5.0 vs. 3.8 decision again

[BRJACKET]

Well, you may have seen my previous post about my 5.0 Empire State gray being wrecked. It looks like it is going to be classified as a total loss. Unfortunately the other driver is underinsured and I will have to go through my insurance company which will require me to spend at least the deductible. But that is a tangent. Since it looks like I will be getting a new car I have to make decisions all over again.

When my car was in the shop for some warranty work, I was given a 3.8 to drive and found that it really was a great driving car. It doesn't have all the power of the 5.0 but it is surprisingly powerful and very fun to drive. I do wish it had fog lamps. Also, I'm not sure how much difference the size of the rear wheels make.

I love the Empire State gray with black interior but I may not be able to get another in the time I will have. My local dealer has a monticecito blue with ivory interior in 3.8 ultimate. I do like that color scheme a lot and was very impressed with the 3.8 that I drove for a week. So now I have to decide which way to go again. I will keep it for 6 plus years so I have to make sure I am happy with the choice. I can't decide if I will regret not sticking with the 5.0, and I really did like the gray. Oh well, I'm mostly just talking out loud to the only people who understand. Thanks for listening.

 

[tazrig]

I'm sorry you had the accident but better it was totaled than not. A car is never the same after being rebuilt. I don't care how good the shop is. Also I would have been worried about the life expectancy of all those electronics after taking such a jolt. not to mention resale value. Just because the other driver is "under insured" doesn't mean you can't file a claim with his company for your deductible as well as a car rental until you are able to replace your own. As far as getting a 5.0 or the 3.8 take your time and get the one you want... not just what the dealer has in stock.

 

[homeofstone]

If you end up with out of pocket cost then go to court and get a judgment against the other driver. As to the 5.0 vs. 3.8 get the color you like best first then consider the engine. You will be looking at the color for years.
The dealer should be able to locate one in the gray and have it transferred to their lot.

 

[jimb100]

Well, you may have seen my previous post about my 5.0 Empire State gray being wrecked. It looks like it is going to be classified as a total loss. Unfortunately the other driver is underinsured and I will have to go through my insurance company which will require me to spend at least the deductible. But that is a tangent. Since it looks like I will be getting a new car I have to make decisions all over again.

When my car was in the shop for some warranty work, I was given a 3.8 to drive and found that it really was a great driving car. It doesn't have all the power of the 5.0 but it is surprisingly powerful and very fun to drive. I do wish it had fog lamps. Also, I'm not sure how much difference the size of the rear wheels make.

I love the Empire State gray with black interior but I may not be able to get another in the time I will have. My local dealer has a monticecito blue with ivory interior in 3.8 ultimate. I do like that color scheme a lot and was very impressed with the 3.8 that I drove for a week. So now I have to decide which way to go again. I will keep it for 6 plus years so I have to make sure I am happy with the choice. I can't decide if I will regret not sticking with the 5.0, and I really did like the gray. Oh well, I'm mostly just talking out loud to the only people who understand. Thanks for listening.

If you choose the 5.0 you can always drive it "like" the 3.8. If you choose the 3.8 you can't drive it like the 5.0.

 

[Midnightsun]

The Genesis is built for and deserves the 5.0, anything else is a compromise.

 

[Nikgen]

The Genesis is built for and deserves the 5.0, anything else is a compromise.

That's a silly statement. In the US, if you want AWD then the V6 is your only option. I get that the V8 is more powerful, but the V6 has more than enough power and is a fun and satisfying drive - In fact, I would not have bought a V8 AWD, even if it was available here. However, if you're a V8 guy who just has to feel the need for the extra power then you should not go with a V6. Not everyone feels that need...

 

[Ernie3647]

Don’t let anyone alter your decisions. You know your needs best and the plus and minus of both models. Drive them both for a while before committing. I did and am very pleased with my choice.

 

[Pahaska]

The V-6 is a better balanced and better handling car per my experience and per many road test gurus. The lighter engine with its center of mass further back is an advantage when it comes to handling. A number of road tests I have read say that the V-8 is a great highway cruiser but the V-6 has a better feel and is more agile.

 

[Monolith2001]

The engine choice is purely a subjective one. I have a 3.8 Signature and while I do somewhat regret not getting a Tech (which I could have made my budget work), I cannot say that I have cared about not having the V8. The V6 will book it when you lean on it and it is just wonderfully balanced and way more fun to drive than you would expect a long and fairly heavy car to be. That said, you may be less enthusiastic if you have gotten acclimated to the V8 and enjoyed that experience.

 

[Tpr5.0]

Displacement wars will continue as long as there are combustion engines. Each person has their own preference. Test drive both engines, decide what creature comforts you want/can afford, performance and trust in your decision. Good luck.

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[BRJACKET]

Strangely enough I an not as hard core about the 5.0 engine as I used to be. It does really move with no effort. However, I found that the 3.8 engine is almost as good and seems to slide through the gears a little smoother. Aesthetically I really like the wheels of the 5.0 as they are a little darker and have a slightly different design. Also, I really like the fog lamps and can't figure out why they would be left off a 3.8 ultimate.

I definitely will go test drive them again, but I may wind up deciding based on aesthetics as much as anything. The local 5.0's have the better wheels and fogs but the local 3.8's have better color options.

 

[Brian125]

3.8 will be easier to sell in 6 yrs.

