2011 4.6L or 2012 3.8L?

[skoodog]

Hi all,

I'm looking to pick up my first Genesis after trading in my Audi A4 headache for what I'm hoping will be a vastly more reliable automobile. Had the chance to test drive a 2012 R-Spec and loved the way it drove - my car before the A4 was a Honda Accord v6 and to this day I miss the power of a V6/V8. The R-spec drove significantly better than my A4 and felt more solid and maneuverable on the road, so I was in love - unfortunately the car got sold before I was able to move on it, so I'm still looking!

Got a bead on a 2012 3.8L that's in real cherry condition (~25K miles) and just found a 2011 4.6L that has about 43K miles. In perusing this board I found several folks prefer the '11 to '12...and i'd certainly love to have the extra power it affords. Which is the better value given that both are about $21K + TTL?

Thanks!

 

[dmitriylm]

I'm a bit biased but I'd go with the 2011 4.6L. I'm not sure of the options status on the 2012 3.8 but 4.6's tend to be fully optioned cars. The V8 is smooth as hell and the 6 speed ZF trans is a proven reliable unit. If you end up going for an R-SPEC or 5.0 car I recommend going with a 2013+ as the early 2012 5.0's had oil consumption issues as it was the first year of production.

 

[skoodog]

I'm a bit biased but I'd go with the 2011 4.6L. I'm not sure of the options status on the 2012 3.8 but 4.6's tend to be fully optioned cars. The V8 is smooth as hell and the 6 speed ZF trans is a proven reliable unit. If you end up going for an R-SPEC or 5.0 car I recommend going with a 2013+ as the early 2012 5.0's had oil consumption issues as it was the first year of production.

Awesome, appreciate it! I also find it interesting how many 2012s are on the market vs the 2011 which are pretty rare birds from what I'm finding. Thanks for the tip on the R-specs...2013+s are probably going to price me out of the market (one of the reasons for the "downgrade" from the Audi is cost savings)...

 

[Rysher8]

Skoodog check out the thread titled "4.6 2011 or 2012" on the front page of this forum. It has over 70 responses and some great information on both years.

 

[craigt]

I personally like the tweaks of the 2012+ model. The GDI 3.8 in the 2012+ is strong and pulls hard (for a V6). The 8 speed is very smooth, but is a new transmission for Hyundai.

I suggest driving both and buy what you like.

 

[Rysher8]

Here is my take on both years in case you find it helpful:

2011: Slightly smoother transmission, slightly better stereo, slightly more timeless look

2012: Slightly better suspension, rear heated seats, slightly more sporty look

 

[zielritter]

The 2012 3.8 won't leave you wanting more power, but there is a noticeable difference in low RPM torque between the two engines. I went from a 2012 V6 to a 2012 V8 so I have a bit of perspective.

Most notable differences engine wise for me:
- V8 seems to rev more smoothly without any raucous
- V6 idles more smoothly in my experience
- V8 noticeably puts you into your seat off the line; V6 is a rev monster that builds power but feels more feeble down low.

Also, I'll add that the steering felt more connected on the V6. The V6 is hydraulic vs the V8's electro-hydraulic. I think this carries over to earlier models too. I think the former is better suited for carving up the corners with confidence.

 

[homeofstone]

I'm a bit biased but I'd go with the 2011 4.6L. I'm not sure of the options status on the 2012 3.8 but 4.6's tend to be fully optioned cars. The V8 is smooth as hell and the 6 speed ZF trans is a proven reliable unit. If you end up going for an R-SPEC or 5.0 car I recommend going with a 2013+ as the early 2012 5.0's had oil consumption issues as it was the first year of production.

++1 absolutely .