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2012 V6 vs 2012 V8?

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So what sedans fit in the average parking space, don't get beat at a stop light by a Jetta, and don't break the bank when you say you want it "fully loaded"? That's how I came upon the Genesis.

While I haven't driven the 2012 V6 I've had 18 BMW's including recent 750's. I currently own an X5 diesel (had 2 previous X5-4.4 V8's) and a 535i twin-turbo 6 and I just bought a genesis 4.6 (had it about 3 weeks and 700 miles).

When I went in to price and test drive the Genesis I had in mind to get the new 3.8. After all, at $34K it sounded like a bargain. Of course, Hyundai seems to be taking a bit too much from the BMW playbook and not mentioning what it takes to make a real car with a few options. When I priced the 3.8 and added the 2 option packages it came out to $44K. The 4.6 with all the options was a grand or so more. After reading the reviews that said that while the 6 was more efficient and economical the v8 was faster and smoother (and a bit more of a gas guzzler). Since I tend to appreciate brute force when properly applied (and already have a couple diesels if I feel eco-minded), I bought a 2012 4.6. I'll get rid of the 535i in a few months.

So, what do I think?

Well, as I said in an earlier post, my first answer is that if you buy a Genesis thinking that it is a cheaper BMW 535i forget it. My second answer is that if you buy a Genesis 4.6 thinking it is a cheaper BMW 535i, it's OK if you say it with a smile ;-)

Seriously, the Genesis doesn't turn corners or take sharp turns at high speeds as well as a 535i with the optional active roll stabilization (I've never driven one without it) but then again there are very few cars that do. If you want a car that can still make the exit ramp across 3 lanes 150 feet before the ramp while going 75mph, get the 535i. If you want a car that can blow the 3 cars in front of you off the road so you can get around them quickly enough to be in the right lane in time for the exit ramp, get the Genesis 4.6! In my opinion, the absolute handling on the BMW is better. The absolute power and performance of the 4.6 is smoother. You'll never catch the BMW in a race if corners are involved but you'll beat it after the first stop light in the 4.6.

Now, it's quite possible that the 2012 3.8 will do all this just as well and my argument may be one-sided since I haven't driven one. However, the decision to replace my 535i and go with the 4.6 ended up being only about price/performance. As I said, I wanted a fully optioned Genesis and the 4.6 is basically a no-option car (they threw in run-flat tires too). I paid $44K total including tax and license. A 3.8 with the same options would have been about $1500 less.

Steve

Thank you.
 
You are getting the V8 (preferably the 5.0 R-Spec) for the following:

- Pride
- 4.6 or 5.0 badge
- Gives attention to car guys. Those Mercedes and BMW owners see "5.0 R-Spec" badge they will immediately be worried. Unless they got a M5 or C63 AMG, you can't beat the Genesis 4.6 and 5.0 in the highways. You will get ass whooped.
- Did I mention power? 0-100 and 0-155. This is the real stuff, not the 0-60 sissy runs.
- Again, power and pride



The 3.8 version uses cheat. It's got shorter gearing at low range of speeds so it will feel like it's got a lot of power from the start. Once you get close to 80 or 100 mark it will loose steam pretty quick. V8 version not only has more power but as more aggressive gearing up top. I said this over and over and over and over and over and over that the Genesis V8 behaves like the Mercedes AMG and BMW M class. 3.8 can't even come close. it's weak and worthless.


For normal Mom and Dad and Grandma and grandpa, the 3.8 will suit. For car enthusiasts and serious race drivers, you need the 4.6 or 5.0 at bare minimum.

Why preferably the 5.0? Is the GDi proven? Does it have paddle shifters? Is the 8 sp more responsive? Did they eliminate the body roll that keeps every Genesis from being a truly good handling car?

To me the 4.6 is more fully realized. What is a 5.0? It will never bring the joy of speed and cornering that even my 2010 TL brought. Not yet at least. So why, exactly why, does every one pop up with "get the 5.0". For 429 hp? A stiffer ride? Cute floor mats? Oh, the 19" tires.

I won't buy an R-spec until it is really something different and special...a true step up to world class performance motoring. Right now its a tease of what it could be.

And trust me, more people with R-specs, once the euphoria wears off, will, like Seattle Genesis, start to report how the pot holes are noticable and troublesome.

And then they'll start slowing down everytime they go over a pothole or rough road. I know the pattern. I went through it with the TL-SHAWD, Hence my 4.6. A vaild, ggod car, with a world class engine that is not an R-spec.

Kudos to the guys who got an R-spec and I wish them well but its not the only valid Genesis....and it's not an "R" in the German sense.
 
Why preferably the 5.0? Is the GDi proven? Does it have paddle shifters? Is the 8 sp more responsive? Did they eliminate the body roll that keeps every Genesis from being a truly good handling car?

To me the 4.6 is more fully realized. What is a 5.0? It will never bring the joy of speed and cornering that even my 2010 TL brought. Not yet at least. So why, exactly why, does every one pop up with "get the 5.0". For 429 hp? A stiffer ride? Cute floor mats? Oh, the 19" tires.

I won't buy an R-spec until it is really something different and special...a true step up to world class performance motoring. Right now its a tease of what it could be.

And trust me, more people with R-specs, once the euphoria wears off, will, like Seattle Genesis, start to report how the pot holes are noticable and troublesome.

