3.8 or 5.0 observation

[ckon]

I had my 3.8 in for the tire recall today and they had a 5.0 sitting there so I thought I'd give it a try since I was just killing time.

My 2010 was a 4.6. I had test driven two 3.8s before I drove the 4.6 and was totally blown away with the 4.6 and my decision was made.

Fast forward to today and the 5.0 test drive and I was a little worried that the V8 would make me hate my V6, however that didn't really happen - they were just two different cars. There wasn't a totally clear preference like there was back in 2010. Granted, I didn't drive the 5.0 for very long and that might make a big difference but I definitely came away with the impression that they were both great, just different. PS: the suspension in the V8 is VERY nice.

 

[kn5owa]

The V8 plus the nice suspension makes you forget you're driving a 4500 lb car.

The 8 spd transmission doesnt hurt either - makes for smooth getaways with no flat spots/hesitation.

But, on the other hand, I like the V6 in my much lighter Sonata.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

Thank you for the comparison, Chuck!

 

[ckon]

Thank you for the comparison, Chuck!

You're welcome.

PS: what's also odd, or I guess pretty sweet, is the fact that the HTRAC is also somewhere near 4500 lbs and doesn't feel that heavy, either. It's very nimble, even though there's over a hundred horse disadvantage.

To sum it up, deciding between the engines now is far different than it was 5 years ago, and whatever you decide you're likely to be pretty happy.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

You're welcome.

PS: what's also odd, or I guess pretty sweet, is the fact that the HTRAC is also somewhere near 4500 lbs and doesn't feel that heavy, either. It's very nimble, even though there's over a hundred horse disadvantage.

To sum it up, deciding between the engines now is far different than it was 5 years ago, and whatever you decide you're likely to be pretty happy.

That's one of my dilemmas right now. I know the car will feel about the same around town - which is most of my driving. I just wonder how often I'll need the extra power. I KNOW I'll always be using more gas, however...

 

[Tpr5.0]

OP, did you engage the sport mode during your brief drive?

 

[ckon]

OP, did you engage the sport mode during your brief drive?

Yes, I did, and the suspension and handling felt quite a bit different (better) than mine. I think if I decided on the 5.0 it would primarily be because of the handling benefits rather than the hp difference.

 

[Tpr5.0]

Prior to purchasing, I test drove both 3.8 and 5.0 Ultimate. For me, it was a no brainer to go with the performance and handling(continuous damping/larger tires) of the 5.0 over the 3.8.

 

[ckon]

For me there is no choice as long as AWD is only available on the 3.8. If and when that option changes it may be a new ball game.

 

[Tpr5.0]

Car was great in the snow with Bridgestone Blizzaks also.

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[C-130Geek]

That's one of my dilemmas right now. I know the car will feel about the same around town - which is most of my driving. I just wonder how often I'll need the extra power. I KNOW I'll always be using more gas, however...

You'll never NEED the extra power, but it's sure fun to have.

 

[kn5owa]

You'll never NEED the extra power, but it's sure fun to have.

Actually, you would need it in Northern Virginia - land of the aggressive drivers.

When you're being crowded and tailgated, it's nice to put the 5.0 in warp drive and escape - but also fun.

 

[Mark_888]

Yes, I did, and the suspension and handling felt quite a bit different (better) than mine. I think if I decided on the 5.0 it would primarily be because of the handling benefits rather than the hp difference.

Only the 5.0 Ultimate Package has the Continuous Damping Control (CDC) suspension. The regular 5.0 has the same suspension as the 3.8, although obviously the spring/shock rates are different on the front end due to extra engine weight of the 5.0.

 

[Alwaysforward]

Actually, you would need it in Northern Virginia - land of the aggressive drivers.

When you're being crowded and tailgated, it's nice to put the 5.0 in warp drive and escape - but also fun.

You need it here in Florida as well. It is sure nice to have when your sitting at the front of the line at a red light. 6 seconds after the green light comes on those cars behind you are now about a 1/4 mile or so behind you

 

[Tpr5.0]

Last December, the vehicle ahead of me went into the left turning lane.
Without warning, as I was starting to pass the vehicle, I observed the driver abruptly start to move back into my lane.
I floored it and the other vehicle narrowly missed side swiping my car. 5.0 power FTMFW!!!!

 

[kn5owa]

Last December, the vehicle ahead of me went into the left turning lane.
Without warning, as I was starting to pass the vehicle, I observed the driver abruptly start to move back into my lane.
I floored it and the other vehicle narrowly missed side swiping my car. 5.0 power FTMFW!!!!

This abrupt lane changing is the single biggest driving problem in my county.

When approaching large intersections, it is not unusual to see somebody cross as many as 3 or 4 lanes before making a turn.

Either they're asleep, or playing with one or more gadgets. Horsepower doesn't help here, but they sure are activating the Genesis alert system a lot.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

When approaching large intersections, it is not unusual to see somebody cross as many as 3 or 4 lanes before making a turn.

My wife calls this the "Floridian move". I don't know why so many people do it down here. I rarely ever saw it while I lived in New York - or traveled anywhere else.

Yes, you all make great points at going for the V8 - especially with Ultimate package...

 

[Tpr5.0]

My wife calls this the "Floridian move". I don't know why so many people do it down here. I rarely ever saw it while I lived in New York - or traveled anywhere else.

Yes, you all make great points at going for the V8 - especially with Ultimate package...

Every vehicle that I purchase I always get every option so down the road I'll never have any regrets about any missing options.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

Every vehicle that I purchase I always get every option so down the road I'll never have any regrets about any missing options.

I hear ya. I wish there was a fast hybrid Genesis available. P85D style.

 

[Tpr5.0]

I hear ya. I wish there was a fast hybrid Genesis available. P85D style.

AWD in the U.S. and add the 2017 twin turbos to the 5.0.