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2012 5.0 rspec vs 5.0o non rspec

Bill C.

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Looking at a used 2012 5.0 (non rspec). I currently have a 2012 3.8 (tech) but like the power of the 5.0 but not crazy about the harsher ride of the rspec. Can anyone tell me definitively the differences between the two (5.0 vs 5.0 rspec). I am aware of the wheels, badging, and any exterior differences. I assume the power is the same but what about the suspension, stabilizer bars, etc. Is the rspec tuned differently and if it is - would the ride of the 5.0 then be similar to the 3.8 with just more power? That's what I am looking for - more power without the stiffer ride. How do they compare. Thanks.
 
I owned a non-rpec 5.0, and I made the decision based on the same concerns you express. Having come from a 2010, I wanted a relatively compliant ride. I never once regretted that decision.
 
I currently own 2012 Non R spec. When I purchased it new in 2012 the smoother ride quality was the main reason I did not get the R Spec.
The smaller wheels with larger sidewalks to absorb road shock along with other differences made a significant difference to me.

We have found the 2012 Non Rspec to be an extremely comfortable, quiet car and both my wife and I are still surprised on how easy it seems to make longer road trips. This is as compared to our previous vehicle which was a Toyota Sequoia. The Genney takes so much less effort to
control when moving down the road and we find ourselves much less tired when we get to a destination. Part of it is also the reduced time it takes because we simply drive faster. I aso think that in 2012, the non rspec version with a 5.0 engine came only in the tech package with all the bells and whistles.
My white gennesis has been perfect with 0 problems after about 10,000 miles.

I have Michelin A/S tires which I very much like.

Griff
 
I currently own 2012 Non R spec. When I purchased it new in 2012 the smoother ride quality was the main reason I did not get the R Spec.
The smaller wheels with larger sidewalks to absorb road shock along with other differences made a significant difference to me.

We have found the 2012 Non Rspec to be an extremely comfortable, quiet car and both my wife and I are still surprised on how easy it seems to make longer road trips. This is as compared to our previous vehicle which was a Toyota Sequoia. The Genney takes so much less effort to
control when moving down the road and we find ourselves much less tired when we get to a destination. Part of it is also the reduced time it takes because we simply drive faster. I aso think that in 2012, the non rspec version with a 5.0 engine came only in the tech package with all the bells and whistles.
My white gennesis has been perfect with 0 problems after about 10,000 miles.

I have Michelin A/S tires which I very much like.

Griff

Put the rigid collars in it, and you'll have virtually the ride of the 2G.
 
I also have the 2012 Genesis 5.0 non-R-spec and agree with everything Griff said, those are the reasons I chose it also.

Dean
 
I also have the 2012 Genesis 5.0 non-R-spec, and enjoy all aspects of the car. Having upgraded from a Honda Accord, I do find the suspension much firmer in the Genni. With Los Angeles freeways, having more than 33psi in the tires can be punishment.

46k miles, 0 oil loss, Michellin A/S, no major problems.
 
i never knew there was a non-R-spec model.. around here seems to R-spec only...
 
I drove one during my search. It was nicely appointed and fairly comfortable. The wheels were awful, but that was the only real visual cue minus some trim/badging.
 
I have had a non-R-Spec 5.0 for almost a year now. I much prefer the ride of the R-Specs I've driven.

There was absolutely nothing harsh about the way the R-Spec rode, and it seemed much more well-controlled versus the oingo-boingo of the non-R-spec. I chose mine because it was $5000 less than R-Specs with similar mileage. In fact, I plan to swap in R-Spec struts and springs later on this year.

Otherwise the 5.0 Sedan is basically identical. I don't notice a difference in performance (shifting, or otherwise) and the noise levels are going to vary purely based on the tires installed as the rest of the vehicle is nearly silent.
 
Is that the only difference in suspension between the Rspec and 5.0 non-Rpsec, the shocks and struts?

Dean

Rear sway bar is a little thicker but hollow.
 
Is that the only difference in suspension between the Rspec and 5.0 non-Rpsec, the shocks and struts?

Dean

Check stock tire size. R-spec has 19" low profile summer tires as stock. Not sure about non-R-spec.
 
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Would there be any significant advantage to me deciding to upgrade to the kind of 19 inch wheels and tires that come on the Rspec, from the 18 inch wheels and tires that are on the 5.0 non-Rspec, which I believe are the same equipped on the Genesis 4.6 in 2012?

Dean
 
Would there be any significant advantage to me deciding to upgrade to the kind of 19 inch wheels and tires that come on the Rspec, from the 18 inch wheels and tires that are on the 5.0 non-Rspec, which I believe are the same equipped on the Genesis 4.6 in 2012?

Dean
19" wheels with lower aspect ratio tires (so that total diameter of tire is close to the same as the 18" wheels/tires you have now) has the benefit of better high speed handling, and better braking. Some think it looks better (this is probably the most important criteria to most).

The disadvantage is that the 19" wheels and tires will have a stiffer/harsher ride and will be a little nosier. Also, gas mileage will be slightly worse (although maybe not noticeable).

This assumes the same brand and model of tire on both the 18" and 19" wheels. But there can be big differences in all the above driving characteristics when you start comparing different tire models.

Personally, I would stay with the 18" wheels, in order to get a smoother and more comfortable ride.
 
Non-Rspec 5.0 also has wood grain interior, vs. more plastics in the Rspec...
 
Non-Rspec 5.0 also has wood grain interior, vs. more plastics in the Rspec...
I thought that the wood on the R-Spec and non-R-Spec 5.0 is in the same places, but it is just that R-Spec wood is ebony color, so may not look like wood at first glance. Maybe I am wrong?
 
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