And then they'll start slowing down everytime they go over a pothole or rough road. I know the pattern. I went through it with the TL-SHAWD, Hence my 4.6. A vaild, ggod car, with a world class engine that is not an R-spec.

Kudos to the guys who got an R-spec and I wish them well but its not the only valid Genesis....and it's not an "R" in the German sense.
Maybe you already know this (and I misunderstand your post) but the 5.0 GDI engine is now offered with same trim level (and suspension) as the current 4.6 (which most people presume will be discontinued as soon as stock is depleted). See the Hyundai website for more info.
 
For normal Mom and Dad and Grandma and grandpa, the 3.8 will suit. For car enthusiasts and serious race drivers, you need the 4.6 or 5.0 at bare minimum.
I certainly agree that there are many different kinds of drivers, and there are definitely going to be some who want the V8. I don't agree with your characterization of those who only need a 333 HP V6 as "normal Mom and Dad and Grandma and grandpa". Not everyone, even those who are younger, are serious race drivers or car enthusiasts (as you mean it).

But if you read the original post in this thread (which is the person I was responding to) you will see that he is probably not looking for a race car, just as many others are not also.
 
I think we'll be hearing this debate forever. Both are good engines. Neither engine is better than the other, it is preference. If gas prices weren't an issue, I wouldn't hesitate to spring for a V8 because I would enjoy the power.

For me, gas mileage is an issue and I chose the V6. The 3.8 is powerful and appears to be a great everyday engine. Getting 29 mpg on the highway drive home from the dealership was enjoyable too. I am concerned about my city mileage but I have driven the car much yet..

I know if I had the V8 I would love it too. However I would drive it much harder and get poor gas mileage. I'm curious if you folks think the V8s will suffer much in resale value?
 
Just like was said before it is personal preference. For the price, you can not beat the Genny v6 or v8. The v8 is faster in a straight line, the v6 is faster around a curve. Either way neither one is a sportscar! It is a family sedan! Granted, it is sporty for a family sedan. If you want performance, buy a sportscar. My old G35 would outrun and outperform the Genny in v6 or v8 but I am still glad I traded it in for a 2012 Genny v6. Then Genesis is an all around better car and value than my G35.
 
I believe there's only a $1200 difference between the V6 and the V8, so price isn't the deciding factor for me. Once I drive the 3.8 I will decide between the two. It comes main down to whether there's a noticeable difference in the ride between the two. If I feel the 3.8 has enough HP and rides the same as the 4.6 then I'll probably go with it. If the 4.6 feels better or if I think I need the HP then that's the one for me. Just wish there was a 3.8 within two hours of me to test drive!
 
Someone keeps bashing on Genesis V8 and V8 owners / enthusiasts, I will gladly bash V6 Genesis. I can bash more, depending on how much you try to bash V8. you bash less, I will bash less too.:welcome:


I *almost* bought a Genesis Sedan 4.6 2010 model... the ride was too soft as I came from a Mazdaspeed 3 which has rock hard butt-sore ride.

But I ended up going with a brand new 2011 F-Sport Lexus IS350 which stickers for $46.2k.

That doesn't mean I don't know about Genesis Sedan. I am the teacher, or the councelor. You want to know about Genesis Sedan you ask me. :welcome:
What was it? IS 350 or IS F It's always nice to dream. Nothing matters as long as your doing a 150mph on the hwy pounding your ass.

Save your money, someday you'll be able to buy one of them.
 
Somebody mentioned that "pride" is one of the seven deadly sins, well, everyone gets so many sins you can't even count! Having one extra sin won't make much difference. lol


What was it? IS 350 or IS F It's always nice to dream. Nothing matters as long as your doing a 150mph on the hwy pounding your ass.
IS350. It's equipped with F-Sport package from the factory. Dream what? Getting one of these? I already have it. And it can't get to 150 mph, it's got top speed limiter.

Save your money, someday you'll be able to buy one of them.
Dude what you talking about. I already bought a brand new '11 F-Sport IS350 back in October. It was the best decision made. If I had lots of money I would have bought the Genesis R-Spec 5.0 as a secondary ride.


Not much.....Loaded V8 was only like $1,400 more then a loaded V6 when I bought mine.
The price difference between the V6 and V8 (4.6) trim is so small. I would get the V8 and benefit much more on power. You will thank me later.
 
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My personal preference wouldn't allow me to purchase a 6 if an 8 was available. To me the extra power is very important.
 
That's because the V6 is really, really inferior vehicle. It's crap.

:p

That is a completely absurd statement. The differences between the two vehicles have been discussed all over this forum and are well known. While the 4.6 is arguably the better car for a few features beyond its performance, to refer to the 3.8 as "really, really" inferior or to characterize it as "crap" compared to the 4.6 suggests a high degree of ignorance about both vehicles.

Unless of course you could provide a few examples of 3.8's vast inferiority?
 
Somebody mentioned that "pride" is one of the seven deadly sins, well, everyone gets so many sins you can't even count! Having one extra sin won't make much difference. lol.
Not sure about "everybody" but I agree that one extra for you won't make much difference.
 
I ended going for the 4.6 since there were no 3.8's within 100 mile driving distance to test drive. Today is my first day with the car and I love it! Really enjoying listening to my Dvd-Audio discs in surround sound. I don't want to get out of the car!
 
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