Dilemma: 2011 V8 or 2012 V6

[Gurkha]

An excerpt from a 2012 MY Canadian review (3.8 vs 5.0; 4.6 is not available in Canada as of MY 2012):

The major difference between the two, and why I’d buy the V6, is in the suspension. Hyundai may have nailed engines, transmissions and interiors, but the underside could still use some finer-tuning, especially if the company is planning on trash-talking with the German automakers. The V6’s steering is a little lighter – dare I say Lexus-like? – than I prefer. I’d like to transfer the V8’s weightier and more communicative electric-hydraulic steering to the V6 model. Both suspensions have been stiffened up, but while the V6’s comes across as pleasant, especially for a daily driver, I don’t care for the heavier-duty job that’s been done on the V8. It’s fine on smooth roads, but when you get into anything other than glassy pavement, it feels harsh and skittish. It has adaptive damping, but it doesn’t feel like it. I expect a firmer ride in a sportier model, but this seems like the engineers simply beefed it up and then screwed everything tighter.

http://www.autos.ca/first-drives/first-drive-2012-hyundai-genesis

 

[Mark_888]

An except from a 2012 MY Canadian review (3.8 vs 5.0; 4.6 is not available in Canada as of MY 2012):

The major difference between the two, and why I’d buy the V6, is in the suspension. Hyundai may have nailed engines, transmissions and interiors, but the underside could still use some finer-tuning, especially if the company is planning on trash-talking with the German automakers. The V6’s steering is a little lighter – dare I say Lexus-like? – than I prefer. I’d like to transfer the V8’s weightier and more communicative electric-hydraulic steering to the V6 model. Both suspensions have been stiffened up, but while the V6’s comes across as pleasant, especially for a daily driver, I don’t care for the heavier-duty job that’s been done on the V8. It’s fine on smooth roads, but when you get into anything other than glassy pavement, it feels harsh and skittish. It has adaptive damping, but it doesn’t feel like it. I expect a firmer ride in a sportier model, but this seems like the engineers simply beefed it up and then screwed everything tighter.

http://www.autos.ca/first-drives/first-drive-2012-hyundai-genesis

This review is comparing the V6 with the R-Spec. There are several errors in the review such as the following:

"Both suspensions have been stiffened up"

Apparently the reviewer is an amateur, and either forgot or misinterpreted what Hyundai told them, and also has never driven a previous model year of Genesis.

Also, the comments about the steering are a bit off, since as noted by others, all Hyundai did for the R-Spec is to reduce the power steering assist. Other complained that it had no more "feel" than the V6 (although there is an extra 200 lbs on the front end which is going to give some small extra degree of feel).

 

[Junkie49]

I am also very interested in getting new genesis torn between loaded 3.8 and 4.6

What each brings on paper
3.8
-better mpg due to GDI
-around $2000 cheaper loaded compared to 4.6

4.6
-5 additional features such as auto dimming side mirrors, few chrome around the body, door sill lighting, and wood trim on the steering wheel
-V8, more powerful

When I see it like this I am torn between 3.8's GDI and improved HP/fuel consumption vs 4.6's auto dimming side mirrors (a must have feature to save my eyesight with HID highbeams) and few small luxurious details
Another important fact to consider is that even though 4.6 is a top 10 engine in the world, it is going to be discontinued in 2013 Genesis.

P.S.
Want to know whether 3.8 missing Electro-hydraulic power steering affects in anyway in handling.

 

[homeofstone]

I am also very interested in getting new genesis torn between loaded 3.8 and 4.6

What each brings on paper
3.8
-better mpg due to GDI
-around $2000 cheaper loaded compared to 4.6

4.6
-5 additional features such as auto dimming side mirrors, few chrome around the body, door sill lighting, and wood trim on the steering wheel
-V8, more powerful

When I see it like this I am torn between 3.8's GDI and improved HP/fuel consumption vs 4.6's auto dimming side mirrors (a must have feature to save my eyesight with HID highbeams) and few small luxurious details
Another important fact to consider is that even though 4.6 is a top 10 engine in the world, it is going to be discontinued in 2013 Genesis.

P.S.
Want to know whether 3.8 missing Electro-hydraulic power steering affects in anyway in handling.

I prefer engines with hydraulic lifters and the 3.8 v6 has solid lifters that will require adjustment at some point. The V8 will not need this service. Also GDI is new this year for 3.8 and 5.0 hyundai engine. I like the proven 4.6 V8.

