3.8 awd vs. 5.0

[fizz]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to the forum and was hoping to get your valuable opinion. I'm currently cross shopping the 3.8 awd vs. the 5.0. I can get them for about the same price, so that's not a factor. I live in the northeast, so snow is a concern, but honestly I think snow tires are the best option for snow regardless of awd vs rwd. Do you think the extra weight over the front end makes the 5.0 handle worse? Do you think the extra horsepower is worth the loss of awd? Has anyone else cross shopped both? I know it may come down to personal preference, but I'm always open to other's opinions as well.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Nikgen]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to the forum and was hoping to get your valuable opinion. I'm currently cross shopping the 3.8 awd vs. the 5.0. I can get them for about the same price, so that's not a factor. I live in the northeast, so snow is a concern, but honestly I think snow tires are the best option for snow regardless of awd vs rwd. Do you think the extra weight over the front end makes the 5.0 handle worse? Do you think the extra horsepower is worth the loss of awd? Has anyone else cross shopped both? I know it may come down to personal preference, but I'm always open to other's opinions as well.

Thanks in advance for your help!

It's a tradeoff as they are somewhat different animals - test drive both and buy the one that "feels" better to you - no one can really help you with this decision. I love my 3.8 AWD Ultimate and have no regrets on choosing it over the 5.0 - but that's just me....

 

[forzza1]

Matter of personal taste. In my case I preferred 5.0 because of the power (coming from a 2013 RSpec it was very hard for me to downsize in terms of power) and because I really love the V8 sound and smoothness. Really addictive.

 

[TroyK]

If snow is a concern...go AWD!!

 

[kn5owa]

Matter of personal taste. In my case I preferred 5.0 because of the power (coming from a 2013 RSpec it was very hard for me to downsize in terms of power) and because I really love the V8 sound and smoothness. Really addictive.

Addictive is a good way to put it - smooth and quick - I don't hear any sound - it just pushes me back in the seat - 0-60 in 5 secs. or less and good open road mileage to boot.

I hope the G80/G90 have the same engine available - lots of misinformation on that subject right now.

 

[XPO439]

I wanted power, I was cross shopping with a 2016 Hellcat Charger. Dealer dicked around and sold the car to an idiot who paid $15K over sticker instead of to me for MSRP. Long story.

The 3.8 was not in my radar but I'm sure it's just as good (minus the V8). Oh and AWD is cool. If you live where it snows, AWD might be the way to go, unless you want to play musical tires and drive extra slow in the 5.0.

 

[tmf2004]

the 3.8 is what i wanted... V6 with enough passing power and had all the bells and whistles.. Then they were discounting the 5.0 and that was the car i test drove and was sold as soon as drove it... I couldn't be happier.. Luxury with tons of power and over 22mpg... can't beat it...

 

[jsmit86]

The AWD is excellent in snow. I live in the Chicago area, and I had no problem getting through about 7"-8" in snow in an un-plowed parking lot with the stock Michelin MXM4s.

The 3.8 has plenty of passing power. I also like the heated rear seats, the heated steering wheel, and the headlight washers that are only available with the 3.8 AWD.

 

[Nikgen]

The AWD is excellent in snow. I live in the Chicago area, and I had no problem getting through about 7"-8" in snow in an un-plowed parking lot with the stock Michelin MXM4s.

The 3.8 has plenty of passing power. I also like the heated rear seats, the heated steering wheel, and the headlight washers that are only available with the 3.8 AWD.

The AWD is excellent in ALL conditions - it's not just for snow... and the other 3.8 AWD exclusives you mention are nice too, especially the heated steering wheel.

 

[Jaeger]

If snow is a concern...go AWD!!

This x1000

Four foul weather handling there is just no comparison between the two. The traction advantage to the V6 AWD is more pronounced than the power advantage to the V8, IMO.

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[jimb100]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to the forum and was hoping to get your valuable opinion. I'm currently cross shopping the 3.8 awd vs. the 5.0. I can get them for about the same price, so that's not a factor. I live in the northeast, so snow is a concern, but honestly I think snow tires are the best option for snow regardless of awd vs rwd. Do you think the extra weight over the front end makes the 5.0 handle worse? Do you think the extra horsepower is worth the loss of awd? Has anyone else cross shopped both? I know it may come down to personal preference, but I'm always open to other's opinions as well.

Thanks in advance for your help!

If you enjoy a powerful luxury car, the 5.0 is the way to go. You will find a way to get around on a snowy day. I lived in Rochester, NY, one of the snowiest cities in America and drove a Corvette in the winter. Always got where I needed to go, never had an accident.

However, if you are nervous about driving in snow, as many people are, the AWD will likely be a benefit to you.

But for the 99% of the time when snow is not an issue, the 5.0 gives you what the V6 can't, plenty of power delivered as smooth as silk.

 

[smirn0ff]

I drive a 3.8 AWD in Europe.
the car handling is perfect in rain, snow.
here we don't have 5.0 because of EU regulations, but I love the 3.8
one of my colleagues with whom we are traveling a lot have the opinion that the 3.8 sounds like Formula 1 engine
I love my 3.8 AWD

 

[Mark_888]

one of my colleagues with whom we are traveling a lot have the opinion that the 3.8 sounds like Formula 1 engine

Maybe next time you should let him ride inside the car, instead of in the engine compartment.

 

[amartz]

smooth and quick - I don't hear any sound - it just pushes me back in the seat

I had moment like that this morning. I was setting at a light with the windows down and the sunroof open, next to a BMW SUV thingy... When the light went green, he nailed it, and it was obvious from all the racquet that he was flogging a 4. I gave mine about half throttle, and silently pulled away like his just hit neutral. I love this car!!

 

[danygenesis]

Snow = AWD

 

[Analog]

Not at all taking away from the 5.0, but I love the heated steering wheel and I don't even live in a very cold area. Very rainy though. Under safe conditions my 2012 RWD 3.8 constantly broke loose (meaning I knew that if stability or traction control failed it would only be my pride and car that might be damaged, not anyone else.)

I vastly prefer my 2015 AWD. Just punch it and it goes. No complaints, no interference, just speed.

I can't believe they don't put the heated steering wheel in every Genesis made above a certain minimum. (I get not putting heated rear seats or headlight washers in everything though!)

 

[WHYTE5OH]

For me it was only the V8 or none at all. If they offer a ttv6 in the future I would consider it but a just a V6 has no interest to me. There is no comparison between the two in power!

 

[Jaeger]

Snow = AWD

Yep. And not just for people who are "nervous" about winter driving, but for anyone who wants the best traction available in all weather conditions.

 

[jimb100]

Yep. And not just for people who are "nervous" about winter driving, but for anyone who wants the best traction available in all weather conditions.

I want the best traction available in all weather conditions, as long as that comes with a 5.0. If not, I'll take the best traction available with a 5.0.

 

[rogerlange]

Buy a five ultimate in canada, its awd