattle,

Both black or white are great colors with saddle interior. I am getting titanium with saddle.

I'm curious how you found the wear was on the saddle interior on your 2009?
Any steps you would recommend to keep it looking good? Did you apply any treatments to the leather? How are body oils on the saddle leather?

Larry

My interior is all black except the dash and door panels are saddle. I think the leather all around is in excellent shape. No wear and tear and the only thing I used was Pledge furniture polish on them.

 

[Seattle Genesis]

found an r-spec in stock ready to go. i am almost tempted to do it.

Youre trading in your 2011 for a 2012? When you get it post your comments and pictures !

 

[timc1475]

found an r-spec in stock ready to go. i am almost tempted to do it.

Awesome, I am planning on getting an r-spec as well. Remember test drive over all surfaces, so that the suspension never is an issue in the future. Did you scope motozuma.com? Check it out it is worth 500.00 free cash towards your purchase...
Also let us know your price paid and any extras purchased with their prices. Driving impressions etc.

 

[RedJet20]

Greetings,
My first post. Great forum. I drove a 2012 & 2011 3.8 with the technology package today. I wanted to try a V8 out, but they did not have any in stock. I must say that they drive really similar. The 8 speed was smooth and the 2012 pulled stronger. I put about 30 miles on the 2012 and 10 on the 11. The salesman is going to call me when a V8 comes in so I can drive it. I can see where a V8 could be really fun in this car, but the V6 is no snail. I love reading this forum. I think that the research before buying a car is half the fun. My wife on the other hand does not want to hear anymore about cars until we go to sign the papers.

Welcome! There is alot of good information in this forum to help you make a buying decision. I am also waiting to drive the V8 2012 and then plan to purchase one.