 

[tonygxp]

not to sidetrack here but... i stopped by my dealer today and loked at a black '12 V6 loaded sitting next to an '11 V8. having them both there (have about 7 or 8 '12's and maybe 5 '11's) to compare side by side confirms my original thoughts on the exterior upgrades.

Front end:

Grille, bumper = like, ALOT.

Headlights not on = dislike. i'm sure when the LED's are on they look cool but sitting there it gives this strange appearance of a hazy, swooping line in the headlamp that is just odd?? Like Audi & MB use the LED's that when they're off you can see the individual "LED's" but these are not those and it looks odd.

Side profile: Big dislike. i can't stand how they flared the bottom of the rocker out.side of this car is just too "broad" now.
i really (by viewing different pics on the net) couldn't tell if i would like it more in person, i have to say i was almost on the fence by looking on line. now i'm back on the hate side lol. the original version has a nicely contoured side profile, it flows right under the car. the new one looks like an added aftermarket side skirt, something i can say for certain will only grow to annoy me the longer the car is around (usually the opposite as i usually get used to "changes" over time).
Sort of reminds me of someone adding an aero body kit to a stock car and then leaving it the factory ride height with the factory wheels, strange (again just my opinion).

The rear end: mixed.
tailights, in person weren't bad. different, but they will grow on me and i will not mind them over time. The bumper has a different overall shape to it, it is now substantial. I do like the thicker chrome strip, but not how low the bumper has to go and wraps around the side to catch the line of the ridiculous (imo) side skirt.
And Those plastic trimmed exhaust outlets are just a cheap immitation of more expensive cars that actually have the exhaust outlets molded tightly under the rear bumper. cheap cheap cheap. if they were connected to the exhaust and tightly fitted under the bumper (as they are designed to look like but do not pull off, easily observed with anything longer than a quick glance) they would be nice.
but obviously a cost saving measure by HMC in an area they appeared to get at least half right (the front fascia looks great, no corners cut there). I have to say that i like the flatness or squareness of the rear bumper from the side as you look from right to left but not the immitation exhaust..

One more thing on the side skirts, without the chrome on the lower doors it looks way worse, nothing to break up the side that now appears to be way broader, maybe the V8's will match better?
I don't have to live with it so what does it matter right? just my thoughts on the exterior changes to the '12's.

 

[DeeVa]

two completely different animals no matter what you do to a V6 short of adding a blower/turbo you're not getting the push of the V8. i stated this before in another dozen threads probably, peak numbers don't mean squat. the old V6 was adequate, the new one probably more so, just not the same, will never be the same, even if the HP numbers matched, the torque delivery will still be completely different.

only you know the answer, but given you are thinking about it all tells you what you already know. do you think you will regret the 4.6? doubt it. may you have a regret now and then with the 3.8?that's the question..... good luck, look forward to hearing what you decided to do.

You seem like someone that gives careful thought to his decisions. When you purchased your car after weighing the pluses and minuses of the 3.8 vs. the 4.6, which one did you choose?

 

[tonygxp]

You seem like someone that gives careful thought to his decisions. When you purchased your car after weighing the pluses and minuses of the 3.8 vs. the 4.6, which one did you choose?

i purchased the V6. I did so thinking as much as i liked the car i didn't want to deal with the V8 fuel economy. All the research i did on this car and i never believed the internet posts on how little the mpg loss really is. i then was able to upgrade to the V8 and i can tell you for a fact it was the best thing that could've ever happened. The V8 is amazing, the V6 was good. that's the best/simplest analogy i can make. When i was calculating the mpg i was getting when the car was new on my way down south (1100mi) i was in shock.. on the way back as the engine was breaking in it got better. 80+mph and 27mpg?? i couldn't be happier having my cake (or torque) and eating it too.. Had i known from the start i would've bought the V8. thank God someone was watching out for me. If you're someone that is happy driving say a 4cyl camry, Accord, Altima, Malibu, etc. and never had the urge for the V6 then the 3.8 is your car (although it misses out on some cool stuff, what a shame they didn't make a 3.8 ultimate model?)

