Should i get the 2012 4.6 or 5.0??

[Mark_888]

In my family it's the wife that will accept the harsh ride of a sportier sedan, cooler wheels, a spoiler and the fancy moniker on the back, and will blow money on horsepower far beyond needed. She is the one disappointed I purchased a 3.8....Hyundai. Meanwhile, I bask in the glow of my purchase, because it fits my desire to not come across as needing the "best" or "most" to be happy. I marvel at my car MORE with time. My purchase appeals to "value" buyers, that tend to be the people who don't "value" panache. A panache seeker thinks a car with panache is a "value" car.

Cars are very important to many women as a status symbol. Usually that does not include a harsh ride, unless it is required in order to have a status car, like a German sedan, or sports car, etc. If they could get the same exact car, with a little softer suspension, they would usually go for the softer suspension (if it did not reduce the status of the car).

 

[acoga]

Cars are very important to many women as a status symbol.

Point of order: there's no bloody way they'd be evaluating a Genesis if she wanted it as a status symbol. The vast majority of the public associates Hyundai with the word "cheap". It's almost the anti-status brand. For sure due to the quality & styling of their cars this will change over time, but it happens very slowly. I remember for the first several years Lexus cars were out they were looked at very derisively by car guys as cheap Mercedes knock-offs. Now "Lexus-like" is a term used for quality, refinement, and quiet ride.

 

[Mark_888]

Point of order: there's no bloody way they'd be evaluating a Genesis if she wanted it as a status symbol. The vast majority of the public associates Hyundai with the word "cheap". It's almost the anti-status brand. For sure due to the quality & styling of their cars this will change over time, but it happens very slowly. I remember for the first several years Lexus cars were out they were looked at very derisively by car guys as cheap Mercedes knock-offs. Now "Lexus-like" is a term used for quality, refinement, and quiet ride.

First, I was talking about women in general, not any specific woman.

Second, although I agree somewhat with your anti-status label for Hyundai, times are changing and I don't think very many people under 35 years of age know that much about Hyundai's initial bad reputation when they first starting selling cars in the US. When I bought my first car, Toyota and Honda were considered junk. If a woman's friends get in the Hyundai Genesis and see how nice it is, they will be impressed, unless they are old enough to remember the "old" Hyundai. Even if they are old enough, many women don't know enough about cars to even know what a Hyundai is.

 

[Gurkha]

Even if they are old enough, many women don't know enough about cars to even know what a Hyundai is.

Yikes! Get your flak jacket on

 

[sooththetruth]

Yikes! Get your flak jacket on

Yeah, I have noticed that this thread is not going to win any enlightenment awards.

 

[Canuck Genesis V8]

My wife and I are looking to buy a 2012 genesis sedan in the next few days and simply cannot makeup our minds. My wife is leaving it up to me and i cannot decide. I have test driven all 3 of the 2012 models (3.8, 4.6, 5.0) and have decided on the 4.6 or 5.0. The cars sole purpose is for the family. It is basically my wifes car and she has told me repeatedly she does not care. I am just hoping someone will help me to makeup my mind. Here are my options:


1 - New 5.0 R-Spec at 41K

2 - New(Dealer Demo w/ 600 miles on it) 4.6 at $38,100

3 - New 4.6 (Dealer does not have my color choice so i may have to wait) at $38,400



I do not like the stock wheels on the 4.6 and would most likely change them at some point down the road. the R Spec wheels i can live with although they are not great. Anyone have any thoughts??

Hi Vanilla Gorilla,
I bought my wife an '09 4.6 and I just picked up my 5.0 R-Spec last week. She wants to drive my car now. The ride in the 5.0 is a little firmer than the 4.6 but MUCH more calmer when you hit some rough spots. There is no doubt (in my mind), the 5.0 ride is superior AND more comfortable. If you are a car guy and you're spending this amount of coin, the decision is simple. Enjoy car shopping!

 

[Mark_888]

Hi Vanilla Gorilla,
I bought my wife an '09 4.6 and I just picked up my 5.0 R-Spec last week. She wants to drive my car now. The ride in the 5.0 is a little firmer than the 4.6 but MUCH more calmer when you hit some rough spots. There is no doubt (in my mind), the 5.0 ride is superior AND more comfortable. If you are a car guy and you're spending this amount of coin, the decision is simple. Enjoy car shopping!

