2015 Genesis 3.8 owners: Do you wish you bought the 5.0?

[DFWGenny]

It's a simple question and doesn't really need a lot of justification. I'm posting this for the prospective owners that are on the fence over the 3.8 V6 or the 5.0 V8.

In my case I bought the AWD, and if the the AWD was available with a 5.0 in the States, I probably still would have gone for a 3.8.

For me, color would have been bigger in the decision making process rather than the size of the engine.

Do you have buyer's remorse?

 

[bufub]

It would be easier for owners to take this poll if they previously owned the V8. I thought my 2011 4.6 was a great car but the 2015 3.8 feels a hell of a lot more nimble. The weight reduction in the front and two more gears makes up for a lot of HP. The 5 mpg improvement across the board doesn't hurt!

 

[Sugrat]

I'm not a serious driver and wouldn't say that i have that much experience with V6 and V8 cars but I tested both and found the V6 more "comfortable" to drive. It's hard to explain but the V8 was maybe too powerful?

 

[DFWGenny]

Thanks for participating.

 

[BillZ]

It's a simple question and doesn't really need a lot of justification. I'm posting this for the prospective owners that are on the fence over the 3.8 V6 or the 5.0 V8.

In my case I bought the AWD, and if the the AWD was available with a 5.0 in the States, I probably still would have gone for a 3.8.

For me, color would have been bigger in the decision making process rather than the size of the engine.

Do you have buyer's remorse?

Not at all. The 3.8 has more than enough power and virtually all reviews suggest that it handles far better than the 5.0.

 

[DFWGenny]

I'm trying to avoid goring other peoples oxen.

I think for the most part, if you bought a 3.8 you would be happy with the 3.8. Same thing with the 5.0. I think that there are very few that can safely drive the car to its limits to discern the superiority of the 3.8 or the 5.0.

 

[parpi]

I have the 3.8 and let's be honest you don't want to push this car to its limits on the corners, especially the tight ones, it feels heavy, there is body roll and the tires start squealing.
Its meant to be a long distance cruiser, and the 3.8 manages 0 to 85mph with out any effort, if it wasn't for speed limits you can feel the speed creep up into the 100s and it still has loads of power in reserve.

Will the 5.0 feel more effortless? Definitely.
Is the 3.8 underpowered? Nope.

 

[UmALum1990]

I concur. I had a 2012 4.6, and the 3.8 2015 is a nice ride.

 

[Breadmen]

I came from a Chrysler 300C 5.7L Hemi AWD when I bought my Genesis 3.8L Ultimate with H-Trac AWD last June. Do I miss the power? Yes and No- BUT raw horsepower is NOT everything. I like my Genesis 3.8L MUCH BETTER as an all around power/handling vehicle package. Much more nimble and the ride is very quiet, solid and confident and it goes through any weather with plenty of power especially now that the engine has broken in AND the ECT 8 speed adaptive transmission has "learned" my driving habits very well. Overall very responsive and very quick for me. All in all I don't think I would be happy with the 5.0 Genesis if it were available with AWD here in the U.S. unless they included some sort of "airmatic" air suspension like the Equus. (Now if I ever decide to buy the NEXT generation Equus when it comes out, I would definitely love having it with the 5.0 !)

 

[Tpr5.0]

Not at all. The 3.8 has more than enough power and virtually all reviews suggest that it handles far better than the 5.0.

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1408_2015_hyundai_genesis_38_awd_first_test/
3.8: "But the Genesis once again smokes the CTS' figure-eight time of 26.7 seconds at a 0.66 avg g."
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1404_2015_hyundai_genesis_v8_first_test/
5.0: "The car completed our figure-eight course in 26.7 seconds at 0.70 g (average)"


Power and handling is subjective just like styling. IMO, after driving the 5.0 and 3.8 HTRAC, the 5.0 was a no brainer. The hp/tq difference was definitely noticeable, made the car even more of pleasure to drive and the 5.0 felt like it handled slightly better. Again, these were my observations.
Also, I would be very surprised if anyone writes they wish they purchased the 5.0 instead.

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[DFWGenny]

Also, I would be very surprised if anyone writes they wish they purchased the 5.0 instead.

That was kind of my feeling. The 3.8 and the 5.0 are both great automobiles. Having one faction throwing rocks at the other is kind of pointless.

 

[commodore]

If we could get the AWD package on the 5.0 here in the US I would have gone for it. The sound of the V6 engine inside the passenger compartment isn't what I'd call high end but the V6 moves this large AWD car around very nicely. I enjoy driving this car because it's sure footed, quiet and comfortable (rather attractive as well ). I have a couple of tire burner V8s in the garage when I need a 'G' fix. but neither are what one would call quiet. .

 

[greekgeek]

I went with the 5.0 because after driving both it is the one I preferred. Most people already likely compared both engines prior to purchase so those with 3.8s preferred them from the get go. A more interesting poll might be "did you buy the 3.8 or 5.0 and why?".

 

[DFWGenny]

If we could get the AWD package on the 5.0 here in the US I would have gone for it. The sound of the V6 engine inside the passenger compartment isn't what I'd call high end but the V6 moves this large AWD car around very nicely. I enjoy driving this car because it's sure footed, quiet and comfortable (rather attractive as well ). I have a couple of tire burner V8s in the garage when I need a 'G' fix. but neither are what one would call quiet. .

To me, it has a pleasant exhaust note. And they don't pipe the sound in through the stereo system

 

[commodore]

To me, it has a pleasant exhaust note. And they don't pipe the sound in through the stereo system

Thank goodness!

 

[DFWGenny]

Thank goodness!

It may sound silly but some cars (Ford Mustang Ecoboost) pipe digital engine sounds through the speakers.

 

[jimb100]

It may sound silly but some cars (Ford Mustang Ecoboost) pipe digital engine sounds through the speakers.

Think of all the people who buy aftermarket exhaust systems because they don't like the sound of stock. There's not much, if any, performance increase so its really just the sound.

Putting the sound through the speakers saves the cost of a new exhaust system for those people and spares those nearby the loud noise.

While I agree, it sounds a little crazy, its just another customization that personalizes the car for the owner.

 

[DASA865]

http://www.soundracer.se/?p=98

Why not have it sound like a Ferrarri, or a Lexus LFA? Pipe that sound in.

Hahahahaa!

All joking aside, the 3.8 is a very solid power plant for these cars, but who doesn't want that V8 horsepower and torque from time to time?

 

[DFWGenny]

While I agree, it sounds a little crazy, its just another customization that personalizes the car for the owner.

It's not aftermarket, the manufacturers are doing it:
Car maker's dirty little secret

 

[irvingtondad]

I went from a 2012 5.0 to 2105 3.8 strictly for the awd, still do not understand why they would offer the awd option in canada but not in the US that said, the 3.8 does not have the mid range power of the 5.0 but is more than adequate. using regular gas is a plus too.