 

[Mark_888]

i purchased the V6. I did so thinking as much as i liked the car i didn't want to deal with the V8 fuel economy. All the research i did on this car and i never believed the internet posts on how little the mpg loss really is. i then was able to upgrade to the V8 and i can tell you for a fact it was the best thing that could've ever happened. The V8 is amazing, the V6 was good. that's the best/simplest analogy i can make. When i was calculating the mpg i was getting when the car was new on my way down south (1100mi) i was in shock.. on the way back as the engine was breaking in it got better. 80+mph and 27mpg?? i couldn't be happier having my cake (or torque) and eating it too.. Had i known from the start i would've bought the V8. thank God someone was watching out for me. If you're someone that is happy driving say a 4cyl camry, Accord, Altima, Malibu, etc. and never had the urge for the V6 then the 3.8 is your car (although it misses out on some cool stuff, what a shame they didn't make a 3.8 ultimate model?)

The 2012 V6 has increased horsepower by 43 to 333 HP over 2011 model, and also increased the MPG from 27 to 29 Highway. So now the HP gap is less and the MPG gap is more compared to V8. The V6 is also much closer to the ideal 50/50 weight distribution than the V8 with its extra 200 lbs on the front end, so the V6 handles better and is more nibble.

The V8 might be the right car for some people, but I am not sure if that includes those who usually only drive with 1 or 2 people in the car.

 

[DeeVa]

i purchased the V6. I did so thinking as much as i liked the car i didn't want to deal with the V8 fuel economy. All the research i did on this car and i never believed the internet posts on how little the mpg loss really is. i then was able to upgrade to the V8 and i can tell you for a fact it was the best thing that could've ever happened. The V8 is amazing, the V6 was good. that's the best/simplest analogy i can make. When i was calculating the mpg i was getting when the car was new on my way down south (1100mi) i was in shock.. on the way back as the engine was breaking in it got better. 80+mph and 27mpg?? i couldn't be happier having my cake (or torque) and eating it too.. Had i known from the start i would've bought the V8. thank God someone was watching out for me. If you're someone that is happy driving say a 4cyl camry, Accord, Altima, Malibu, etc. and never had the urge for the V6 then the 3.8 is your car (although it misses out on some cool stuff, what a shame they didn't make a 3.8 ultimate model?)

It is a slippery slope, but I am guessing that I will want to pay the exta $1500 for the V-8.

 

[NYCGPS]

The 2012 V6 has increased horsepower by 43 to 333 HP over 2011 model, and also increased the MPG from 27 to 29 Highway. So now the HP gap is less and the MPG gap is more compared to V8. The V6 is also much closer to the ideal 50/50 weight distribution than the V8 with its extra 200 lbs on the front end, so the V6 handles better and is more nibble.

The V8 might be the right car for some people, but I am not sure if that includes those who usually only drive with 1 or 2 people in the car.

That's the point I was trying to make on the 2012 V6 vs 2011's V8 ---- not much difference in power. Sure V8 has more torque, but do I really need the extra oomph ?

I can get a V8 for around 37. and a brand new 2012 V6 for about 38.5

now another problem shows up , at 38.5. I might as well get a Lexus ES350 or HS250h for around 40K. loaded. I test drove the ES350 honestly its not that bad.

Still thinking ... damn it's hard to decide

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[RedJet20]

That's the point I was trying to make on the 2012 V6 vs 2011's V8 ---- not much difference in power. Sure V8 has more torque, but do I really need the extra oomph ?

I can get a V8 for around 37. and a brand new 2012 V6 for about 38.5

now another problem shows up , at 38.5. I might as well get a Lexus ES350 or HS250h for around 40K. loaded. I test drove the ES350 honestly its not that bad.

Still thinking ... damn it's hard to decide

I know what you mean about being hard to decide...I have been researching cars since February. I drove the Lexus ES350 nice car but Lexus is changing the body style next year...deal breaker for me.

I have also driven, and almost bought, a slightly used Infiniti M37 premium package...that is a sweet car, but just more than I want to spend. So I keep coming back to a Genesis.

My plan was to get a 2011 4.6, then decided to wait to look at the 2012 3.8, test drove that and decided I was for sure going with a 12, now I am thinking about waiting until the 12 4.6's hit the dealerships in my town before pulling the trigger. Then again, if I buy a 12 4.6 I am not that much less than the used M37.

I drive myself crazy...car dealers certainly know how to price the cars

 

[Matt Z]

Drive both....its like night and day...make your choice only after you drive both!

