I took my car in for its first oil change today at 7500 miles. So, while at the Hyundai dealer, I decided to do a couple test drives while waiting for my car. When I bought my 2011 4.6, I didn't get a chance to drive the 5.0 R spec, so that's what I did first.
Under normal driving, the 5.0 felt just like my car. When I stepped on the gas hard, the acceleration probably felt a little stronger, but it's not a significant difference. The suspension felt a bit more taut but was not harsh at all. Overall, I felt very at home driving the R spec. No regrets at all getting the 4.6.
As I had more time to kill, I then drove the top of the line Sonata, the 2.0 turbo. Not bad for a 4 cylinder, but clearly it had less power, but more importantly, the engine sounded less refined and was a bit buzzy. It actually sounds and feels very similar to our Audi 2.0T, which I guess is a good thing, as that engine is praised by the automotive press. For me, I would prefer the V6 offered in the Genesis. I wish Hyundai continued to offer a V6 for the Sonata, but I guess the upcoming Azera will fill that need.
Also evident was more pronounced road noise and wind noise in the Sonata. On the plus side, the Sonata was very roomy, almost as roomy as the Genesis in the passenger compartment and trunk.
Under normal driving, the 5.0 felt just like my car. When I stepped on the gas hard, the acceleration probably felt a little stronger, but it's not a significant difference. The suspension felt a bit more taut but was not harsh at all. Overall, I felt very at home driving the R spec. No regrets at all getting the 4.6.
As I had more time to kill, I then drove the top of the line Sonata, the 2.0 turbo. Not bad for a 4 cylinder, but clearly it had less power, but more importantly, the engine sounded less refined and was a bit buzzy. It actually sounds and feels very similar to our Audi 2.0T, which I guess is a good thing, as that engine is praised by the automotive press. For me, I would prefer the V6 offered in the Genesis. I wish Hyundai continued to offer a V6 for the Sonata, but I guess the upcoming Azera will fill that need.
Also evident was more pronounced road noise and wind noise in the Sonata. On the plus side, the Sonata was very roomy, almost as roomy as the Genesis in the passenger compartment and trunk.