Has the color combo you like and rides better than the V-8. Unleaded gas oppose to super. I would see about getting 5.0 wheels on the 3.8 model. That would be a homerun in the looks dept.

 

[jimb100]

Is it believable that 100 additional horse power in a car that weighs over 2 tons isn't significant?

And while 400 pounds difference in weight is significant, even on a 2 ton car, its not all in the engine. The 5.0 Ultimate compared to the 4150 pound 3.8 has a different suspension, larger wheels and tires, panoramic sunroof, many different electronic controls.

The difference in engine weight isn't more than 150-200 pounds. So for those who say they can feel a real difference in handling between the two, what you feel is the difference between the electronic suspension on the 5.0 and the standard suspension on the 3.8.

200 additional pounds in the suspension, wheels, roof and electronics has a negligible effect on handling in a car this size and 150 pounds in the engine even less. By far the biggest difference in handling comes from the electronic suspension.

As far as reviewers opinions, I take them with a grain of salt as you don't know what sort of spin the manufacturer asked them to put on the review or their personal bias, or the fact that they are 27 years old, regularly drive a Ford Focus and no real feel for a luxury sedan.

 

[Aquineas]

Well first off I'm glad to see your car was written off (rather than repaired). Having said that, I have a sneaky suspicion you're going to end up with the 3.8 Montecito Blue with Ivory interior.

 

[Nikgen]

Is it believable that 100 additional horse power in a car that weighs over 2 tons isn't significant?

And while 400 pounds difference in weight is significant, even on a 2 ton car, its not all in the engine. The 5.0 Ultimate compared to the 4150 pound 3.8 has a different suspension, larger wheels and tires, panoramic sunroof, many different electronic controls.

The difference in engine weight isn't more than 150-200 pounds. So for those who say they can feel a real difference in handling between the two, what you feel is the difference between the electronic suspension on the 5.0 and the standard suspension on the 3.8.

200 additional pounds in the suspension, wheels, roof and electronics has a negligible effect on handling in a car this size and 150 pounds in the engine even less. By far the biggest difference in handling comes from the electronic suspension.

As far as reviewers opinions, I take them with a grain of salt as you don't know what sort of spin the manufacturer asked them to put on the review or their personal bias, or the fact that they are 27 years old, regularly drive a Ford Focus and no real feel for a luxury sedan.

No one is saying the 100 hp is not significant here? However, one has to decide whether it has any meaningful relevance in the way one drives. If you're a V8 guy, then the V6 probably is not for you...

To clarify what you seem to be stating about 3.8 vs 5.0 differences - the only things the V8 gets you versus the V6 in the US are the bigger engine, bigger wheels/tires, electronic suspension and foglights. However, you lose AWD availabilty, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats and a slightly more balanced F/R weight distribution. The panoramic sunroof and all the other electronic goodies are available based on the option package - Not the engine choice.

As stated, drive them both and decide which one "feels" the best match to your driving style - there is no wrong answer!

 

[jimb100]

No one is saying the 100 hp is not significant here? However, one has to decide whether it has any meaningful relevance in the way one drives. If you're a V8 guy, then the V6 probably is not for you...

To clarify what you seem to be stating about 3.8 vs 5.0 differences - the only things the V8 gets you versus the V6 in the US are the bigger engine, bigger wheels/tires, electronic suspension and foglights. However, you lose AWD availabilty, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats and a slightly more balanced F/R weight distribution. The panoramic sunroof and all the other electronic goodies are available based on the option package - Not the engine choice.

As stated, drive them both and decide which one "feels" the best match to your driving style - there is no wrong answer!

Sure, but we were comparing the weight of a base 3.8 to a loaded 5.0 and how it affects handling.

Sorry, imho, 300hp on 2 ton car is marginal. 420 is about right.

 

[BRJACKET]

Can someone explain the different suspension systems mentioned above? What does the electronic suspension system do differently? Thanks for sharing the knowledge.

 

[Nikgen]

Sure, but we were comparing the weight of a base 3.8 to a loaded 5.0 and how it affects handling.

Sorry, imho, 300hp on 2 ton car is marginal. 420 is about right.

Ok, thanks for your keen insights - it's no wonder I have so much trouble getting my car over 25 mph. Lol! Hey, enjoy your V8 - we all get it's quicker and more "effortless" - but the V6 works just fine, even with AWD (and I've never noticed mine "struggle"). Why do some of you 5.0 guys seem to have such a hard time understanding that the V6 still provides a very decent all around driving experience?

 

[Nikgen]

Can someone explain the different suspension systems mentioned above? What does the electronic suspension system do differently? Thanks for sharing the knowledge.

Hyundai says this:

"A Continuous Damping Control (CDC) suspension, available on the Genesis 5.0, helps increase control of body motions and body roll, allowing sportier roadholding to be complemented with a more comfortable ride character. Independent roll control characteristics are achieved using separate tuning controls: Normal mode helps provide superior ride comfort, while Sport mode helps increase damping forces for enhanced dynamic precision and control. Handling and roadholding also benefit from a well-balanced 52/48 ratio of front-to-rear weight distribution."

The suspension in the V6 models is not electronically adjustable.

 

[PaFromFL]

I got the V6 for better gas mileage in order to increase the range between gas station stops on long trips.