 

[NYCGPS]

i tried all of them. 2009, 2011 and 2012 genesis. 3.8 and 4.6. Lexus 2007 2011 es 350. I personally think the genesis should be ok. But parents kept on bitching about me trying to get a "korean" car. Grrrrrrr

 

[scottdk]

i tried all of them. 2009, 2011 and 2012 genesis. 3.8 and 4.6. Lexus 2007 2011 es 350. I personally think the genesis should be ok. But parents kept on bitching about me trying to get a "korean" car. Grrrrrrr

Not sure about you, but my parents do not run my life, so the cars I buy are my choice, not theirs. Also......The Lexus ES is a Toyota Camry with lipstick, so stay away from it, or buy the Camry SE instead. This has been well established in other threads.

 

[tonygxp]

Not sure about you, but my parents do not run my life, so the cars I buy are my choice, not theirs. Also......The Lexus ES is a Toyota Camry with lipstick, so stay away from it, or buy the Camry SE instead. This has been well established in other threads.

Yeah Scott. i think we found a 17 or 18yo kid with this guy lol. just goes to show you the internet hides many things. here we are thinking this guy is an adult making adult decisions and then you have that post that tells it all lmao.

I'm sorry for anyone trying to compare the '12 V6 to any Genesis V8 model when it comes to scooting around somewhere, the two drive completely different. anyone that has truly owned or drove both for more than a test drive will attest to this fact.

 

[Mark_888]

Yeah Scott. i think we found a 17 or 18yo kid with this guy lol. just goes to show you the internet hides many things. here we are thinking this guy is an adult making adult decisions and then you have that post that tells it all lmao.

I think both of you guys are extremely rude and disrespectful of those from other cultures. If his parents are Korean, I can see why it is very important to them for their son to buy a Korean car, especially if it is the quality of the Genesis. In some cultures, it is very important to repect one's parents, regardless of the age of the children. Maybe in a few more generations, it will not make that much difference to Korean-Americans, but I can understand why it makes a lot of difference for first generation Korean-Americans right now.

 

[Mark_888]

The Lexus ES is a Toyota Camry with lipstick, so stay away from it, or buy the Camry SE instead.

Just because it has been claimed by others, does not mean that it" has been well established in other threads." In fact, your claim is BS.

Yes they share the same frame and some components, but not as many as when it was first introduced years ago. If the components they share are suitable for a car of that class, why make them different? The ES series is, in fact, the bread and butter of Lexus, and without it Lexus would cease to exist.

 

[Junkie49]

I think both of you guys are extremely rude and disrespectful of those from other cultures. If his parents are Korean, I can see why it is very important to them for their son to buy a Korean car, especially if it is the quality of the Genesis. In some cultures, it is very important to repect one's parents, regardless of the age of the children. Maybe in a few more generations, it will not make that much difference to Korean-Americans, but I can understand why it makes a lot of difference for first generation Korean-Americans right now.

Rather it seems his parents are Japanese, thus comparing between Lexus ES and 'Korean' car Genesis.
Personally I do respect my parents, but don't follow all of their decisions, unless when I DO know doing so is right.

P.S. Unless my parents are fully financing the car, get the hand off ma CAR!

 

[Mark_888]

Rather it seems his parents are Japanese, thus comparing between Lexus ES and 'Korean' car Genesis.
Personally I do respect my parents, but don't follow all of their decisions, unless when I DO know doing so is right.

P.S. Unless my parents are fully financing the car, get the hand off ma CAR!

Whatever his ethnic background is, I don't think we should ridicule a forum member, just because some cultures have different relationships between parents and children than most of us. In my case, I would pay no attention to my parents (who don't care where a car is made), and who wouldn't even presume to advise me on such matters (they usually ask my advice). But I respect other cultures where the relationship is different.

 

[DeeVa]

Yeah Scott. i think we found a 17 or 18yo kid with this guy lol. just goes to show you the internet hides many things. here we are thinking this guy is an adult making adult decisions and then you have that post that tells it all lmao.

I'm sorry for anyone trying to compare the '12 V6 to any Genesis V8 model when it comes to scooting around somewhere, the two drive completely different. anyone that has truly owned or drove both for more than a test drive will attest to this fact.

This from someone that bought a V6! You simply amaze me sometimes. You test drove the car, made your careful buying choice and chose a V6! Sheesh. In defense of those that may eventually buy a V6, the 2012 is a different (and much better) animal than the one you chose.