Since the supension on the 4.6 was changed for 2010 and changed again in 2012, you seem to be making an invalid comparison. The choice (as I understand it) is between a 2012 4.6, or a 2012 5.0. My guess is that the suspension on the 2012 5.0, while being firmer than 2009 4.6, is actually better tuned than the 2009.

Let your wife drive a 2012 4.6 and compare it to a 2012 5.0 on some rough roads (if roads are always smooth, then no problem).

 

[BBQ Bandit]

Hate to mention this... but its a clear indicator.

How big are her shoes/purse collections?
Has she taken over the closet yet?

If so... the R-Spec is the short answer.

 

[Glashub]

I think in about 6 months I'd like to start a poll - "How do you like your 5.0 ride now?" See, as most of you know, I bought a 3.7 SH-AWD TL. It is an extremely firm riding car. But it handles like no 2 ton car should and the 3.7 V-6 V-Tech is remarkable. I completely seduced before the test drive was over. I immediately began to rationalize away the firm, rattling ride because under near perfect conditions the car was such an enthusiast’s joy.

However, 6 months down the line, after the euphoria wore off, and as a result of the persistent reality of the ride, I was increasingly uncomfortable with the car. I couldn't admit I made a mistake so I would drive it hard every chance I got so I could appreciate again the handling and engine virtues of the car. But still the jarring ride was a constant.

I eventually admitted I made a mistake in buying the SH-AWD and bought a 4.6. It would be interesting to see if the 5.0 owners, once they accept that they can only jam that 5.0 on occasion, will end up going down the path I went down.

The 2012 4.6 ride is a revelation.

 

[Mark_888]

I eventually admitted I made a mistake [with Acura TL SH-AWD] and bought a 4.6. It would be interesting to see if the 5.0 owners, once they can only, reasonably, jam that 5.0 on occasion will end up going down the path I went down.

The 2012 4.6 ride is a revelation.

Based on my 2.5+ years of experience on this forum, I doubt any 5.0 owners will recant. When the discussion about the 2009 suspension problems began, many were in denial, even though Hyundai made suspension changes in 2010 and 2012 (many even refused to admit that any suspension changes were made). One person got a Equus (with cushy air suspension) after the 27 month lease was up on his 2009 Genesis, and even after that still claimed that there was nothing wrong with the 2009 Genesis suspension.

______________________________

Help support this site so it can continue supporting you!

 

[acoga]

It would be interesting to see if the 5.0 owners, once they can only, reasonably, jam that 5.0 on occasion will end up going down the path I went down.

My guess here is that the answers you get will depend mostly on road conditions. I live in the Austin area and we don't have big problems with potholes or frost heaves. My biggest concern when considering buying the R-Spec was that it would have a flinty, jouncy ride. I was pleasantly surprised that it was firm but well damped. No tire slap, less head toss than I got in my old TL. If I lived in a place with rougher roads I might have a reason to want the smoother 4.6 suspension, but as it is I can't see this being a problem for me.

I also got mine without the $1400 optional summer tires. I'm not sure how that changes the feel of the ride, if any.

 

[Glashub]

Point well made. I live in LA. One day when I get some time I just might take a few pictures of the typical LA road. Most will be dumbfounded, others will puke. They are really and truly that bad.

 

[Dragon64]

get the 5.0 R Spec

you won't regret it

trust me

 

[Canuck Genesis V8]

Based on my 2.5+ years of experience on this forum, I doubt any 5.0 owners will recant. When the discussion about the 2009 suspension problems began, many were in denial, even though Hyundai made suspension changes in 2010 and 2012 (many even refused to admit that any suspension changes were made). One person got a Equus (with cushy air suspension) after the 27 month lease was up on his 2009 Genesis, and even after that still claimed that there was nothing wrong with the 2009 Genesis suspension.

You're right on the mark Mark_888. Anybody who buys the 5.0, and is a car guy deep inside, will never complain (much). It might have something to do with having 429hp at their disposal...

 

[Coolguy007]

Can anyone tell me if both the 4.6 and the 5.0 sharing the same transmission?
Like if i have to replace my 5.0’s transmission, can i swap it with a 4.6’s?